Nigeria AfCFTA Coordination Office

The National Coordinator of the Nigeria AfCFTA Coordination Office Mr. Olusegun Awolowo will be discussing the African Continental Free Trade Area agreement at the CEO Roundtable on Seizing Opportunities in AfCFTA organized by the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG). The event is scheduled for Tuesday 15th October, 2024. #AfCFTAforNigeria #AfCFTA #Trade #Export #PolicyMaking #MadeinNigeriaforExport

Stakeholders Engagement: Nigeria AfCFTA Coordination Office Engages Finance Ministry on Gazetting under AfCFTA. The National Coordinator of the Nigeria AfCFTA Coordination Office, Mr. Olusegun Awolowo recently led a delegation of senior officials from the Coordination Office to a strategic meeting with the Honourable Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun. The meeting which held at the Ministry of Finance in Abuja, marked a pivotal moment in Nigeria's efforts to strengthen its implementation process for the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). As Co-Chairman of the Nigeria AfCFTA Coordination Office, Mr. Edun welcomed the delegation and discussed the economic opportunities that the AfCFTA presents for Nigeria’s growth. The discussions centered on imperative for Nigeria to Gazette Negotiated ECOWAS Provisional Schedule Tariff Concession as submitted to AfCFTA Secretariat, aligning AfCFTA trade policies with the broader economic strategies of the country in order to ensure the efficient and beneficial implementation of the AfCFTA agreement in Nigeria and for Nigerians. Mr. Awolowo emphasized the critical role of the Ministry of Finance in ensuring a seamless implementation of the AfCFTA, especially in fostering an enabling environment for businesses to benefit from regional trade. The Honourable Minister reaffirmed the commitment of the Ministry to working together with the Nigeria AfCFTA Coordination Office to enhance Nigeria's participation in the continental free trade area and maximize the benefits of the agreement for economic development. The meeting further underlined the importance of collaboration between key government ministries and agencies in driving Nigeria’s trade agenda and securing its competitive position in the AfCFTA. #AfCFTAforNigeria #AfCFTA #Trade #Export #PolicyMaking #GazettingOfPSoTC #MadeinNigeriaforExport

STAKEHOLDERS ENGAGEMENT: NATIONAL MSME CONFERENCE 2024. The National MSME Conference 2024, themed "Grow Nigerian: Sustaining a Digital and Innovation Driven Economy," recently convened industry leaders, policymakers, and entrepreneurs at the State House in Abuja, Nigeria. At the heart of discussions was how Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) can scale globally, a key agenda for Nigeria’s economic transformation. Representing the National Coordinator, Nigeria AfCFTA Coordination Office was Mr. Olusegun Olutayo, Senior Trade Expert and Lead for Trade Enablement. He participated in a panel discussion on “Taking Nigeria Global: Export Strategies for MSMEs Ready to Scale,” where he shared strategic insights into the potential of MSMEs to capitalize on the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) for cross-border trade and export. Mr. Olutayo emphasized the importance of digital innovation, scale up production, capacity building, and strategic partnerships to ensure MSMEs can meet the standards required for international trade. He also discussed the need for supportive policies and access to market intelligence to position Nigerian businesses competitively within the African and global markets. The conference further highlighted the significant role of digital tools and innovation-driven practices in enhancing Nigeria’s trade ecosystem, positioning MSMEs at the forefront of economic development. #AfCFTAforNigeria #AfCFTA #Trade #Export #PolicyMaking #MadeinNigeriaforExport

STAKEHOLDERS ENGAGEMENT The National Coordinator of the Nigeria AfCFTA Coordination Office, Mr. Olusegun Awolowo recently held a strategic meeting with the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Mr. Olayemi Cardoso at the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Headquarters in Abuja, Nigeria. Also present at the meeting was the Managing Director/CEO of the Bank of Industry Limited (BOI), Dr. Olasupo Olusi. The meeting focused on how to develop statutory instruments around the establishment of an AfCFTA Readiness Funds for Nigerian businesses as approved by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (GCFR), aligning the implementation of the AfCFTA agreement with Nigeria’s broader national economic growth plan, how the AfCFTA can serve as a catalyst for economic diversification and industrial expansion, in line with the government’s Renewed Hope Agenda and for the prosperity of our people. The Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria highlighted the bank’s commitment to supporting the AfCFTA Coordination Office in the implementation of the agreement. The National Coordinator in his remarks emphasized the need for robust collaboration with the CBN in the implementation marathon as such partnership will benefit Nigerian businesses in their participation under the AfCFTA framework. Senior officials from the CBN and Nigeria AfCFTA Coordination Office were also in attendance. This meeting marks a pivotal step toward ensuring that Nigeria fully leverages the opportunities within the AfCFTA agreement to fuel its economic growth and position itself as a leader in African trade. #AfCFTAforNigeria #AfCFTA #AfCFTAReadinessFunds #Trade #Export #PolicyMaking #MadeinNigeriaforExport #CBN

STAKEHOLDERS ENGAGEMENT. The Nigeria AfCFTA Coordination Office with the support of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) recently held a Stakeholders Consultative Meeting for AfCFTA Women and Youth. The event which saw participants drawn from across public and private sectors focused on identifying ten (10) priority products traded by Nigerian women and youth, with the aim of helping these business to build capacity for participation under the AfCFTA. The Nigeria AfCFTA Coordination Office has initiated the following activities to provide targeted support towards enabling cross border trade by women and youth: a. Undertake a study to identify the top 10 traded products by women and youth in Nigeria in order to provide a clear understanding of the most economically significant products traded by women and youth and provide deep market insights to support market development; b. Develop step-by-step market access guides for the identified product; c. And launch an e-commerce platform that will support market visibility and entry for women and youth traders in the targeted top 10 products. The Nigeria AfCFTA Coordination Office invites Nigerian women and youth to participate in the identification of the top ten products traded by women and youth-owned businesses in the country. To participate in this, please click on this link to fill the questionnaire https://lnkd.in/dM8KiauR #AfCFTAforNigeria #AfCFTA #Trade #Export #PolicyMaking #MadeinNigeriaforExport #Women #Youths

CELEBRATING A VISIONARY LEADER. The National AfCFTA Coordination Office extends out heartfelt felicitations to our esteemed National Coordinator, Mr. Olusegun Awolowo on the occasion of the celebration of his birth. On this special day, we celebrate a remarkable leader whose vision, dedication, and tireless efforts continue to shape Nigeria's engagement with relevant stakeholders and participation under the African Continental Free Trade Area. Your commitment to driving economic growth, empowering SMEs, and fostering trade development across Africa is truly inspiring. As we navigate the path towards a prosperous future, your leadership remains a guiding light. We wish you continued success, good health, and many more years of impactful service. Here's to achieving even greater milestones together! Happy Birthday Sir! With love and best wishes, Nigeria AfCFTA Coordination Office. #AfCFTAforNigeria #AfCFTA #Trade #Export #PolicyMaking #MadeinNigeriaforExport

STAKEHOLDERS ENGAGEMENT. The National Coordinator of the Nigeria AfCFTA Coordination Office, Mr. Olusegun Awolowo recently received the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the Bank of Industry Limited Dr. Olasupo Olusi at the Coordination Office. This key engagement underscores the ongoing collaboration between pivotal institutions such as Bank of Industry in fostering trade and economic growth under the AfCFTA framework. Discussions centered on the development of a Readiness Fund Portfolio that will empower Nigerian businesses to fully exploit the opportunities of the AfCFTA market. We look forward to continued collaboration with BOI to drive policies that enhance Nigeria's export capabilities and promote Made-in-Nigeria goods for international markets. #AfCFTAforNigeria #AfCFTA #Trade #Export #PolicyMaking #MadeinNigeriaforExport

STAKEHOLDERS ENGAGEMENT: CAPACITY BUILDING FOR LEGAL ADVISERS ON AfCFTA IMPLEMENTATION. The Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies (NIALS) led by the Director General Professor Muhammed Tawfiq Ladan in collaboration with the Nigeria AfCFTA Coordination Office, under the leadership of the National Coordinator Mr. Olusegun Awolowo recently held a one-day capacity-building workshop aimed at empowering legal advisers in ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs) across the country. The focus of the workshop was to enhance the understanding and role of legal advisers in the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) agreement in Nigeria. Mr. Awolowo in his address emphasized the importance of this workshop, noting that the successful domestication of the AfCFTA requires the active involvement of legal experts to guide the government through complex trade agreements and safeguard the nation’s economic objectives. Professor Ladan in his remarks also elaborated on the need for leaal advisers to understand the AfCFTA and its processes and thus help drive its successful implementation in the country. In his presentation on 'Understanding the Scope of AfCFTA agreement: State Obligations and Domestic Implementation in Nigeria' he also highlighted these roles. Professor Jonathan AREMU, ECOWAS Consultant led the second session of the workshop, taking participants through 'Understanding AfCFTA Operational Instruments and other initiatives to accelerate effective implementation of the AfCFTA'. The penultimate session of the day was on Nigeria's AfCFTA Implementation Strategies and was handled by Mr. Olusegun Olutayo, Senior Trade Expert/Lead, Trade Enablement, Nigeria AfCFTA Coordination Office and Dr. Fatima Bello, Associate Professor of Law, NIALS and Coordinator, Policy, Regulations and Law, Nigeria AfCFTA Coordination Office. The strides and plans of the Coordination Office for the implementation of the AfCFTA agreement in Nigeria were discussed in this session. The final session was on the 'Role of MDAs and Legal Advisers in AfCFTA Implementation, led by Dr. Izuoma EGERUOH-ADINDU, Ph.D. By collaborating with other relevant stakeholders towards building the capacity of legal advisers, the Nigeria AfCFTA Coordination Office is taking significant steps toward ensuring Nigeria fully leverages the opportunities presented by the AfCFTA while minimizing risks and protecting national interests. This initiative is in line with the Coordination Office's commitment to promoting 'connecting Nigerian businesses to Africa' and positioning Nigeria as a key player in the continental trade agreement. #AfCFTAforNigeria #AfCFTA #Trade #Export #PolicyMaking #MadeinNigeriaforExport #Legal #Law

IATF2025: THE AfCFTA MARKETPLACE. The National Coordinator of the Nigeria AfCFTA Coordination Office, Mr. Olusegun Awolowo will be serving as an ambassador at the 2025 edition of the Intra-African Trade Fair. Mr. Awolowo will be bringing his experience in international trade and export promotion to the event holding in Algiers, Algeria. #AfCFTAforNigeria #AfCFTA #Trade #Export #PolicyMaking #MadeinNigeriaforExport #GTI #IntraAfrica #IATF2025 #IATF2025 Ambassadors

STAKEHOLDERS ENGAGEMENT The National Coordinator of the Nigeria AfCFTA Coordination Office, Mr. Olusegun Awolowo, recently welcomed a delegation from the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) at the Coordination Office in Abuja, Nigeria. The delegation led by the Executive Director/CEO, Mrs. Nonye Ayeni joined the Coordination Office for a meeting focused on strengthening collaboration between the two organisations to enhance Nigeria's trade potential under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). Discussions centered on expanding Nigeria's export base, capacity building for exporters, and positioning Nigeria and Nigerians to take full advantage of AfCFTA's trade benefits. This collaboration underscores the Coordination Office's commitment under the leadership of Mr. Awolowo to boosting Nigeria's non-oil exports, amongst others and fostering economic growth. #AfCFTAforNigeria #AfCFTA #Trade #Export #PolicyMaking #MadeinNigeriaforExport #IntellectualPropertyRights #NEPC