By Vivian Emoni

Mrs Chinwe Ezenwa, the President, African Women in Processing, Nigeria, says partnership between Rwanda Air and the Federal Government will reduce logistics costs and improve export efficiency.

Ezenwa disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), at the Creative Africa Nexus (CANEX ) WKND2026 in Lagos on Saturday.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the two countries signed a Roadmap for the Nigeria East/Southern African Air Cargo Corridor with the government of Rwanda at the CANEX WKND2026.

She said that the partnership would promote trade, strengthen export capacity and provide stability for Nigerian exporters, adding that it would also address logistical challenges confronting Nigerian exporters.

She said the association, which had more than 1,000 members, had earlier drawn the attention of the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr Jumoke Oduwole, to the challenges.

According to her, the association’s complaints prompted the minister to seek an airline partnership that will reduce transportation costs for exporters.

Ezenwa, also Chief Executive Officer of Le Look House of Bags/Shoes, said the partnership had already commenced, providing Nigerian exporters with more affordable logistics and improved operational efficiency.

She described the arrangement as a significant development for exporters, particularly women entrepreneurs seeking to expand their businesses.

She disclosed that her organisation’s members were among the pioneering exporters benefiting from the partnership.

The association president also identified her business as the largest customer of Rwanda under the arrangement.

According to her, the initiative will create opportunities for other businesses and entrepreneurs seeking to participate in Nigeria’s export industry.

“Reducing logistics costs and improving efficiency will make exporting more accessible to emerging entrepreneurs.

She specifically emphasised the importance of obtaining a Certificate of Origin, which required to facilitate exports through the process.

“Exporters without the necessary certification might be unable to access the benefits provided under the partnership.

“Obtaining a Certificate of Origin had been simplified, making it easier for more businesses to participate in export activities,” she said.

Ezenwa expressed confidence in the implementation of the partnership, adding that its operations had already commenced.

She, however, advised prospective exporters to comply with established export procedures to benefit from the arrangement.
She welcomed the three-year initial implementation period announced by the minister, saying it would provide the stability needed by exporters to plan and sustain their businesses.
The president noted that the CANEX aimed to connect people across borders and promote cultural exchange.
She added that the event gathered key players from the Creative and Cultural Industries (CCI) to showcase their work, share ideas, build networks, and collaborate. (NAN)
VOE/VIV
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Edited by Vivian Ihechu