Nigeria joins AATB Program through new membership agreement in Abuja

Nigeria officially became the newest member of the Arab Africa Trade Bridges Program following the signing of a membership agreement in Abuja. The move introduces a long-term framework designed to strengthen Nigeria’s trade competitiveness, diversify exports, and reinforce critical value chains aligned with national development goals.

The agreement was signed during the AATB Board of Governors Meeting by Eng. Adeeb Y. Al Aama, CEO of the International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation and Secretary General of the Program, alongside Nigeria’s Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun. The partnership sets the stage for cooperation in trade promotion, agribusiness upgrades, SME support, logistics improvements, and digital trade readiness.

Edun underscored the urgency of expanding collaboration between African and Arab economies during remarks at the Agribusiness Matchmaking Forum. He emphasized that shifting global conditions make regional integration more essential than ever, urging countries to prioritize value-added industries and broaden intra-regional investment.

He cited projections indicating that Arab-Africa trade could increase by more than US$37 billion within three years. Edun highlighted Nigeria’s industrial potential and the coming National Single Window reforms as foundations for efficiency, innovation, and stronger private-sector participation.

A push for shared value chains and regional industrial growth

Edun called for partners to focus on transforming raw commodities into competitive finished goods, noting that coordinated trade structures are key to unlocking economic advantages across African and Arab markets. He said improved connectivity between regional industries can open new value chains, expand employment, and reinforce long-term development.

He stressed that with aligned priorities and mutual investment, both regions can accelerate progress. According to Edun, Nigeria’s evolving industrial landscape, alongside collaborative programs such as AATB, positions the country to take advantage of new opportunities in manufacturing and agribusiness.

AATB highlights Nigeria’s role in expanding regional trade

AATB Secretary General Adeeb A. Al Aama welcomed Nigeria’s accession, describing the country as one of Africa’s most resilient and opportunity-rich economies. He cited Nigeria’s emerging strengths in agribusiness, digital industries, energy, and manufacturing as key areas for future AATB engagement.

He noted that the Program intends to work closely with Nigerian institutions to broaden access to regional markets, support trade finance, improve value-chain performance, and align new initiatives with national priorities. The membership adds momentum to AATB’s expanding portfolio, which includes programs in agribusiness, textiles, logistics, digital trade, and export readiness under AfCFTA.

The Program’s recent regional efforts — including work on Common African Agro-Parks — underline its commitment to advancing inclusive trade-led growth. With Nigeria joining, AATB strengthens its presence across West Africa and secures a major partner in the shared goal of building integrated and competitive markets.