Nigeria and UNDP launch market access tool to boost intra-African trade

Nigeria and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) have unveiled a strategic, data-driven Market Access Tool aimed at enhancing Nigeria’s trade competitiveness within the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

The Market Intelligence Tool (MIT) is designed to provide Nigerian businesses with critical insights and data to support their expansion into key markets across Eastern and Southern Africa, with a particular focus on agriculture, cosmetics, and textiles.

The tool aims to serve as a resource to help companies navigate regulatory requirements and meet import standards, thereby improving export performance and promoting sectoral growth. This was reported by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), a partner of TV BRICS.

According to the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Investment, the government aims to stimulate export growth, particularly among women-led Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). The aim is to provide real-time trade information and improve export logistics, positioning Nigeria as a continental trade leader.

This initiative follows President Bola Tinubu’s recent approval of Nigeria’s AfCFTA tariff schedule – a binding commitment that enables preferential trade terms with other African member states.

Photo: UNDP