Nigeria and Uganda have further solidified their trade partnership with the appointment of Ani Bassey-Eyo as Uganda’s Trade Representative to Nigeria.
This development is a significant move towards the full implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area agreement.
The appointment came ahead of an important milestone, Uganda’s first official export shipment to Nigeria.
The occasion took place in December 2024, coinciding with the inauguration of Uganda’s Free Zones Export facility at Entebbe International Airport and the launch of the nation’s AfCFTA Implementation Strategy.
Uganda’s President, Yoweri Museveni, who attended the event, celebrated the impact of regional trade on economic growth.
“I am pleased to kick off the journey for the first formal exports of Ugandan products to West Africa under AfCFTA,” he stated.
He also emphasized the broader economic potential of Africa, saying, “As Africa awakens to its economic potential, it becomes evident that domestic markets alone are not sufficient. Expanding trade across the continent is essential for sustainable growth.”
The inaugural shipment, set to arrive in the first quarter of 2025, will include coffee, black and green tea, milk, fish, and pharmaceuticals.
This initial consignment aims to assess market demand in Nigeria and establish a foundation for increased trade.
Museveni expressed gratitude to Nigerian President Bola Tinubu for his role in facilitating the entry of Ugandan goods into Nigeria, while also urging other African nations to strengthen their commercial ties to tap into the continent’s economic promise.
Uganda’s Minister of Trade, Industry, and Cooperatives, Francis Mwebesa, highlighted the importance of free zones in attracting investment and generating employment.
Permanent Secretary Lynette Bagonza also commended the cooperation between the government and private sector in developing Uganda’s trade strategy.
Uganda’s push into Nigeria is part of a broader initiative to establish the country as a regional trade hub.
The nation also plans to broaden its export reach across other AfCFTA member states by enhancing trade routes and infrastructure.
