The inaugural edition of TradeConnect has been launched in Lagos, showcasing Germany’s strategic support through Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit in empowering Nigeria’s emerging exporters under the African Continental Free Trade Area.
According to a statement, the two-day training programme recently held in Lagos and organised by the World Trade Organisation’s Young Trade Leader, Eric Andrew, in collaboration with the WTO and GIZ, aimed at equipping 50 young Nigerian entrepreneurs with the skills, tools, and networks needed to thrive in global markets.
It noted that the programme marks a significant step in Germany’s strategic support for regional trade and youth entrepreneurship in West Africa.
It noted that GIZ, a key partner in the initiative, has continued to champion trade integration through its ECOWAS AfCFTA Support Project.
Speaking at the opening session, the Head of Project for GIZ’s Support to ECOWAS in implementing AfCFTA, Bernard Tayoh, described the programme as a catalyst for transformation.
“Trade is more than economic growth it is transformation. TradeConnect brings targeted trade policy to life, empowering real people with real tools to access real markets,” Tayoh said.
Also, the visionary behind TradeConnect, Eric Andrew, explained the motivation behind the initiative.
“As a WTO Young Trade Leader, my mission is to localise global trade knowledge and connect Nigerian entrepreneurs to international opportunities,” he said.
“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,” Andrew added.
It noted that the programme delivered hands-on training in key areas such as international trade regulations, export branding, trade finance, digital tools, compliance standards, and market access strategies. The second day featured deep dives into trade agreements including AfCFTA, the African Growth and Opportunity Act, and the European Union trade frameworks.
On her part, the Team Lead of Agro-Export startup FarmCAS, Eze Mary, said, “It is been amazing, particularly the opportunity to connect with stakeholders in export. As an agropreneur, I have faced many bottlenecks, but with what I’ve learned here, I feel better empowered.”
It added that GIZ’s involvement reinforces its broader commitment to building regional value chains, reducing trade barriers, and fostering inclusive economic growth in Nigeria and beyond.
“TradeConnect stands as a model of how international cooperation and youth-driven innovation can unlock Africa’s trade potential,” it added.
