Olamide Ariyo
Nigeria has assumed a key leadership role in shaping the future of trade on the continent following its emergence as Chairperson of the Bureau of the African Continental Free Trade Area, AfCFTA, Council of Ministers Responsible for Trade.
The appointment places the country at the centre of efforts to advance the implementation of the AfCFTA and strengthen economic integration across Africa.
Nigeria’s Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Jumoke Oduwole emerged Chairperson of the Bureau at the 18th Meeting of the AfCFTA Council of Ministers Responsible for Trade, where member states reviewed progress in implementing the continent’s landmark free trade agreement.
As Chairperson, Oduwole will lead the council’s work during the next phase of the AfCFTA, guiding discussions on the implementation of negotiated agreements, the removal of trade barriers, and the expansion of intra-African commerce.
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The council reaffirmed that the full implementation of the AfCFTA remains a top priority, urging member-states to translate negotiated legal instruments into tangible commercial opportunities for businesses across the continent.
Nigeria’s emergence as Chairperson is expected to strengthen its role in Africa’s trade integration agenda while advancing policies that promote industrial development, export growth, and deeper economic cooperation among African countries.
(Editor: Terverr Tyav)
