ABUJA – Nigeria has assumed the chairmanship of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Council of Ministers, with the country’s Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, presiding over the 18th Meeting of the Council.
The meeting brought together ministers and key stakeholders to advance the implementation of the AfCFTA and strengthen economic integration across the African continent.
Speaking after the meeting, Oduwole said Nigeria’s leadership of the Council would focus on expanding intra-African trade by strengthening regional export readiness programmes and improving the competitiveness of African businesses.
She noted that Nigeria’s exports to African markets now exceed its exports to any other global region, describing the development as a significant milestone for the country’s trade diversification efforts and a strong foundation for deeper regional economic cooperation.
According to the minister, Nigeria’s priorities as Chair of the Council include expanding exports, attracting investment, and promoting inclusive economic growth through the effective implementation of the AfCFTA framework.
The African Continental Free Trade Area is the world’s largest free trade area by the number of participating countries, aimed at boosting trade, industrialisation, and economic development across the continent through the gradual removal of trade barriers and improved market access.