The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria Export Promotion Group (MANEG) has announced its collaboration with key stakeholders from the public and private sectors to promote and protect the interests of non-oil exporters. The Acting Chairman of MANEG, Mrs. Odiri Erewa-Meggison, made this announcement during a two-day capacity-building training session for members. The training, organized in collaboration with the national action committee (NAC) secretariat on the Africa Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA), aimed to equip participants with the necessary skills to take advantage of the trade benefits offered by AfCFTA.
Erewa-Meggison encouraged manufacturers who are not yet members of MANEG to join and emphasized the organization’s commitment to build its members’ capacity to understand and benefit from the AfCFTA as soon as the pathway for full participation opens. She acknowledged the collaboration with the Executive Secretary of NAC-AfCFTA, Olusegun Awolowo, for making the training possible. Additionally, the MANEG boss expressed gratitude to sponsors of the training, which included well-known companies such as British American Tobacco Nigeria Limited, Indorama Group, Cadbury Nigeria Plc, Guinness Nigeria Plc, and others.
Erewa-Meggison highlighted that some African countries, including Rwanda, Cameroon, Egypt, Ghana, Kenya, Mauritius, Tanzania, and Tunisia, have already begun operating under the Guided Trade Initiative (GTI) within the AfCFTA. However, Nigeria has yet to participate fully. As the Nigerian Government takes steps to ensure full engagement in the AfCFTA, MANEG is determined to equip its members with the knowledge and understanding of the Free Trade Agreement, enabling them to capitalize on its benefits when the pathway opens.
The training sessions provided participants with valuable insights into the general objectives of AfCFTA and its potential benefits. Attendees were encouraged to actively participate in trade activities within the agreement. The MANEG leadership expressed confidence that after the training, members would be well-prepared to maximize the advantages of the AfCFTA, make informed decisions, and formulate effective strategies for their business growth and success. The training demonstrated MANEG’s commitment to investing in the long-term success of its members’ businesses and contributing to Nigeria’s active participation in the AfCFTA.