FMITI partners with Trademark Africa to drive trade reforms, industrialization in Nigeria
By: Abba Onyekachukwu, Abuja.
The Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment (FMITI) is set to collaborate with Trademark Africa (TMA) and its commercial arm, Trade Catalyst Africa (TCA), to strengthen trade reforms, promote industrialization, and expand Nigeria’s access to global markets. This strategic partnership aims to support medium- and small-scale enterprises (MSMEs) through commercial borrowings, building on TMA’s successful experiences in Ghana and Cote d’Ivoire.
The proposed partnership will enable MSMEs to tap into the benefits of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), boosting trading and exports of made-in-Nigeria products within Nigeria and the African continent.
Ambassador Nura Abba Rimi, Permanent Secretary of FMITI, emphasized that the partnership will improve trade efficiency, increase investment opportunities, and foster regional integration across Nigeria and the African continent.
TMA and its partners have invested over $1.5 billion across Africa to support transformative projects in infrastructure, transportation, and trade systems.
Nigeria is advancing its National IP Policy to align with global standards and promote geographical indication (GI) laws that protect unique agricultural products. TMA’s commercial arm, TCA, focuses on mobilizing funding to drive trade reforms in areas such as border post efficiency, customs modernization, and digital trade.
The partnership is poised to enhance Nigeria’s economic standing, bolster trade efficiency, and contribute significantly to sustainable development across Africa. With a shared commitment to deepen collaboration, FMITI and TMA are set to drive trade reforms and industrialization in Nigeria.
