The World Trade Center (WTC), Abuja, has unveiled a dedicated export launch pad to enhance Nigeria’s trade competitiveness and support small and medium-scale enterprises in accessing global markets.
Unveiled by WTC Abuja Vice President Ahmed Adelaja following a webinar on ‘Navigating Global Uncertainties and Breaking Barriers to Growth,’ the launch pad serves as the centre’s flagship business accelerator. Adelaja described it as a strategic response to persistent challenges limiting Nigeria’s participation in global trade and aligned with national and continental development goals, including Nigeria’s economic diversification plan and the African Union’s Agenda 2063.
The new initiative will offer services such as export diagnostics, market intelligence, packaging and compliance advisory, logistics support, access to trade finance, and connections to verified international buyers. It is also expected to act as a pipeline for trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), ECOWAS regional integration, and broader international exports, focusing on sectors like agriculture, manufacturing, the creative economy, and services.
Adelaja also introduced the WTC Abuja Trade Desk, a support hub designed to assist exporters with market entry, regulatory processes, documentation, and business matchmaking through the global WTC network. He noted that it would collaborate with chambers of commerce, trade agencies, and international partners to bridge Nigerian businesses to global opportunities.
Prof. Jonathan Aremu, a keynote speaker and expert in international economic relations, highlighted the need for a multi-sectoral approach to overcome global uncertainties and domestic trade barriers. He stressed the importance of strategic partnerships, digital transformation, diversification, and expanding product offerings to reduce economic vulnerabilities.
Kevin Oye, President of NACCIMA, represented by Mahmud Ahmed, underscored the private sector’s critical role in driving export competitiveness through innovation, infrastructure, and global outreach.
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