Nigeria has launched a new air cargo corridor connecting the country with key markets in East and Southern Africa as part of efforts to boost intra-African trade and increase the reach of Nigerian exports under the African Continental Free Trade Area.
The logistics route, inaugurated on June 19, is expected to improve export access to markets including Rwanda, Kenya, South Africa, Zambia and Zimbabwe by creating faster connections for Nigerian goods across the continent.
The initiative was developed by Nigeria’s AfCFTA Coordination Office in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, RwandAir and the United Nations Development Programme.
“As Nigeria continues to deepen its participation under the AfCFTA, strengthening logistics and market access remains central to unlocking the full potential of intra-African trade,” the coordination office said.
Speaking at the launch ceremony in Lagos, Industry, Trade and Investment Minister Jumoke Oduwole described the corridor as a significant milestone in Nigeria’s trade strategy.
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She said that while Africa has established the world’s largest free trade area by the number of participating countries, Nigeria’s success would depend on how effectively local businesses use the opportunities created by the agreement.
The minister said improved logistics links would support industrial growth by expanding markets for locally manufactured goods.
Vianney Rubagumya, representing the Rwandan High Commission in Nigeria, said the first export flight demonstrated Africa’s move from trade commitments to practical measures that connect businesses and markets.
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The new route comes as Nigeria’s trade with other African countries continues to grow. In the first quarter of 2026, Nigerian exports to African markets reached 4.062 trillion naira ($3 billion), while imports from the continent stood at 654.94 billion naira.
Togo, South Africa, Côte d’Ivoire, Egypt and Senegal were Nigeria’s leading African export destinations, accounting for more than 78% of exports to the continent.
The cargo corridor forms part of broader efforts to accelerate Nigeria’s AfCFTA implementation. The government has established a $1 billion financing facility with African Export-Import Bank, managed through the Bank of Industry, to support production capacity and improve the competitiveness of export-focused businesses.
Nigeria also adopted the Economic Community of West African States tariff schedule in April 2025, providing for the removal of customs duties on 90% of goods traded across Africa.
The country completed its first AfCFTA trade transaction in July 2024 through the Guided Trade Initiative, allowing Nigerian manufactured products to enter selected African markets.
Following the launch of the air cargo route, eight Nigerian companies received AfCFTA certificates of origin, enabling them to use the new platform to move goods into East and Southern African markets.
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The initiative is expected to support Nigeria’s export diversification goals while strengthening regional supply chains and reducing barriers to cross-border African trade.
