FG Emphasizes Need to Boost Intra African Trade

The Federal Government has emphasized the need to move from resilience to renewal by mobilizing private capital, deepening regional value chains, and adopting digital trade systems to reduce costs and boost intra-African trade. The Vice President of Nigeria, Kashim Shettima gave this assertion while declaring open the 32nd Annual Meetings of the African Export-Import Bank in Abuja.
The Vice President who was represented by Tope Fasua, Special Adviser on Economic Affairs to the President, stated that, Afreximbank has supported key projects including the African Trade Center in Abuja, the African Medical Center of Excellence, and quality assurance centers in Kaduna and Ogun states, adding that, It has also launched a $300 million export manufacturing initiative across several states and a $3 billion petroleum trade facility aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s energy security and refining capacity.
He disclosed that, Trade finance access has expanded, and support for small and medium enterprises has been strengthened through digital platforms aligned with the African Continental Free Trade Area. Fasua reaffirmed Federal Government commitment to lead and collaborate with Afreximbank to deepen partnerships and advance Africa’s development goals.
In his welcome remarks, Senior Executive Vice President, Afreximbank, Denys Denya, highlighted the bank’s role in shaping policy and fostering strategic alliances, describing it as crucial to changing the continent’s development path, with expectations for significant progress coming out of the event.
He disclosed that, Afreximbank supports not only its clients but also plays a key role in driving economic development across the continent. The annual event which will end on Saturday will also witness election of Afrexim Banks new president after the ten year tenure of the Bank’s current president, Benedict Oramah.