Nigeria is positioning itself as a powerhouse of African economic transformation, with an ambitious strategy to maximize opportunities under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

The Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment has developed a comprehensive roadmap for 2026 that promises to reshape the nation's trade landscape through innovative policy alignment and strategic data monitoring.

At the core of this groundbreaking initiative is a multi-pronged approach designed to strengthen institutional frameworks, enhance business confidence, and create unprecedented opportunities for Nigerian entrepreneurs, particularly women and youth.

Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, has already taken significant steps by inaugurating the AfCFTA Central Coordination Committee in March 2025, marking a pivotal moment in Nigeria's continental trade strategy. The ministry plans to lead regulatory alignment efforts to ensure substantial legal, economic, and developmental benefits for the country.

A key component of the strategy involves upgrading trade data systems to include disaggregated metrics that capture nuanced trade dynamics. The AfCFTA Central Coordination Committee will develop systems to measure participation levels of women and youth in continental trade, providing unprecedented insights into inclusive economic development.

To demystify the complex AfCFTA framework, the ministry will publish the AfCFTA ABC Series and AfCFTA Understanding Series. These comprehensive guides will help private sector stakeholders navigate trade protocols covering goods, digital trade, investment, services, and youth engagement.

The government's vision extends beyond national borders, with plans to mobilize production capabilities nationwide. By collaborating with the Nigerian Governors' Forum, they aim to identify at least one exportable product from each Local Government Area, transforming Nigeria into a continental innovation, production, and distribution hub.

A pioneering trade intelligence platform will provide Nigerian businesses with critical market insights across Africa, empowering entrepreneurs with the knowledge needed to successfully navigate the continental marketplace. This strategic approach positions Nigeria not just as a participant, but as a leader in Africa's economic integration.

By becoming the first AfCFTA State Party to publish a comprehensive five-year implementation review in July 2025, Nigeria has demonstrated its commitment to transparency and continuous improvement in continental trade relations.