With the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) in place, many African countries (and France) would be eyeing the large Nigerian market. Nigeria, with Africa’s largest population (170 million), is certainly a mouth watering prospect for other African countries.

But this is also an opportunity for Nigeria to export to other African markets.

Innosson, Coscharis, Aba apparel makers, Alabukun, Dudu Osun, Dangote, MACBAN, e.t.c., have a chance to easily expand past their home market.

The Nigerian governments should become chief marketing officers for Nigeria’s companies. Look at President Trump. He is forever marketing US products on foreign trips and to visiting world leaders.

AGOA, the defunct African Growth and Opportunities Act, was a monumental failure for Nigeria, because apart from oil, we did not key in to the other opportunities to export to the US.

We had a golden opportunity to export manufactured goods to the US duty free and we foolishly wasted it.

During Obasanjo’s time, he also signed a free trade agreement with Benin Republic. But up till now, that agreement is gathering dust in some forgotten shelf instead of producing economic value for the country.

If we can harness the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), it will go far in diversifying our economy, providing jobs and foreign exchange.

I need not tell you that if we had taken advantage of AGOA and the free trade agreement with Benin Republic, the recent recession would not have happened.

Our manufacturers and regulators also have to up their game to ensure that Nigeria is not disgraced by the export of fake and substandard products.

Source: https://www.igbodefender.com/zikistmovement/2019/07/07/african-continental-free-trade-area-afcfta-a-golden-opportunity-for-nigerian-businesses/

Ireland used EU trade agreements to transform its economy. There is no reason why Nigeria can't do the same with this trade agreement.

igbodefender:
Ireland used EU trade agreements to transform its economy. There is no reason why Nigeria can't do the same with this trade agreement.

the reason is simple.other African countries can Easily set up shop as proxies using France(EU) and China affiliated countries and dump their products in the Nigeria market.
while if at all Nigeria can get industrial advantage or its products selling into other African markets will be met with resistance.

France through their Francophone babies right now.

Nigeria go hear am

baralatie:

the reason is simple.other African countries can Easily set up shop as proxies using France(EU) and China affiliated countries and dump their products in the Nigeria market.
while if at all Nigeria can get industrial advantage or its products selling into other African markets will be met with resistance.

You said Nigeria selling to other African countries would be met with resistance? Why do you think so?

nototribalist:
France through their Francophone babies right now.

Nigeria go hear am

What do you think Nigeria can do to be able to effectively compete against France for some African markets?

I dont think Nigeria stands to benefit much from this agreement, we cant compete with this French guys with our expensive electricity.

lastempero:
I dont think Nigeria stands to benefit much from this agreement, we cant compete with this French guys with our expensive electricity.

which French guys? Don't we have French companies in nigeria too?

theenchanter:
which French guys? Don't we have French companies in nigeria too?

He is referring to France's influence on Francophone African countries which includes their currency the CFA Franc among other ties.

igbodefender:
He is referring to France's influence on Francophone African countries which includes their currency the CFA Franc among other ties.

i get his point but his submission is pointless.

theenchanter:
which French guys? Don't we have French companies in nigeria too?

Have u been to any of the francophone countries?

They have just opened the doors for foreign companies to have free access to our market.