Nigeria Intra-African Trade recorded strong growth in 2025, rising by 21 per cent to $9.02 billion as the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) continued to expand export opportunities and strengthen commercial ties across the continent.
The latest African Trade Report 2026, released by Afreximbank, showed that Nigeria’s trade with other African countries increased from $7.47 billion in 2024 to $9.02 billion in 2025. The report attributed the growth to increased regional commerce, improved market access and reduced trade barriers under the AfCFTA framework.
Although crude oil remained Nigeria’s largest export to African markets, the report noted continued diversification in the country’s export portfolio. According to Afreximbank, non-oil exports now include chemicals, plastics and rubber products, processed agricultural goods, food products, urea and cement.
The report stated that Nigeria has intensified efforts to expand regional trade by taking advantage of the AfCFTA to improve market access for domestic exporters and reduce the cost of doing business across African borders. It added that the country’s strategy is helping local manufacturers reduce dependence on traditional export destinations outside Africa while positioning them to serve the continent’s rapidly growing consumer market.
One of the major milestones highlighted in the report was the gazetting of Nigeria’s Provisional Schedule of Tariff Concessions in April 2025. The measure allows eligible Nigerian products to enjoy preferential tariff treatment across participating AfCFTA member states while providing reciprocal market access for imports from those countries. The tariff concessions are expected to further strengthen Nigeria Intra-African Trade by making Nigerian goods more competitive across regional markets and encouraging greater participation by exporters.
Afreximbank also pointed to new logistics initiatives introduced during the year to support regional commerce. Among them is a dedicated air cargo corridor connecting Nigeria with East and Southern Africa. According to the report, the new route is helping reduce transportation costs while improving the speed and efficiency of cross-border trade. The bank noted that improved logistics, combined with lower tariffs and wider market access, has enhanced the competitiveness of Nigerian exporters operating within the continent.
With regional integration gathering pace under the AfCFTA, stakeholders expect Nigeria Intra-African Trade to continue expanding as more businesses take advantage of preferential trade arrangements and improved transport links. Analysts say sustained implementation of the agreement could further diversify Nigeria’s exports, strengthen manufacturing and increase the country’s role in Africa’s growing single market. The continued expansion of Nigeria Intra-African Trade is also expected to support long-term economic diversification and reduce dependence on non-African export markets.
