Nigeria’s trade with African partners rose 14 percent in the first half of 2025, reflecting stronger intra-continental commerce and the impact of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), according to figures from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS). The growth is attributed to increased exports of manufactured goods, agricultural produce, and petroleum products to neighbouring countries.
The Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment said the uptick underscores Nigeria’s commitment to boosting regional trade and economic integration. “Our focus on harmonising trade policies and reducing barriers within Africa is paying off,” Trade Minister Olusegun Aganga noted in a statement, as reported by Business Insider.
Experts highlighted that Nigeria’s stronger trade ties with African nations could help diversify its economy away from heavy reliance on crude oil revenues. Data from the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) also confirmed that Nigerian businesses increasingly participate in regional supply chains, a trend expected to strengthen in the coming years.
The NBS report indicated that imports from African countries rose alongside exports, with key partners including Ghana, South Africa, and Côte d’Ivoire. Analysts expect the momentum to continue through 2025, driven by policy incentives and improved logistics infrastructure, according to Reuters.
