Lagos: The Federal Government and RwandAir have launched an expanded air cargo corridor to reduce export costs and boost intra-African trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). The Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr Jumoke Oduwole, announced this development during the flag-off of the inaugural shipment under the corridor.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Oduwole stated that the initiative aims to provide Nigerian exporters with lower freight rates and better access to key African markets. The partnership expands the existing corridor by opening export routes to Kigali, Rwanda; Lusaka, Zambia; and Harare, Zimbabwe, while offering additional carrier options on the Nairobi, Kenya, and Johannesburg, South Africa routes. Cargo rates on RwandAir-operated routes have been reduced to below two dollars per kilogramme from previous rates ranging between three and ten dollars per kilogramme. These preferential rates will be available to exporters holding an AfCFTA Certificate of Ori
gin issued by the Nigeria Customs Service.
The minister emphasized that the expanded corridor addresses the challenge of high logistics costs by offering faster, more affordable, and predictable export options for Nigerian businesses. She highlighted Nigeria’s pioneering role in the AfCFTA market, noting that it is the first and currently the only country to establish a dedicated logistics solution aimed at significantly lowering the cost of transporting goods across Africa. The corridor, initially launched on May 25, 2025, covering Entebbe, Uganda; Nairobi, Kenya; and Johannesburg, South Africa, recorded a 40 percent increase in export volumes within its first year of operation.
The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr Festus Keyamo, commented that the initiative aligns with ongoing efforts to achieve a Single African Air Transport Market and remove barriers to trade and movement across the continent. He noted that discussions at a recent aviation conference in Lome, Togo, centered on elimina
ting visa restrictions and protectionist policies that hinder seamless air connectivity in Africa. Keyamo also disclosed plans to commence cargo flights between Guangzhou, China, and Enugu by December to facilitate trade flows and improve logistics for Nigerian businesses.
Mr Vianney Rubagumwa, representing the Embassy of Rwanda in Nigeria, described the inaugural export flight as a practical demonstration of Africa’s commitment to translating AfCFTA goals into tangible economic outcomes. He stated that the collaboration would reduce trade barriers and create new opportunities for exporters seeking access to markets across East and Southern Africa. Rubagumwa emphasized Rwanda’s commitment to regional integration, trade facilitation, and efficient logistics systems, noting that the partnership would strengthen economic ties among West, East, and Southern Africa.
Representing the Comptroller-General of Customs, Comptroller Chidi Nworie of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport Command, stated that the ini
tiative would create new opportunities for exporters and enhance Nigeria’s competitiveness in regional markets. Nworie added that the corridor would support greater market access for Nigerian products, increased foreign exchange earnings, job creation, and economic growth. He affirmed the Nigeria Customs Service’s commitment to trade facilitation through simplified customs procedures, stakeholder engagement, technology-driven processes, and effective border management.
Some exporters at the event expressed optimism that the expanded corridor would deepen regional integration, improve the competitiveness of Nigerian exports, and accelerate the realization of AfCFTA objectives.