The Strategic Vision of ‘Made-in-Nigeria’ and Its Role in Intra-African Trade
Professor Jude Osakwe, Continental Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation (NIDO) Africa, has provided insightful perspectives on the evolving landscape of global trade and the critical role of intra-African trade. As part of this vision, the Regional Trade Conference titled ‘Made-in-Nigeria’ is set to take place in Dakar, Senegal, from 24–28 November 2025. This event aims to highlight the potential for African nations to strengthen their economic ties through the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). Here are key points from the interview:
A Shift in Global Trade Dynamics
The current geopolitical climate has led to a fragmentation of multilateral trade frameworks, but this shift also presents an opportunity for African nations to focus on strengthening regional cooperation. Professor Osakwe emphasizes that Nigeria’s position as Africa’s largest economy and most populous nation makes it a pivotal player in this initiative. The ‘Made-in-Nigeria’ event is designed to showcase indigenous manufacturing capabilities and promote value addition within the continent.
This initiative aligns with the African Union’s Agenda 2063, which seeks to foster sustainable development and economic integration across the continent. By highlighting Nigerian-manufactured products, the event aims to demonstrate that intra-African trade can be anchored in productive capabilities rather than just raw material exchange.
Expectations from the ‘Made-in-Nigeria’ Event
Under NIDO-Africa leadership, the expectations for the ‘Made-in-Nigeria’ event are strategically layered. The primary goal is to facilitate meaningful intra-African commercial connections by bringing together procurement officers, regional distributors, and manufacturing firms. The aim is to create sustainable trade corridors rather than one-off transactions.
Foreign traders and importers are also significant targets, though they are seen as complementary rather than competing priorities. Nigeria’s economic growth requires both expanded African market access and continued global trade partnerships. Foreign traders bring capital, technology transfer, and global best practices, which can enhance Nigerian productive capacity and provide access to markets beyond Africa’s current absorption capacity.
Assessing Economic Cooperation with Major Powers
Nigeria maintains strategic relationships with major global powers such as the United States, China, India, and Russia. Each relationship is differently configured, and understanding these dynamics is essential for appreciating opportunities for deeper cooperation.
- United States: Focuses on energy, security, and development assistance, with potential in non-oil sectors.
- China: Has become Nigeria’s largest trading partner, with significant infrastructure investments, but faces trade imbalances.
- India: Offers balanced trade relations with substantial investment in Nigerian manufacturing.
- Russia: Limited engagement, primarily in the energy sector, with potential for expansion.
These relationships highlight Nigeria’s multi-alignment strategy in an increasingly multipolar world, but they also reveal a pattern of engaging as a commodity supplier and finished goods importer rather than a manufacturing power.
The Impact of AGOA on Nigeria
The African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) has had mixed achievements for Nigeria. While it has facilitated energy exports and improved access for agricultural products, the underutilization of AGOA compared to other countries like Kenya or South Africa highlights potential unrealized benefits. Nigeria’s current focus on industrial policy and manufactured exports, exemplified by initiatives like ‘Made-in-Nigeria,’ positions the country to realize AGOA’s full potential.
China’s Tariff-Free Access and Its Implications
China’s announcement of tariff-free access for African least-developed countries presents both opportunities and challenges. While it could provide Nigerian manufacturers with preferential access to the Chinese market, it also poses risks of overwhelming competition and trade imbalances. Strategic negotiations for technology transfer, joint ventures, and local content requirements are crucial for ensuring that Chinese engagement builds Nigerian productive capacity.
Opportunities for Importers and Entrepreneurs
Nigeria currently offers a compelling value proposition for importers and trading partners. Immediate commercial opportunities include processed agricultural products, pharmaceuticals, creative services, and solid minerals. Incentives such as export grant facilities, tax incentives, and AfCFTA rules of origin benefits further enhance the appeal of doing business in Nigeria.
For entrepreneurial service importers, Nigeria’s large population, growing middle class, and youthful demographic create a dynamic service market. Early entrants who establish supply relationships now will benefit from improving operational environments while competitors face higher entry barriers later.
Competition and the Business Environment in Nigeria
Foreign players are indeed competing for Nigerian opportunities, driven by factors such as market size, resource endowment, and regional gateway positioning. However, the business environment in Nigeria is not without challenges, including infrastructure deficits, security concerns, and regulatory complexity.
Despite these challenges, successful businesses recognize the risk-return trade-offs in emerging markets. The same factors that create operational challenges also create barriers that protect market share once established. NIDO-Africa plays a crucial role in bridging the gap between Nigeria’s potential and its current operational reality, facilitating credible partnerships and helping foreign players navigate complexity.
