AfCFTA lifts Nigeria’s intra-African trade by 21% to $9.02bn in 2025
Nigeria Sees Significant Surge in Intra-African Trade in 2025
Nigeria experienced a 21 percent increase in intra-African trade in 2025, with total trade rising to $9.02 billion, according to the latest African Trade Report released by Afreximbank. This growth underscores the ongoing impact of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which has facilitated new export opportunities and enhanced regional commercial integration.
The report indicates that Nigeria’s trade with other African nations increased from $7.47 billion in 2024, cementing its position as one of the continent’s leading intra-African trading nations. The increase is attributed to Nigeria’s strategic focus on regional commerce and efforts to minimize trade barriers while expanding its export markets.
Crude oil continues to dominate Nigeria’s exports to Africa. However, the report highlights a noted diversification in the country’s export portfolio. Key non-oil exports now include chemicals, plastics, rubber products, processed agricultural goods, food products, urea, and cement.
This trade expansion aligns with Nigeria’s goal to reduce reliance on traditional export markets outside Africa. The country is positioning local manufacturers to capitalize on the continent’s burgeoning consumer market.
Afreximbank also pointed out significant initiatives aimed at enhancing intra-African trade, including the gazetting of Nigeria’s Provisional Schedule of Tariff Concessions in April 2025. This development enables Nigerian products to qualify for preferential tariffs across AfCFTA member states while providing reciprocal access to imports from participating countries.
Additionally, the report mentioned new logistics initiatives, such as a dedicated air cargo corridor linking Nigeria with East and Southern Africa. This initiative aims to lower transportation costs and improve the competitiveness of Nigeria’s trade within the region.
