Nigeria, Japan Collaborate to Enhance SMEs’ Participation in African Trade

Nigeria and Japan are strengthening trade ties to unlock opportunities under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

A two-day capacity building and investment dialogue organised by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) under the Japan Business Support (JBS) Programme in Lagos brought together government officials, regulators, and businesses to address policy alignment and market readiness.

Lagos State Commissioner for Commerce, Folashade Ambrose-Medebem, described the engagement as “timely, strategic and critical to Nigeria’s trade and investment ambitions”.

The event highlighted Nigeria’s potential as a gateway to AfCFTA’s $3.4 trillion market.

Zahrah Mustapha Audu, director-general of the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC), said Nigeria is ready for Japanese investment, citing policy consistency and regulatory streamlining.

“Absolutely, Nigeria is ready for Japanese businesses,” she said.

The forum featured sector-led deal-making and regulatory engagement, with Nigerian firms seeking Japanese partnerships for machinery and technology transfer.