Africa Day 2025 arrived with a renewed sense of unity and economic cooperation, particularly for Nigerian businesses looking to expand across the continent.

The day, marked every 25 May to commemorate the formation of the Organisation of African Unity in 1963, ushered in a breakthrough for exporters, as Nigeria launched a cost-effective air corridor linking local goods to three African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) nations: Uganda, Kenya, and South Africa.

It is an initiative led by Nigeria’s Trade and Investment Minister Jumoke Oduwole – one that is set to cut logistics costs by a staggering 50 to 75 percent, easing access for Nigerian fashion, cosmetics, agro-products, and other consumer goods to new markets.

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This announcement, which has been getting headlines since Sunday, is a strategic pivot for Nigeria, shifting focus towards regional trade rather than traditional reliance on external markets like the United States, where tariffs and other trade barriers have become increasingly unpredictable.

For years, Nigerian exporters have faced hurdles when expanding to global markets. High duties, logistical bottlenecks, and foreign trade uncertainties have presented persistent challenges. However, this newly established corridor underscores Nigeria’s determination to reduce these constraints by leveraging intra-African trade agreements under AfCFTA.

By taking advantage of Uganda Airlines, exporters on the inaugural flight carrying textiles, bags, cosmetics, and agro-products, all will benefit from the reduced logistics burden. The collaboration between Nigeria’s Trade and Investment Ministry, the Finance Ministry, and the Aviation Ministry has proved instrumental in securing lower transportation rates, signalling a clear commitment to strengthening regional trade networks.

Minister Oduwole, in her announcement on social media, lauded Nigeria’s resilient businesses, stating: On Africa Day, we launch a bold new air corridor linking Nigerian goods to AfCFTA markets—via Uganda Airlines—cutting logistics costs by 50–75%. This opens access to Uganda, Kenya & South Africa.

The move is expected to encourage more Nigerian brands to explore regional markets, minimising dependence on distant economies where trade conditions can fluctuate unpredictably.

The growing importance of intra-African trade

With global trade facing uncertainty due to geopolitical tensions, shifting economic policies, and rising trade protectionism, Nigeria’s latest push highlights a broader trend across Africa—relying on local and regional supply chains instead of external dependencies.

AfCFTA, which launched in 2018, aims to boost intra-African trade by reducing tariffs and eliminating barriers between member nations. Nigeria’s decision to actively engage with this framework reflects its acknowledgement that fostering trade within Africa could be more beneficial than navigating the increasingly complex international trade landscape.

Several Nigerian businesses have already begun exploring African markets due to friendlier trade policies and lower logistical costs. The new air corridor adds another layer of ease by providing direct access to East and Southern Africa, positioning Nigerian products competitively in these regions.

Nigeria’s economy has long depended on exports, from crude oil to agricultural goods. While oil has dominated trade revenues, the fashion and agro-industrial sectors have emerged as growing contributors to foreign exchange earnings.

However, high transportation costs and complex trade agreements have often discouraged local manufacturers from exploring cross-border opportunities.

With reduced air freight costs to Uganda, Kenya, and South Africa, Nigerian businesses now have the chance to expand efficiently. Lower logistics expenses mean increased competitiveness for Nigerian products, which can now reach African consumers at better price points.

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The initiative, as a news footage showing Ms. Oduwole wearing a green safety vest at an event launch seemed to project, would possibly spur significant growth in Nigeria’s non-oil export sector, offering a sustainable path toward economic diversification. We flag off a bold new pathway connecting Nigerian goods to the AfCFTA market through a strategic partnership with Uganda Airlines, says the minister in her re-emphasis earlier this morning.

More businesses will likely be encouraged to enter African markets after this tweet, hence reducing their reliance on Western economies, where import duties and trade regulations tend to fluctuate unpredictably.

Ayodele Johnson

Ayodelé is a Lagos-based journalist and the Content and Editorial Coordinator at Meiza. All around the megacity, I am steering diverse lifestyle magazine audiences with ingenious hacks and insights that spur fast, informed decisions in their busy lives.