The Federal Government has entered into a strategic partnership with RwandAir aimed at reducing export logistics costs for Nigerian businesses and improving trade connectivity across African markets.
The agreement was signed through the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment in collaboration with the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat and is expected to strengthen Nigeria’s participation in intra-African trade under the AfCFTA framework.
According to government officials, the partnership will provide Nigerian exporters with improved access to air cargo logistics services at more competitive rates, particularly for time-sensitive goods such as agricultural produce, pharmaceuticals, textiles, and manufactured products destined for African markets.
The initiative forms part of broader efforts to reduce trade bottlenecks, lower export costs, and improve the competitiveness of Nigerian products across the continent. Stakeholders say high logistics and transportation costs remain one of the biggest constraints facing African exporters.
Speaking on the development, officials noted that the agreement will help facilitate smoother cargo movement between Nigeria and other African countries while supporting the growth of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) involved in regional trade.
The collaboration is also expected to improve market access for Nigerian exporters by leveraging RwandAir’s expanding African route network and cargo operations. Industry observers say stronger air cargo connectivity could significantly reduce delivery times and product spoilage, especially for perishable exports.
The Federal Government has increasingly focused on non-oil exports as part of efforts to diversify the economy and boost foreign exchange earnings. Analysts believe improved logistics partnerships will be critical to unlocking the full benefits of the AfCFTA agreement and increasing Nigeria’s export competitiveness within Africa.
Trade experts also noted that efficient cargo systems and lower transportation costs are essential for scaling African supply chains, strengthening regional manufacturing, and encouraging cross-border investment under the continental free trade framework.
The partnership comes amid rising momentum for deeper African trade integration, with governments and businesses increasingly exploring logistics collaborations capable of supporting regional commerce and industrial growth.
