Nigeria has reaffirmed its leadership role in driving African–Arab economic cooperation, with the Federal Government calling for stronger trade ties focused on agribusiness value addition and industrial development.
The Honourable Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, made the call in Abuja at the Agribusiness Matchmaking Forum held ahead of the African–Arab Trade Bridges (AATB) Board of Governors Meeting.
Speaking to policymakers, investors and development partners, Edun said that in a rapidly changing global economic landscape, Africa and the Arab region must strengthen regional trade, deepen investment flows and build shared value chains to unlock sustainable growth.
According to the Minister, new projections show that trade between the two regions could expand by over $37 billion within the next three years, but only if countries shift from exporting raw materials to embracing large-scale value addition, agro-processing and industrial partnerships.
He noted that Nigeria is already positioning itself as a key player through reforms aimed at improving trade efficiency, including the upcoming National Single Window platform that is expected to streamline port operations, strengthen customs systems and boost private-sector competitiveness.
“This is a moment to turn opportunity into action,” Edun said. “By working together, we can build resilient value chains, create quality jobs and support shared prosperity across our regions.”
He added that Africa and the Arab world share complementary strengths—from abundant natural resources to rising industrial capacity and expanding consumer markets—and that closer collaboration will accelerate growth for both regions.
The Minister urged partners to prioritise investment in agro-processing zones, industrial clusters, logistics infrastructure and cross-border trade mechanisms that will transform regional economies.
With renewed commitment from both blocs, he said, Africa and the Arab region can jointly unlock unprecedented opportunities in food security, manufacturing, technology, logistics and the broader real sector.
The Agribusiness Matchmaking Forum is one of the flagship engagements of the AATB programme, designed to connect businesses, mobilise investment and promote partnerships that drive inclusive economic growth.