14th January 2026
Nigeria has announced plans to significantly deepen its participation in the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) in 2026 by driving export-oriented production at the grassroots level. The Federal Government intends to work with state governors to identify at least one exportable product from each of the country’s 774 local government areas, a move aimed at scaling domestic production, boosting non-oil exports, and strengthening Nigeria’s competitiveness within the African market.
Speaking at the presentation of Nigeria’s AfCFTA Achievements Report 2025, the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, explained that the 2026 AfCFTA agenda will build on key implementation milestones achieved in 2025. According to the Minister, the strategy is designed to position Nigeria to more effectively exploit opportunities created by the continent-wide trade pact.
The initiative will be coordinated through the AfCFTA Central Coordination Committee (CCC), with the Ministry collaborating closely with development partners across public and private sector institutions. The approach combines nationwide production mobilization with awareness and sensitization campaigns to ensure broader participation in AfCFTA opportunities.
In addition to boosting local production, Nigeria’s 2026 AfCFTA agenda places strong emphasis on strengthening the policy and regulatory environment required for effective implementation of the AfCFTA Agreement and its protocols. The Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment will lead efforts to align domestic regulations with continental trade rules, creating a more enabling environment for exporters.
Overall, the strategy reflects a deliberate shift toward inclusive, production-led trade integration, anchoring AfCFTA participation at sub-national and community levels.
Potential Benefits: Nigeria’s AfCFTA strategy promises broad-based benefits by embedding trade participation at the grassroots level, diversifying exports away from oil, and scaling domestic production across all 774 local government areas. By mobilising sub-national governments, strengthening regulatory alignment, and stimulating investment in processing, logistics, and standards compliance, the approach enhances supply-side readiness and improves competitiveness in continental markets. If effectively implemented, the initiative could deepen intra-African trade, support regional value chains, and serve as a practical model for inclusive AfCFTA implementation across Africa.