The African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) has urged Nigeria and the rest of Africa to strengthen intra-African trade and resilience to protect against geopolitical shocks.

In a recently released Trade and Development Finance Brief, titled: ‘Africa’s Trade and Investment Landscape’, which examines the structural challenges shaping Africa’s trade performance and investment outlook in an increasingly uncertain global environment, it pointed out that Africa’s trade landscape remained heavily dominated by the export of raw materials, including agricultural products, oil, gas and minerals.

The report, however, regretted that imports continued to be heavily skewed towards manufactured goods and machinery.

The report noted that the existing export-import configuration leaves many African economies overly exposed to unfavourable terms of trade shock on account of external headwinds, including commodity price volatility, geopolitical tensions and associated global supply chain disruptions.

According to the report, the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) remained central to efforts aimed at diversifying the continent’s trade base, strengthening regional value chains and increasing intra-African trade.

It further expressed that alongside the African Union’s Agenda 2063, the AfCFTA provides a practical framework for integrating fragmented markets, expanding industrial production and boosting productivity, with intra-African exports projected to increase by more than 20 per cent within a decade as implementation advances.

Also, the report further highlighted the importance of scaling investment in trade-enabling infrastructure, including energy, transport, communications networks, ports and logistics systems, to reduce the cost of doing business and improve cross-border trade flows.

It expressed that targeted infrastructure investment could support industrialisation, strengthen regional specialisation and improve Africa’s competitiveness as an investment destination.

It also pointed to a wider set of priorities for strengthening the continent’s trade and investment ecosystem, including regulatory coherence, institutional strengthening, economic diversification, improved access to finance for small and medium-sized enterprises and greater use of digital financial technologies.

Besides, the report stated that domestic and foreign investment were increasing across many African economies, notwithstanding the observed dominance of foreign investment.

It further mentioned that the direction of investment flows was uneven across sub-regions, with Eastern and Southern Africa receiving a larger share of foreign direct investment compared to Western and Central Africa.

Afreximbank said the findings reinforced the need for coordinated action to expand trade finance, improve trade-enabling infrastructure, deepen regional integration and accelerate value addition across the continent.

Managing Director, Research for AfreximBank, Dr Yemi Kale, said regional development finance institutions, including AfreximBank, were playing an increasing role in supporting intra-African trade through trade finance and related initiatives.

A recent study – Nigeria’s Credit Landscape Report 2025 – has revealed a striking paradox in the nation’s financial ecosystem, revealing that while more Nigerians are becoming financially included, only about 6% of adults currently access credit through formal financial institutions.

Published by Credit Direct in June 2026, the report highlights that although more than 64% of Nigerian adults are financially included, formal credit penetration remains significantly low. Credit to the Nigerian private sector stands at just 13.1% of GDP, well below peer African economies such as Kenya and South Africa. The findings point to persistent barriers to credit access for households, entrepreneurs and small businesses, despite improving economic conditions and growing business activity across key sectors of the economy.

The report also notes that Nigeria’s real sector recorded sustained expansion throughout 2025, with manufacturing, services and agriculture posting positive growth indicators, creating increased demand for working capital and business financing.

Reacting to the findings, Mutual Benefits Assurance Plc said the report reinforces the urgent need for a more holistic approach to financial inclusion, one that combines access to finance with savings, insurance protection and long-term financial planning.

The leading insurer noted that while access to credit remains important for economic growth, financial protection mechanisms are equally essential in helping individuals and businesses withstand economic shocks.

Through its diverse portfolio of solutions, Mutual Benefits continues to provide Nigerians with tools to build, preserve and protect wealth. These include education-focused protection plans, life assurance products, savings-oriented solutions, motor and property insurance and business protection products designed to safeguard livelihoods and future goals.

According to the Managing Director, Mutual Benefits Assurance Plc, Femi Asenuga: “The conversation around financial inclusion must go beyond opening bank accounts and accessing loans. True financial empowerment is achieved when individuals and businesses can access financing opportunities while also protecting their income, assets, families and future aspirations from unforeseen risks.

“For many Nigerian families and business owners, a single unexpected event such as a medical emergency, fire incident, business disruption or loss of income, can erase years of financial progress. This is why insurance and disciplined savings remain critical pillars of long-term financial resilience.”

The report further reveals that Microfinance Banks account for only 5.4% of Nigeria’s total loan book, underscoring the need for stronger support for SMEs and underserved communities that often struggle to access conventional bank financing.

As part of its commitment to advancing financial inclusion, Mutual Microfinance Bank continues to deliver accessible financing solutions tailored to the needs of small businesses, traders, salary earners, entrepreneurs and emerging enterprises across Nigeria. As at December 31, 2025, the Bank had disbursed loans totaling N1.372 billion, further strengthening access to formal credit for individuals and businesses across its target segments. This growth trajectory continued into 2026, with the loan portfolio rising to N1.558 billion by the end of Q1 2026, reflecting sustained momentum in supporting productive economic activity

Asenuga added: “Small businesses remain the backbone of Nigeria’s economy, yet many continue to face significant barriers in accessing affordable financing. Through Mutual Microfinance Bank, we are helping to bridge this gap by providing flexible financial solutions that enable entrepreneurs to grow, create jobs and contribute meaningfully to economic development.

“At the same time, we encourage individuals and businesses to think beyond borrowing by adopting a culture of saving, risk management and financial protection. Sustainable prosperity is built not only by generating income but also by protecting it.”

With economic activity expected to strengthen further and demand for financing projected to increase across several sectors, Mutual Benefits believes that the future of financial inclusion in Nigeria will depend on creating an ecosystem where access to credit, savings and protection work together to improve financial well-being.

The company reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Nigerians through innovative insurance solutions and accessible financial services that empower individuals, families, and businesses to build resilience, pursue opportunities confidently, and achieve lasting financial security.

Mutual Benefits Assurance Plc is one of Nigeria’s leading insurance companies with over 30 years of experience in providing reliable and innovative life and non-life insurance solutions to individuals, families and businesses. Through innovation, customer-centricity and a commitment to financial inclusion, the company continues to deliver value, protection and peace of mind to customers across Nigeria.

On its part, Mutual Microfinance Bank is committed to expanding access to financial services for individuals, micro-enterprises and small businesses through innovative savings products, accessible financing solutions and customer-focused banking services that promote economic empowerment and financial inclusion.

MTN Nigeria has successfully concluded the Aba leg of its youth cultural and creative movement, The Gathering on 100. The 18-hour event marks a significant milestone for entrepreneurship in Eastern Nigeria.

The event, which took place at the Prime Time Event Centre in Osisioma from June 14 to 15, 2026, transformed the venue into a tech hub for young innovators in Aba.

The Pitchathon had 10 standout startups compete for a total prize pool of ₦5 million. The competition showcased the immense potential of Aba’s youth, encouraging them to live life to the fullest through technological and creative excellence.

The participating startups, representing a cross-section of Aba’s burgeoning innovation ecosystem, impressed judges with solutions ranging from logistics to artisanal tech. Among the finalists were Trashverse Recycling Technology Limited founded by Charles Ikechukwu, Yadah Food, founded by Deborah Enyinnaya and Utytrends Global Ventures led by Utibe Akwa.

After a rigorous evaluation by judges Chiemela Anosike, Dr. Chime Chimezie-Uche, and Justina Nwokedi, the winners were officially announced. Trashverse Recycling Technology Limited, led by Charles Ikechukwu, claimed the first-place prize of ₦2.5 million.

Ikechukwu, founder of Trashverse Recycling Technology Limited, shared his excitement “Winning this pitchathon is a dream come true for our team. The support from The Gathering on 100 and MTN validates our vision and provides the financial backing we need to scale our production and serve more customers in Aba and the global stage.”

Utytrends Global Ventures secured the second-place prize of ₦1.5 million, while Yadah Food took home ₦1 million. These founders showcased solutions that blended local ingenuity with scalable technological frameworks, reinforcing Aba’s reputation as a powerhouse of Nigerian manufacturing and entrepreneurial spirit.

The Gathering on 100’s Pitchathon provided a platform for these early-stage founders to validate their business ideas before an audience of investors and industry stakeholders. For the winners, the funding serves as a catalyst to scale their operations and fulfill market demands, effectively bridging the gap between innovative concepts and industrial-scale production.

Reflecting on the Pitchathon, the Regional Manager, Operations, Southern Region, MTN Nigeria, Ifeanyichukwu Odom, said “Aba has always been a city of creators, innovators, and dreamers. Today, we witnessed young people expressing their passions across business, creativity, culture, and technology. The Gathering is about giving them a platform to be seen, heard, and celebrated.”

She noted that the Pitchathon had showcased the depth of talent and innovation emerging from the region, with participants presenting solutions capable of creating meaningful impact in their communities. “The Pitchathon winners made one thing clear, the Eastern Nigeria startup ecosystem is not waiting to be discovered. It is already forming, and it is ready when structure and support meet ambition. Through the power of connectivity and digital innovation, MTN remains committed to helping young Nigerians unlock their potential and Live It 100.”

This Aba edition built on the momentum of the Lagos edition held at the National Stadium, Surulere, in April, where eight startups received ₦45 million in funding. With its Aba execution, MTN has deepened access to opportunity and visibility for the next generation of business leaders.