Abuja, Sept. 22, 2025 – The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCTA) initiative aligns perfectly with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda as it prioritises regional integration and industrial growth.
Olusegun Awolowo, the National Coordinator of the Nigeria AfCFTA Coordination Office, made the observation at a workshop organized to train Nigerians on rudiments of continental trade.
According to a statement issued by Olusegun Olutayo, the Project Technical Director & Senior Trade Expert, Nigeria AfCFTA Coordination Office, Awolowo said effective implementation of AfCFTA could boost Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product by as much as 40 per cent by 2030.
He said that the workshop was part of the administration’s broader strategy to drive inclusive trade growth.
“In line with President Tinubu’s mandate, we are driving AfCFTA implementation through capacity building for businesses and raising experts who understand the practical application of the AfCFTA Rules of Origin,” he said.
Awolowo said the workshop formed part of a series of nationwide interventions aimed at demystifying AfCFTA instruments for Nigerian businesses.
“Our goal is to empower enterprises to master product-specific rules, ensure compliance, and secure greater market access across Africa,” he explained
The training, organised in collaboration with the World Customs Organisation under the EU-WCO Rules of Origin for Africa Programme, and held in Abuja, brought together key trade-facilitating agencies and representatives of the Organised Private Sector.
Faith Mathenge, a representative of the World Customs Organisation at the workshop, stressed the critical role of human capital development in unlocking the full potential of AfCFTA..
She said capacity building on the Rules of Origin would not only enhance intra-African trade, but also strengthen Nigeria’s position in global markets.
“The EU-WCO Origin for Africa Programme is committed to supporting the Nigerian Customs Service and its stakeholders.
“We will continue to provide the required technical assistance to bridge knowledge gaps and enhance cross-border trade readiness,” Mathenge said.
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