Nigeria urges stronger Africa-Arab trade to accelerate agribusiness, industrial growth
Abdullateef Fowewe
The Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, has emphasised the need for deeper trade collaboration between African and Arab countries to enhance agribusiness and industrial development.
A statement obtained from the Ministry of Finance revealed that at the Agribusiness Matchmaking Forum in Abuja, held ahead of the AATB Board of Governors Meeting, Edun remarked on the changing global economy, saying, “this is a moment to turn opportunity into action.”
He stressed that African and Arab nations must focus on regional cooperation, investment, and shared markets to thrive.
Pointing out promising prospects, the Minister highlighted that Arab–African trade could expand by over $37 billion within the next three years.
He called on partners to shift from exporting raw commodities toward “value-added agribusiness and industrial partnerships for regional growth.”
Edun also noted that Nigeria’s expanding industrial sector and the forthcoming National Single Window reforms will enhance efficiency and encourage private-sector investment.
According to him, collaboration could “build stronger value chains, create jobs and support prosperity across our regions.”
