Nigeria makes history with first Intra-African trade shipment to Kenya under AfCFTA

Nigeria has successfully completed its first trade shipment to Kenya under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), setting a strong precedent for economic cooperation within the continent. The shipment, organized by Lucky Fibres (a Tolaram Group subsidiary), left Nigeria’s Apapa port en route to Mombasa, Kenya, symbolizing a step toward breaking down traditional trade barriers in Africa.

This inaugural shipment, fully facilitated by the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), emphasizes the commitment of Nigerian authorities to streamline trade processes across Africa. Speaking at the Apapa Area Command, the Senior Trade Expert and Lead of Trade Enablement at Nigeria’s AfCFTA Coordination Office, Olusegun Olutayo, noted that the effort exemplifies Africa’s growing unity under AfCFTA’s goals. “This milestone demonstrates the spirit of AfCFTA, and we are not doing it alone. I have informed the AfCFTA Secretariat in Ghana and Kenya’s implementation committee about this shipment. Our goal is to strengthen intra-African trade through such cooperation,” he stated, underscoring a united drive for seamless trade relations.

The role of the NCS as the Designated Competent Authority (DCA) under AfCFTA has been instrumental. By prioritizing innovation and efficiency, the NCS has shown a proactive approach toward minimizing traditional trade barriers.
“The Customs Service has been outstanding, and when they hear of any trade issues, especially related to AfCFTA, they are always ready to support and facilitate, embodying true trade facilitation.”

Assistant Comptroller, Olusola Salako, the releasing officer at Lilypond Export Command, highlighted the Customs Service’s reliance on technology for improved trade facilitation. “”We now operate under the Unified Customs Management System (UCMS), aligning with the World Customs Organisation’s standards to prioritize trade efficiency. The days of trade bottlenecks are behind us. With advanced training and dedicated officers for exports, we ensure that AfCFTA trade thrives,” Salako shared.
This pioneering Nigeria-Kenya trade initiative signals a promising shift for African economies, providing a glimpse into the transformative impact AfCFTA could have on regional trade dynamics.

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