Nigeria Imports N654.94bn Worth of Goods from Africa in Q1 2026 — South Africa, Angola, Egypt Lead Trade Surge

Nigeria’s African Imports Hit N654.94bn in Q1 2026 as South Africa Tops Trade Partners

Nigeria’s import trade with African countries surged to N654.94 billion in the first quarter of 2026, highlighting deepening economic integration across the continent under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) framework.

According to fresh data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), the imports reflect Nigeria’s growing dependence on African partners for essential goods ranging from industrial inputs to agricultural products and energy resources.

South Africa Leads as Nigeria’s Top African Import Source

South Africa maintained its position as Nigeria’s largest African trading partner, accounting for N155.26 billion worth of imports. The trade was driven largely by vehicles for transporting goods, polypropylene, apples, and industrial flavouring extracts used in manufacturing.

The steady rise in imports from South Africa—up 18.2% from the previous quarter—underscores the strong industrial and consumer goods relationship between both nations, with South Africa continuing to supply high-value manufactured products to Nigeria’s economy.

Angola and Egypt Dominate Energy and Industrial Supply Chains

Angola followed closely with N145.49 billion, almost entirely driven by crude petroleum imports, reinforcing its role as a key African energy supplier to Nigeria.

Egypt ranked third with N69.99 billion in imports, supplying key industrial materials such as PET chips, chemical additives, glucose syrup, and construction-related products. However, this figure marks a decline compared to the previous quarter, suggesting shifting trade dynamics within North Africa.

Morocco, Eswatini, and East African Nations Strengthen Trade Links

Morocco recorded a sharp increase in exports to Nigeria, rising to N68.66 billion, largely boosted by fertiliser imports worth over N48 billion, highlighting its dominance in agricultural inputs.

Eswatini (formerly Swaziland) contributed N33.89 billion, driven mainly by chemical mixtures and flavouring compounds used in Nigeria’s food and beverage industries.

Meanwhile, East African countries such as Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Liberia, and Ghana collectively supplied goods ranging from tea, coffee, leather, pharmaceuticals, palm oil, and agro-processing products, reflecting Africa’s expanding intra-regional agricultural trade.

Growing Intra-African Trade Under AfCFTA Momentum

Overall, Nigeria’s imports from African countries reflect a broad shift toward stronger continental trade ties, with total imports reaching N654.94 billion in Q1 2026.

Analysts say the trend signals Africa’s growing internal supply chain strength, especially in energy, manufacturing inputs, and agriculture, as AfCFTA continues to reduce trade barriers and encourage cross-border commerce.

With continued policy support and private sector engagement, experts expect intra-African trade to expand further, positioning Nigeria as a key hub in regional economic integration and industrial exchange.

source: nairametrics