Nigeria, RwandAir launch expanded AfCFTA cargo corridor to cut export costs

Business, Corporate Affairs

LAGOS, Nigeria (NPA) — The Federal Government has partnered with RwandAir to expand an air cargo corridor aimed at reducing export costs, improving logistics and boosting intra-African trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr Jumoke Oduwole, announced the initiative during the inaugural shipment ceremony under the expanded corridor in Lagos.

She said the partnership would provide Nigerian exporters with lower freight rates and enhanced access to key African markets, including Kigali in Rwanda, Lusaka in Zambia and Harare in Zimbabwe.

According to Oduwole, the expanded arrangement also offers additional carrier options on existing routes to Nairobi, Kenya, and Johannesburg, South Africa.

She disclosed that cargo rates on RwandAir-operated routes had been reduced to below $2 per kilogramme from previous rates ranging between $3 and $10 per kilogramme.

The minister noted that the preferential rates would be available to exporters holding an AfCFTA Certificate of Origin issued by the Nigeria Customs Service.

“The expanded corridor directly addresses the challenge of high logistics costs by providing faster, more affordable and predictable export options for Nigerian businesses,” she said.

“If you ever wonder whether the AfCFTA is real, or what it means, this corridor, pioneered by Nigeria, provides a concrete answer.”

Oduwole recalled that the corridor was first launched on May 25, 2025, covering routes to Entebbe in Uganda, Nairobi in Kenya and Johannesburg in South Africa.

She said the initiative recorded a 40 per cent increase in export volumes within its first year of operation.

“That growth represents increased production, jobs, export revenue and stronger commercial relationships between Nigerian businesses and African buyers, particularly for women-led enterprises,” she said.

The minister described Nigeria as a leading advocate of the AfCFTA, noting that it remains the first and currently the only African country with a dedicated logistics solution designed to significantly lower the cost of moving goods across the continent.

Also speaking, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, said the initiative aligned with ongoing efforts to achieve a Single African Air Transport Market and eliminate barriers to trade and movement across Africa.

According to Keyamo, discussions at a recent aviation conference in Lomé, Togo, focused on removing visa restrictions and protectionist policies that continue to hinder seamless air connectivity on the continent.

“You cannot transform Africa or promote the AfCFTA without connecting Africa first,” he said.

“While the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment is driving trade facilitation, we in aviation are working to open up African skies and ensure the free movement of goods and people across the continent.”

The minister also disclosed plans to commence cargo flights between Guangzhou, China, and Enugu by December to strengthen trade flows and improve logistics for Nigerian businesses.

He said the initiative would support major commercial centres, including Aba and Onitsha, through more efficient cargo distribution networks.

Representing the Rwandan Embassy in Nigeria, Vianney Rubagumwa described the inaugural export flight as a practical demonstration of Africa’s commitment to translating AfCFTA objectives into tangible economic benefits.

He said the partnership would reduce trade barriers, improve logistics and create new opportunities for exporters seeking access to markets across East and Southern Africa.

Rubagumwa added that Rwanda remained committed to regional integration and trade facilitation, noting that the collaboration would further strengthen economic ties among West, East and Southern Africa.

Also speaking, Comptroller Chidi Nworie, who represented the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adeniyi, said the initiative would create new opportunities for exporters while enhancing Nigeria’s competitiveness in regional markets.

According to him, the corridor is expected to boost market access for Nigerian products, increase foreign exchange earnings, create jobs and stimulate economic growth.

“The Nigeria Customs Service remains committed to trade facilitation through simplified customs procedures, stakeholder engagement, technology-driven processes and effective border management,” Nworie said.

Stakeholders and exporters at the event expressed optimism that the expanded corridor would deepen regional integration, improve the competitiveness of Nigerian exports and accelerate the realisation of AfCFTA objectives.