Africa’s 1.4bn Market: Diplomats, Customs, Business Leaders Push Women-Led Trade, Industrial Growth

ACCBCF Chairman proposes Africa–China women export partnership as stakeholders seek stronger financing, manufacturing and market access

Diplomats, government officials and business leaders have called for stronger industrial cooperation, improved trade financing and easier market access to empower African women entrepreneurs and expand their participation in regional and global trade.

The call was made at the African Women's Economic Sovereignty Summit and Awards (AWESSA 2026), held at the Nigeria Customs Service Headquarters Auditorium in Abuja.

Speakers included Summit Chairman Ambassador Dr. Godknows Boladei Igali; Philippine Ambassador to Nigeria, Mersole J. Mellejor; ACCBCF National Chairman, High Chief Mike Yousuf Ugwu (Zheng Xiaopeng); Nigeria Customs Service Assistant Comptroller Claire Funmilayo Olowu; and AWESSA Convener Helen Okon.

Igali Urges Women’s Participation in AfCFTA

Igali described women as major contributors to African agriculture, small businesses and informal trade, despite receiving limited economic returns.

He said Africa's 1.4 billion-person market offered significant opportunities, urging governments to formalise cross-border trade and improve women's access to training, export incentives and institutional support under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

Philippine Envoy Advocates Business Partnerships

Ambassador Mellejor highlighted women's contributions to economic development and corporate leadership, citing the Philippines' experience.

He called for stronger partnerships between Philippine and Nigerian companies, stressing that diplomatic relations should translate into practical, mutually beneficial economic cooperation.

Customs Calls for Trade Facilitation

Assistant Comptroller Olowu, delivering an address on behalf of the Nigeria Customs Service leadership, identified documentation barriers, financing difficulties, product standards and irregular border charges as challenges confronting women traders.

The Service pledged to support trade facilitation and help women-owned businesses move into formal cross-border commerce.

ACCBCF Chairman Proposes Export Partnership

High Chief Mike Yousuf Ugwu (Zheng Xiaopeng) said Africa's economic transformation must move beyond commodity trading towards manufacturing, innovation, investment and exports.

He proposed four priorities: industrial technology transfer, Africa–China joint ventures, trade financing and international market access.

He urged stronger connections between African women entrepreneurs and Chinese manufacturers, technology providers, investors and global buyers.

The ACCBCF Chairman proposed exploring an Africa–China Women Export Business Partnership to strengthen export training, product certification, industrial cooperation and access to financing.

He said ACCBCF was ready to engage AWESSA, government agencies, financial institutions and business partners on possible implementation arrangements.

“Our vision is clear: Made in Africa, value added in Africa, and exported to the world,” he said.

AWESSA Convener Seeks Institutional Support

AWESSA Convener Helen Okon emphasised that women's economic independence required equitable financing, supportive policies and stronger partnerships among governments, financial institutions and businesses.

She called for practical collaboration to help women-led enterprises expand production and participate more effectively in international markets.

The summit underscored the need to move women's economic empowerment beyond small-scale trading towards industrial production, regional integration and global exports.