In a landmark move to boost intra-African trade and economic integration, Nigeria has officially launched its participation in the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) with its first shipment under the Guided Trade Initiative (GTI). The historic event took place on Tuesday 16 July 2024 at Apapa Port in Lagos where ten companies began exporting products to five African countries.

Representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Secretary to the Federal Government Senator George Akume emphasised that this initiative would open up new opportunities, strengthen economic ties, and foster progress and shared prosperity for Nigeria and the broader African continent. He highlighted that Nigeria’s leadership in regional and continental integration is vital for accelerating Africa’s economic growth.

     
Doris Uzoka-Anite, Minister of Industry, Trade, and Investment stated that this launch would create jobs, drive economic diversification and establish a unified market for goods and services across Africa. She urged everyone to work together to ensure AfCFTA leads to economic prosperity and growth for all.
Among the ten companies, Chinwe Ezenwa, CEO of LE LOOK Nigeria Limited stood out as the first woman to export goods to East, Central, and North African countries under the GTI/AfCFTA framework. This notable achievement was highlighted during the inauguration ceremony as Ezenwa, expressed her pride in this achievement marking the culmination of her 39-year journey promoting made-in-Africa goods. She celebrated the growing recognition of African products on the global stage and encouraged women to take advantage of the opportunities provided by AfCFTA to showcase their products.

Olusegun Awolowo, National Coordinator of the AfCFTA Coordination Office, encouraged Nigerians to seize the opportunities presented by AfCFTA to enhance production and productivity and to cultivate a robust export community. He noted that ten exporters are set to send Nigerian products to five countries across the East, Central, and North African regions. He also congratulated Chinwe Ezenwa for being the first woman to receive the Nigeria/AfCFTA Certificate of Origin.

This inaugural shipment signifies a significant step forward for Nigeria in enhancing its trade relations within Africa and contributing to the continent’s economic integration and growth.

Rose Yusuf Kaisar
Women Radio 91.7
news@wfm917.com