By 
In a major boost for small business participation in continental trade, the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment (FMITI) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) have launched a Market Access Tool to help Nigerian Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) leverage the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
RELATED: UBA partners AfCFTA to finance SMEs in Africa with $6b
The launch, held at the Bank of Industry Tower in Abuja, also marked the announcement of Nigeria’s first intra-African air cargo corridor, in collaboration with Uganda Airlines.
These dual milestones mark a critical move to operationalize AfCFTA for Nigerian entrepreneurs and signal Nigeria’s growing leadership in shaping Africa’s trade future.
Market Access Tool: A Game-Changer for Nigerian Exporters
The Market Access Tool is designed to provide Nigerian MSMEs with practical, data-driven guidance on exporting to 13 African countries, particularly in East and Southern Africa. Features include:
- Step-by-step export procedures and documentation guidelines
- Packaging and product compliance standards for key sectors like agriculture, fashion, cosmetics, and textiles
- Up-to-date AfCFTA tariff preferences
- Shipping logistics, buyer trends, and trade facilitation contacts
“This tool is not just a document—it’s a directional compass,” said Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, Honourable Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment. “It tells our MSMEs: you belong in continental trade, and here’s how to get there.”
Faster Trade with Intra-African Air Cargo Corridor
In a related breakthrough, Nigeria flagged off its first intra-African air cargo route operated by Uganda Airlines, connecting Nigeria to Uganda, Kenya, and South Africa. The corridor slashes delivery times from 90 days to under a week and reduces logistics costs by up to 50%—a lifeline for MSMEs dealing in perishables, fashion, and processed foods.
“Trade Made Real” – UNDP’s Role in Execution
UNDP Nigeria’s Resident Representative, Ms. Elsie G. Attafuah, emphasized that the initiative responds directly to the needs of entrepreneurs:
“This is what implementation looks like. This is trade made real. We asked entrepreneurs what they needed—and this tool is the response.”
The Market Access Tool is part of a broader UNDP initiative under its regional AfCFTA support programme, which also includes:
- HerAfCFTA (a gender-inclusive trade initiative)
- Export Readiness Labs
- Support for digital trade intelligence platforms
Next Steps: Digital Scaling & Continental Replication
Plans are underway to evolve the tool into an interactive digital portal for real-time trade intelligence, accessible to MSMEs nationwide. The combination of the Market Access Tool and air cargo route offers a replicable model for other African nations looking to bridge the gap between trade policy and practice.
“This initiative is not just for Nigeria—it’s a template for AfCFTA success across Africa,” said UNDP officials.
