The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s trade integration agenda, boosting industrial capacity, and mobilising fresh investments to drive sustainable economic growth across Africa.
This assurance was given by the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, during his engagements at the ongoing Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF) 2025 in Algiers, Algeria.
The IATF 2025 biennial event, organised by the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) in collaboration with the African Union and other partners, is regarded as one of the continent’s most significant platforms for promoting intra-African trade, industrial collaboration, and cross-border investment opportunities.
According to a statement from the Ministry of Finance, Edun held strategic discussions with prominent African leaders, including Afreximbank President and Chairman, Professor Benedict Oramah, and former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo, who serves as the Chair of IATF 2025.
The talks, the ministry disclosed, centred on expanding industrial capacity, strengthening Nigeria’s trade integration efforts, and exploring new opportunities to mobilise capital for transformative projects.
Edun stressed that the gathering was “a critical gateway to unlocking new opportunities across the continent,” noting that Nigeria, under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, is pushing forward reforms to attract investors and create a more competitive economic environment.
Speaking on the sidelines of the IATF Fair, Edun reiterated that Nigeria’s economic blueprint is anchored on policies that promote trade liberalisation, industrial growth, and regional cooperation.
“Our approach is focused on building a competitive landscape where trade and enterprise can flourish,” Edun stated.
“With President Tinubu’s reforms, Nigeria is not only opening its doors to investments but also positioning itself to lead Africa’s push for deeper economic integration.”
He explained that reforms in areas such as customs processes, energy infrastructure, and fiscal policy are already being pursued to reduce bottlenecks that have long hindered Nigeria’s trade competitiveness.
The IATF 2025 featured high-level sessions, including the Trade Forum, Arise Industrialization Day, Global Africa Day, and the CANE Auto Forum.
These discussions reflected Africa’s evolving role in shaping global supply chains, promoting value addition, and building stronger economic networks within the continent.
Observers note that Africa’s trade integration is expected to accelerate under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which seeks to create a single continental market for goods and services.
Nigeria, as the continent’s largest economy, is seen as a key driver of this initiative, with industrialisation and trade facilitation forming the backbone of its strategy.
Experts believe that for Nigeria to fully harness the benefits of intra-African trade, stronger collaboration between government, financial institutions, and private sector players is essential.
Institutions like Afreximbank have been supporting businesses with trade finance, while Nigerian manufacturers and exporters continue to push for improved access to regional markets.
By committing to trade integration and industrial expansion, the government is signalling to both domestic and international investors that Nigeria remains open for business despite economic headwinds.
Nigeria’s pledge comes at a time when global economic uncertainties, energy transitions, and supply chain disruptions are reshaping trade flows.
Analysts argue that expanding industrial capacity will not only reduce Nigeria’s dependence on raw material exports but also help the country become a hub for value-added production and regional distribution.
Economist Dr. Adaobi Eze noted that:
“Nigeria cannot afford to lag behind in the AfCFTA era. Strengthening trade integration and industrialisation is not just about exports, it is about job creation, technology transfer, and positioning Nigeria as a central player in Africa’s growth story.”
The Ministry of Finance disclosed that Nigeria will continue to engage stakeholders at the IATF 2025 to attract commitments in areas such as manufacturing, renewable energy, infrastructure financing, and agribusiness.
Edun reaffirmed that the Tinubu administration is focused on policies that will ensure sustainable growth, industrial competitiveness, and long-term economic resilience.
As Africa looks inward to deepen trade ties and reduce dependence on external markets, Nigeria’s renewed push for industrial expansion and regional integration could play a decisive role in shaping the continent’s economic future.