Nigeria and Uganda have deepened trade relations following the appointment of Ugandan Trade Representative Ani Bassey-Eyo to Nigeria, a move aimed at advancing the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) agreement.

According to a statement from Ugandan authorities, the appointment preceded the signing of commitment export orders, paving the way for Uganda’s first official shipment of goods to Nigeria. The milestone was marked in December 2024 during the commissioning of the Free Zones Export facility at Entebbe International Airport and the launch of Uganda’s AfCFTA Implementation Strategy.

Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni, who witnessed the signing, emphasized the significance of intra-African trade, describing it as a catalyst for economic transformation.

“I am pleased to kick off the journey for the first formal exports of Ugandan products to West Africa under AfCFTA,” Museveni said.

“As Africa awakens to its economic potential, it becomes evident that domestic markets alone are not sufficient. Expanding trade across the continent is essential for sustainable growth.”

The first shipment, expected in the first quarter of 2025, will include coffee, black and green tea, milk, fish, and pharmaceuticals. This pilot consignment aims to assess market demand in Nigeria and establish a foundation for broader trade expansion.

Museveni commended Nigerian President Bola Tinubu for his support in facilitating Uganda’s entry into the Nigerian market, urging African nations to strengthen commercial ties and harness the continent’s economic potential.

Ugandan Minister of Trade, Industry, and Cooperatives, Francis Mwebesa, highlighted the importance of free zones in attracting investment and creating jobs. Similarly, Permanent Secretary Lynette Bagonza praised the collaborative efforts between government ministries and the private sector in shaping Uganda’s trade strategy.

Uganda’s push into Nigeria’s market aligns with its broader ambition to establish itself as a regional trade hub. The government also revealed plans to expand exports beyond Nigeria to other AfCFTA member states by leveraging trade corridors and improving infrastructure.

With this development, Uganda takes a significant step toward integrating African economies, reinforcing the AfCFTA’s goal of a seamless and competitive intra-continental trade network.