Enhancing the Competitiveness of Nigerian Exports within the AfCFTA through Improvements in Trade Logistics and Infrastructure

Abstract

The launch of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) is aimed at boosting intra-African trade and promoting regional development. A major thrust of the agreement is the removal of tariffs from about 90% of goods, enhancing free flow of goods and services across the continent. According to the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA), the agreement has the potential of boosting intra-African trade by 52% by 2022, compared with the trade levels in 2010. The 22 countries needed to bring the agreement into force have been achieved with The Gambia becoming the 22nd country to ratify the agreement in April 2019. Despite this, Nigeria and some other countries are yet to sign the agreement.