Anambra Traders Eye Economic Boost as Ekwunife Pledges to Leverage AfCFTA
Senator Uche Ekwunife
By TC Nwachukwu
Traders in Anambra State may soon gain broader access to continental markets following a pledge by Senator Uche Lilian Ekwunife, the All Progressives Congress (APC) Deputy Governorship Candidate for the 2025 Anambra election, to harness the opportunities offered by the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Speaking to stakeholders and business leaders in Abuja, Ekwunife said her joint ticket with Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu would prioritize policies aimed at integrating Anambra’s entrepreneurs into Africa’s $3.4 trillion single market.
“Anambra is renowned for its entrepreneurial spirit and bustling markets. With AfCFTA, we have an unprecedented opportunity to connect our traders to vast African markets, reduce trade barriers, and boost exports,” she stated.
The AfCFTA, which encompasses 54 African countries and a population exceeding 1.3 billion, is projected to raise intra-African trade from the current 18% to over 50% by 2030, according to the African Union.
Ekwunife outlined several key initiatives designed to position Anambra traders competitively under the AfCFTA framework. These include.
Establishing a Trade Facilitation Office in Anambra to provide guidance on cross-border trade opportunities,Upgrading major commercial hubs such as Onitsha Main Market and Nnewi Spare Parts Market with digital infrastructure and integrated logistics hubs and Launching export finance schemes and training programs to help small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) meet international standards and compliance requirements.
She emphasized that sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, and electronics would receive targeted support, with specific backing for yam farmers, spare parts dealers, and electronics merchants.
The announcement has sparked optimism among business communities in Onitsha, Nnewi, and Awka. Many traders expressed hope that the proposed initiatives would provide long-awaited support for expanding into continental markets.
Anambra, long regarded as a commercial nerve center in southeastern Nigeria, hosts some of the largest open-air markets in Africa.
Analysts note that the state’s strategic location and vibrant SME ecosystem position it well to benefit from AfCFTA—provided the enabling policies are effectively implemented.
