FG shifts focus from AfCFTA talks to implementation
The Federal Government has declared that the African Continental Free Trade Area has moved beyond negotiations into a critical implementation stage.
Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Jumoke Oduwole, made the call during discussions at the Biashara Africa 2026 forum.
She urged Nigerian entrepreneurs, startups, and digital businesses to take the lead in expanding cross-border trade across Africa.
According to her, African countries must now focus on practical steps that create economic opportunities for businesses and citizens.
Oduwole calls for stronger regional integration
Oduwole, who will serve as incoming Chair of the AfCFTA Council of Ministers, said Africa has spent years signing agreements and protocols.
She stressed that the continent must now turn commitments into measurable results.
According to the minister, recent reforms across African countries show growing efforts to strengthen regional integration.
She said African governments are beginning to match political promises with real economic reforms.
As a result, trade and investment opportunities across the continent may improve significantly.
Togo’s visa-free move hailed as major progress
Oduwole praised the Government of Togo for removing visa requirements for African passport holders and investors entering the country for short stays.
She described the decision as a major step toward stronger mobility, trade, and investment across Africa.
According to her, the policy shows that Africa is moving from ambition to practical action.
She added that easier movement across borders can reduce delays that often discourage trade and business partnerships.
The minister said such reforms are vital to building a connected African market of more than 1.4 billion people.
Businesses and startups key to AfCFTA success
Oduwole warned that government policies alone will not determine the success of AfCFTA.
She said African businesses, innovators, manufacturers, and entrepreneurs must drive the next phase of growth.
According to her, startups and digital platforms have a major role in building strong continental value chains.
She stressed that companies willing to expand beyond domestic markets will shape the future of trade under AfCFTA.
FG launches startup acceleration programme
To deepen implementation, Oduwole announced the AfCFTA Startup Acceleration Programme 2026.
The initiative falls under the AfCFTA–Korea Africa Foundation partnership.
It aims to support 30 high-potential African startups seeking expansion beyond the continent.
The programme will also help businesses access global markets, especially South Korea.
According to the minister, startups will receive support to improve competitiveness and strengthen business models.
They will also gain opportunities for international growth.
Nigerian startups stand to benefit
Oduwole said Nigerian startups in fintech, e-commerce, logistics, agritech, manufacturing, and digital services could benefit from the programme.
She urged eligible entrepreneurs to apply and position themselves for cross-border expansion.
The application deadline is May 24, 2026.
She added that Nigerian businesses should take advantage of the growing digital trade ecosystem across Africa.
Nigeria expected to play major role
The AfCFTA officially began trading in January 2021.
It remains one of the world’s largest free trade areas, covering 54 African countries.
The agreement seeks to boost intra-African trade, industrial growth, and economic development.
Experts say trade across African countries remains low due to poor infrastructure, visa barriers, weak logistics, and regulatory challenges.
Nigeria, Africa’s largest economy by GDP, is expected to play a major role in driving implementation.
Its large market, growing startup ecosystem, digital economy, and manufacturing strength place it at the center of the trade agreement.
Greater mobility, digital reforms, and startup support could open new export opportunities for Nigerian businesses while reducing reliance on markets outside Africa.
