Germany, through the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), in partnership with the World Trade Organization (WTO), has launched TradeConnect, a new initiative aimed at equipping young Nigerian entrepreneurs to thrive in global markets under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
The inaugural edition of TradeConnect kicked off in Lagos, marking a significant milestone in Germany’s strategic support for Nigeria’s youth-led export growth. The two-day programme was organised by Eric Andrew, a WTO Young Trade Leader, in collaboration with the WTO and GIZ, and trained 50 young entrepreneurs on international trade practices.
Speaking at the launch, Bernard Tayoh, GIZ’s Head of Project supporting ECOWAS in AfCFTA implementation, 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.”
In his remarks, Eric Andrew underscored the vision behind the initiative:
“As a WTO Young Trade Leader, my mission is to localise 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.”
Participants received hands-on training in key areas such as:
- International trade regulations
- Market access and export strategies
- Branding and compliance standards
- Trade finance
- Digital tools for trade
One of the participants, Eze Chidinma Mary, team lead of FarmCAS, praised the programme’s relevance:
“It’s been amazing, particularly for the opportunity to connect with various stakeholders involved in the export process. As an agropreneur, I have experienced quite a few bottlenecks in exporting. With what I have learnt, I am better empowered.”
TradeConnect also explored vital trade frameworks, including the AfCFTA, African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), and EU trade partnerships, to help entrepreneurs leverage existing opportunities.
GIZ’s role in the initiative reflects its broader commitment to strengthening regional value chains, boosting trade integration, and fostering inclusive economic growth across Nigeria and West Africa.
