The Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme and Uganda Airlines, has officially launched the Nigeria–East/Southern Africa Air Cargo Corridor.

This groundbreaking export initiative operates under the African Continental Free Trade Area framework.

At the event held on Africa Day at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment Dr. Jumoke Oduwole announced that the new air corridor will give Nigerian exporters access to three major African hubs—Uganda, Kenya, and South Africa—offering air cargo rates reduced by 50 to 75 per cent, significantly lowering logistics and regulatory costs.

This initiative fulfills President Bola Tinubu’s key campaign promise to accelerate the diversification of Nigeria’s non-oil exports by harnessing the opportunities of the AfCFTA.

Focused on empowering Nigerian businesses—especially MSMEs—it helps them enter African markets more confidently with lower costs, faster delivery, and reduced risks.

The discounted cargo rates will be available to businesses linked with major national associations such as the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines, and Agriculture; Nigeria Association of Small and Medium Entrepreneurs; Nigerian Association of Small Scale Industrialists; and Women Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines & Agriculture, promoting inclusive participation and coordinated rollout.

This milestone comes after President Tinubu’s approval and the official gazetting of Nigeria’s Provisional Schedule of Tariff Concessions in April 2025.

With backing from the UNDP Regional Bureau for Africa, the Ministry has positioned Nigeria not only as a participant in AfCFTA but as a leader in driving and shaping the agreement’s implementation.

In her remarks, the Trade Minister thanked the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, the Minister of Aviation, the Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service, and the MD/CEO of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria for their key roles in making the launch a success.

The first cargo shipment included a variety of Made-in-Nigeria products such as textiles, cosmetics, fashion accessories, and agro-processed goods, signaling a new chapter for Nigerian exports across African markets.

“AfCFTA tariffs are now gazetted, enabling Nigerian goods to benefit from lower tariffs across African markets. As we mark Africa Day, I want to especially commend and thank the indefatigable Nigerian businesses participating in this inaugural flight. Today, they are exporting a diverse product basket, textiles, bags, cosmetics, agro-processed products, and more, to our African partners.

“This Administration will continue to stand with you as you take even bigger and bolder leaps to expand Nigeria’s footprint across the continent. The Federal Government remains committed to supporting Nigerian businesses in scaling their exports across the continent,” she stated.