AfCFTA: LCCI, Afreximbank Partner To Boost Nigerian SMEs’ Global Reach

The Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) has xiaomi the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) to support the participation of Nigerian Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) at the Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF2025) held in Algiers, Algeria.
This strategic collaboration aimed to provide Nigerian entrepreneurs with access to new markets, showcase their products, and forge cross-border partnerships, ultimately driving intra-African trade, innovation, and sustainable economic growth.
LCCI said, “This collaboration underscored our shared commitment to driving intra-African trade, innovation, and sustainable economic growth by facilitating SME participation in Africa’s premier trade marketplace.
“The initiative further strengthened the competitiveness of Nigerian businesses and advanced the goals of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) by unlocking opportunities for diversification, job creation, and value-chain expansion across the continent.”
Speaking on the partnership, director of AU/AfCFTA and International Relations at Afreximbank, Yusuf Daya, said, it was a reflection of the bank’s unwavering commitment to promoting intra-African trade, fostering export diversification and driving private-sector-led growth across the continent.
“The Intra-African Trade Fair is a catalyst for economic transformation, providing African businesses with opportunities to expand beyond borders and strengthen regional value chains.
“By supporting the recent participation of 20 Nigerian SMEs in the Fair, Afreximbank is not only empowering indigenous enterprises but also advancing the objectives of the AfCFTA,” Daya explained.
The Chamber will play an even bigger role during IATF2027 by mobilising the business community in Nigeria to collaborate on the trade fair planned to be held in Lagos, Nigeria.
Attended by more than 112,000 virtual and physical visitors from 132 countries, including Nigeria, IATF2025 which took place from September 4 to 10, 2025 ended on a remarkably high note with $48.3 billion in trade and investment deals signed over the seven days of the continental exposition, which welcomed 2,148 exhibitors.