The inaugural edition of ‘TradeConnect’ officially kicked off in Lagos, spotlighting the strategic leadership of Germany through Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) in empowering Nigeria’s next generation of exporters under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Organised by WTO Young Trade Leader, Eric Andrew, in collaboration with the World Trade Organization (WTO) and Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), the two-day training program was set to equip 50 young entrepreneurs with the skills, tools, and networks needed to thrive in global markets.
Speaking during the opening session, the GIZ Head of Project, Support Project to ECOWAS in the implementation of AfCFTA, Bernard Tayoh, emphasised the program’s alignment with GIZ’s ongoing support to the ECOWAS Commission on AfCFTA implementation.
He said, “Trade is more than economic growth—it is transformation. Through our ECOWAS AfCFTA support project, we are committed to breaking barriers for young businesses. ‘TradeConnect’ is exactly the kind of initiative that brings the benefits of targeted trade policy to life—empowering real people with real tools to access real markets.”
Delivering his welcome remarks, Eric Andrew explained the rationale behind the program:“As a WTO Young Trade Leader, my mission is to localize global trade knowledge and connect Nigerian entrepreneurs to international opportunities.
“TradeConnect is our way of saying: Nigerian youth are ready, and with the right support—like what GIZ is providing—we can compete globally and win.”
Throughout the two days, participants received hands-on training on international trade regulations, market access strategies, export branding, compliance standards, trade finance, and digital tools. Day 2 explored key trade agreements including Africa Continental Free Trade Agreement, African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), and European Union (EU) trade frameworks.
One of the participants, Eze Chidinma Mary, the team lead of FarmCAS, shared her excitement:“It’s been amazing particularly for the opportunity to connect with various stakeholders who are involved in the process of export.As an agropreneur, I have experienced quite some bottlenecks exporting. With what I have learnt at this program, I am better empowered.”
GIZ’s pivotal role in the program builds on its long-standing commitment to strengthening regional value chains, advancing trade integration, and fostering inclusive economic growth in Nigeria and across West Africa.
The Support to the ECOWAS Commission in the Implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) project is funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and the European Union and implemented by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH (GIZ) GmbH.
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