In a bid to strengthen regional trade and support Nigeria’s private sector, the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines, and Agriculture (NACCIMA) has deepened its partnership with the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank).
The renewed engagement was formalized during a courtesy visit by NACCIMA’s National President, Engr. Jani Ibrahim, to Afreximbank’s Abuja Regional Office, where he met with Alain Thierry Mbongue, Acting Regional Chief Operating Officer.
The discussions focused on improving trade, supporting women- and youth-owned businesses, and driving inclusive economic growth across Nigeria and the African continent.
Both parties stressed the urgent need to use trade finance, technology, and public-private partnerships to foster sustainable development in key economic sectors, according to Thisdaylive.
Engr. Ibrahim emphasized NACCIMA’s role as the umbrella body for Nigeria’s private sector and highlighted the association’s commitment to working closely with Afreximbank to create funding and technical support opportunities for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), especially those led by women and youth.
“NACCIMA recognizes the pivotal role of Afreximbank in providing innovative financing solutions to support African trade. Our visit is about forging a partnership that delivers real impact for our members, especially MSMEs who are the engine of job creation and economic resilience,” he said.
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Mbongue welcomed the delegation and reaffirmed Afreximbank’s dedication to building stronger ties with private sector stakeholders. He noted that the bank is already working across African countries.
Afreximbank Unveils $3 Billion Oil Trade Finance Programme To Strengthen Africa And Caribbean Energy Markets to increase access to finance, strengthen intra-African trade, and accelerate digital transformation, particularly in light of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
The visit also covered plans for capacity building, trade information sharing, and joint advocacy for policies that support private businesses.
Both sides recognized the growing importance of digital infrastructure and e-commerce in breaking trade barriers and improving the competitiveness of African enterprises.
They agreed to set up a technical working group to create a framework for collaboration in the coming months.
This partnership comes as Nigeria pushes to diversify its economy, expand non-oil exports, and build a more inclusive business environment, goals that require strong cooperation between the public and private sectors.
Meanwhile, Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal is preparing to host his fellow Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governors in Gusau on Saturday for a closed-door strategy session ahead of the party’s national convention.
The governors are expected to arrive in Gusau Friday evening, with a dinner hosted by Governor Lawal before the meeting.
According to a statement by Sulaiman Bala Idris, spokesperson to the Zamfara State Governor, the meeting will serve as “a pivotal gathering to deliberate on key political strategies and foster unity within the party.”
He added, “Governor Dauda Lawal extends a warm welcome to his counterparts, the governors of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
The governors are convening today (Friday) for an important session of the PDP Governors Forum.
Governor Lawal will host a dinner this evening, ahead of tomorrow’s strategic meeting.”
The statement explained that the session will allow PDP leaders to address major political issues, strengthen internal unity, and collaborate on development initiatives across their states.
It will also focus on preparations for the PDP National Convention, organized by the National Executive Committee (NEC), which is scheduled for November 15 and 16, 2025, in Ibadan, Oyo State.
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Image Credit: This Day
