African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) and the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) have strengthened partnership to boost the participation of Nigerian small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in intra-African trade, underscoring the country’s drive to harness the benefits of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
The partnership, which supported the participation of 20 trained Nigerian SMEs at the Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF2025) held in Algiers, Algeria, from September 4 to 10, provided entrepreneurs with a platform to showcase their products, build cross-border partnerships, and expand export opportunities.
The initiative was part of a broader effort to strengthen Nigeria’s private sector competitiveness and unlock new avenues for diversification, job creation, and value-chain development across the continent.
Speaking on the collaboration, Director of AU/AfCFTA and International Relations at Afreximbank, Yusuf Daya said the initiative reflects the Bank’s commitment to promoting intra-African trade and supporting private sector-led growth.
“The Intra-African Trade Fair is a catalyst for economic transformation, providing African businesses with opportunities to expand beyond borders and strengthen regional value chains,” he said.
The IATF2025, which drew over 112,000 virtual and physical visitors from 132 countries and hosted 2,148 exhibitors, closed with $48.3bn in trade and investment deals signed. Nigerian SMEs, backed by Afreximbank and LCCI, gained visibility and market access, further reinforcing Nigeria’s leadership role in driving AfCFTA’s objectives.
Officials of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry noted that the collaboration not only empowered indigenous enterprises but also positioned Nigeria’s private sector to play a more prominent role in shaping continental trade and investment.
The Chamber emphasized that SMEs remain the backbone of Africa’s economic future, and their participation in regional trade fairs is vital for unlocking long-term growth.
Looking ahead, Lagos is preparing to host the next edition of the continental exposition, IATF2027.
LCCI said it would mobilize Nigeria’s business community on a larger scale to maximize the opportunities the event offers and ensure the country captures greater benefits from AfCFTA-driven trade expansion.
By building the capacity of SMEs and providing them with exposure to international markets, Afreximbank and LCCI are advancing a strategic agenda to deepen economic integration in Africa.
The initiative reflects growing recognition that Nigeria’s economic transformation depends heavily on strengthening its private sector’s role in regional and global value chains
