Nigeria’s exports to East and Southern African countries have crossed the N1 trillion mark for the first time, highlighting the growing impact of regional trade agreements and improved market access across the continent. According to data from the National Bureau of Statistics, exports along the East-Southern Africa trade corridor surged to N1.03 trillion in the first quarter of 2026, representing a 42.95 percent increase from the N718.79 billion recorded during the same period in 2025. The impressive growth reflects Nigeria’s increasing influence in intra-African trade as the country seeks to unlock new opportunities under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
The strong performance comes as the Federal Government expands its air cargo corridor initiative aimed at making trade across Africa faster and more affordable. In partnership with RwandAir, the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment recently launched additional export routes connecting Nigerian businesses to key destinations including Kigali, Lusaka and Harare. The expanded corridor offers exporters significantly lower freight costs, with cargo rates falling below $2 per kilogramme for businesses holding AfCFTA Certificates of Origin, compared to the previous range of $3 to $10 per kilogramme.
Government officials believe the lower transportation costs are already translating into real economic benefits. Speaking during the launch ceremony in Lagos, Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr Jumoke Oduwole, said the initiative is helping Nigerian businesses compete more effectively across African markets. She noted that export volumes on the original corridor increased by 40 percent within its first year, creating more jobs, boosting production and generating additional export revenue, particularly for women-led enterprises. The minister described the project as a practical example of AfCFTA moving from policy discussions to measurable commercial outcomes.
A closer look at the trade figures reveals that Ethiopia emerged as one of Nigeria’s fastest-growing export destinations, with exports rising to N132.1 billion from virtually zero a year earlier. South Africa retained its position as the largest market for Nigerian goods in the region, receiving exports worth N887.13 billion during the quarter. Kenya, Tanzania and Mozambique also recorded significant growth, demonstrating rising demand for Nigerian products across Eastern and Southern Africa. Although some markets such as Eswatini, Namibia and Uganda experienced declines, the overall trend points to stronger commercial ties between Nigeria and its African trading partners.
While imports from the region showed mixed results, Nigeria’s expanding export footprint has significantly widened its trade surplus within the corridor. Policymakers are optimistic that the newly expanded air cargo network, combined with AfCFTA tariff benefits, will further strengthen sectors such as agribusiness, textiles, cosmetics, processed foods and manufacturing. With exports already exceeding N1 trillion before the latest corridor expansion takes full effect, industry stakeholders believe Nigeria is positioning itself to capture a larger share of Africa’s rapidly growing consumer market and accelerate non-oil export growth in the years ahead.
source: punch