James Emejo and Folalumi Alaran
The Minister of State for Industry, Trade and Investment, Mrs. Mariam Katagum, has reaffirmed the commitment of the federal government towards sustainable development of Nigerian entrepreneurs.
Katagum, during a meeting with a delegation from the Nigeria Entrepreneurs Forum (NEF) and the Organisation of Women in International Trade (OWIT) Nigeria, led by the President Nigeria Entrepreneurs Forum (NEF), Dr. Sidney Inegbedion, in Abuja, noted that the present administration had put in place various programmes, including Export Expansion Grant EEG, MSMEs Survival Fund and the National Diaspora Policy as part of efforts aimed at encouraging the growth of small scale businesses in the country.
The AfCFTA agreement is brokered by the AU, and was signed by 44 of its 55 member states in Kigali, Rwanda on March 21, 2018.
It is reputed to be the largest free-trade area in the world in terms of the number of participating countries since the formation of the World Trade Organisation.
The main objectives of the AfCFTA are to create a continental market for goods and services with free movement of people and capital and pave the way for creating a Customs Union.
It is expected to grow intra-African trade through better harmonisation and coordination of trade liberalisation across the continent.
Immediately after signing the agreement establishing the AfCFTA on July 7, 2019, President