Tanzania's Deputy Minister for Industry and Trade, Dennis Londo, has pledged to remove unnecessary trade barriers and simplify investment procedures to help local industries produce competitive goods and expand into regional and global markets. He made the commitment while opening the 21st Mwanza East African Trade Fair (MEATF-2026) in Ilemela Municipality, stressing that quality products are key to accessing African markets, according to Daily News.

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 Nigerian federal government says its focus for the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) is shifting from policy commitments to delivering measurable trade, investment and jobs. According to ThisDay Live, Nigeria also assumed the chairmanship of the AfCFTA Council of Ministers Bureau, pledging practical implementation of the continental trade agreement. The announcement was reported by correspondent Kuni Tyessi from Abuja, signalling Nigeria's intention to play a leading role in advancing intra-African trade under the pact.

The Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), Engr. Felix Omatsola Ogbe, has urged African countries to move beyond mere resource ownership and focus on building sustainable industrial capacity. Speaking at Africa Oil Week (AOW) 2026, Ogbe said the continent should create greater value from its natural resources and position African businesses to compete globally, according to The Tide. The remarks highlight Nigeria's push for stronger local content and industrial growth in the energy sector.

The Nigeria Textile Manufacturers Association (NTMA) has called for stronger government measures to protect the local textile industry from excessive imports, smuggling, and unfair foreign competition. Dr. Hamma Ali Kwajaffa, the Director-General of NTMA, emphasized the association's ongoing advocacy for decisive action during a program on the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA).

Nigerian President Bola Tinubu has called on African nations to cease the export of raw minerals and focus on enhancing value addition through processing, technology transfer, and industrial development. He emphasized the need for collaboration among African countries to ensure the continent maximizes its benefits from its abundant mineral resources, according to Premium Times Business.