Nigeria has taken a leading role in implementing the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) by formally announcing its list of goods subject to customs procedures within the zone — a move that may inspire other West African nations including Benin, Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger to follow suit.
The announcement was made during the 16th meeting of the Council of Trade Ministers of AfCFTA member states, held on Tuesday, 15 April, in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo.
According to reports, Nigeria’s decision marks a significant step forward in the continent’s efforts to operationalise one of the world’s largest free trade areas.
The move signals the country’s commitment to fostering intra-African trade, streamlining customs processes, and stimulating economic growth across the continent.
“Only eight countries are currently applying the trade facilitation measures of the AfCFTA,” sources informed our newsroom.
Nigeria’s action, therefore, could serve as a catalyst for its regional neighbours who have yet to fully align with the trade agreement’s customs protocols.
While the specifics of the listed products have not been made public, the decision itself sends a powerful signal of intent and readiness.
With Nigeria being Africa’s largest economy and a central trading hub in West Africa, its proactive stance is expected to influence economic strategies across the region.
The AfCFTA aims to create a single market for goods and services, covering 54 of the 55 African Union nations, with the goal of boosting intra-African trade by eliminating tariffs and trade barriers.
As the agreement continues to gain momentum, Nigeria’s leadership could prove pivotal in accelerating full implementation across the continent.
Observers hope that countries such as Benin, Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger will soon unveil their own product lists, helping to unlock the full potential of the AfCFTA and reshape Africa’s economic future.
Source: burkinainfo
