President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has called for stronger economic cooperation among African countries, saying the continent’s future depends on trade, investment, innovation, and better partnerships between African nations.
The Nigerian president made this known after arriving in Kigali, Rwanda, from Nairobi, Kenya, where he joined other African leaders at the Africa Forward Summit hosted by Kenyan President William Ruto and French President Emmanuel Macron. The summit focused on creating a new kind of partnership for Africa — one built on business growth, infrastructure, technology, and shared economic progress instead of dependence on foreign aid.
Upon his arrival in Kigali, Tinubu was warmly received by Rwandan President Paul Kagame at the Urugwiro Presidential Village, where both leaders held discussions aimed at improving economic ties between Nigeria and Rwanda.
According to Tinubu, Africa must begin to rely more on its own markets and businesses by increasing trade within the continent. He explained that African countries need to make it easier and faster for goods to move across borders while creating more opportunities for local entrepreneurs to grow their businesses beyond their home countries.
One major area discussed during the meeting was the expansion of trade between Nigeria and Rwanda. Tinubu revealed that early discussions are already taking place with RwandAir on a possible flat-rate cargo arrangement that could make it easier and more affordable for Nigerian businesses to transport goods across Africa. The move is expected to help businesses plan shipping costs better and improve trade efficiency on the continent.
The president also emphasized the importance of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), a major agreement designed to boost trade among African nations by reducing barriers and improving market access. Nigeria and Rwanda, both strong supporters of the AfCFTA, agreed to continue working together to promote digital trade, improve business opportunities, and remove obstacles affecting African enterprises.
Tinubu further announced that Nigeria will host the AfCFTA Council of Ministers and Digital Trade Forum in June. He also invited African leaders, investors, and global business stakeholders to Nigeria for the Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF) and CANEX events scheduled to hold from November 5 to 11, 2026, as well as another major gathering in November 2027.
Upon his arrival in Kigali, Tinubu was warmly received by Rwandan President Paul Kagame at the Urugwiro Presidential Village, where both leaders held discussions aimed at improving economic ties between Nigeria and Rwanda.
According to Tinubu, Africa must begin to rely more on its own markets and businesses by increasing trade within the continent. He explained that African countries need to make it easier and faster for goods to move across borders while creating more opportunities for local entrepreneurs to grow their businesses beyond their home countries.
One major area discussed during the meeting was the expansion of trade between Nigeria and Rwanda. Tinubu revealed that early discussions are already taking place with RwandAir on a possible flat-rate cargo arrangement that could make it easier and more affordable for Nigerian businesses to transport goods across Africa. The move is expected to help businesses plan shipping costs better and improve trade efficiency on the continent.
The president also emphasized the importance of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), a major agreement designed to boost trade among African nations by reducing barriers and improving market access. Nigeria and Rwanda, both strong supporters of the AfCFTA, agreed to continue working together to promote digital trade, improve business opportunities, and remove obstacles affecting African enterprises.
Tinubu further announced that Nigeria will host the AfCFTA Council of Ministers and Digital Trade Forum in June. He also invited African leaders, investors, and global business stakeholders to Nigeria for the Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF) and CANEX events scheduled to hold from November 5 to 11, 2026, as well as another major gathering in November 2027.