Uganda is seeking to access West African markets using Nigeria as a gateway, officials said at the opening of the first Uganda–Nigeria Business Forum and Exhibition in Kampala. The two-day event, held on 9–10 September, brought together more than 20 Nigerian firms and Ugandan businesses to pursue trade opportunities, with leaders from both countries pledging to finalise a delayed trade pact, according to the Uganda Standard.

In 2025, Nigeria experienced a 21% increase in intra-African trade, reaching a total of $9.02 billion. This growth is attributed to the ongoing implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which has facilitated new export opportunities and enhanced regional commercial integration by allowing businesses to benefit from preferential market access and reduced trade barriers, according to the latest African Trade Report.

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) have reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing cooperation to promote cross-border trade and support the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). This renewed partnership was emphasized during a working visit by the President and Chairman of Afreximbank, according to Vanguard.

The Uganda-Nigeria Business Forum and Exhibition has been officially launched at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Kampala, according to Uganda Update News. The event is intended to promote bilateral trade between Uganda and Nigeria, providing a platform for business engagement and exhibition ahead of the main forum. Further details about dates, participants, and expected outcomes were not provided in the report.

Kenya and Uganda are pushing to expand maize trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area, with Kenyan Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Kagwe saying Uganda is well positioned to supply part of Kenya's maize requirements. However, Kagwe urged Uganda to strengthen post-harvest handling, particularly maize drying, to address concerns over moisture content and aflatoxin contamination, stressing the need for safe, aflatoxin-free grain in cross-border trade.

Nigeria's Minister of Trade, Industry and Investment, Dr Jumoke Oduwole, has said Nigerian goods remain competitive and in high demand across Africa. Speaking during a trade mission to Botswana with about 11 Nigerian businesses, she said one company immediately secured an order to supply 6,000 T-shirts. The minister also stated that processing of certificates under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) now takes 24 hours, highlighting efforts to boost intra-African trade.