- Nigeria and Morocco are targeting between $7 billion and $10 billion in untapped bilateral trade as Business Week begins in February 2026.
- The forum aims to convert AfCFTA commitments into real value chains across agriculture, fertilisers, energy, and manufacturing.
Nigeria and Morocco are working to unlock between $7 billion and $10 billion in untapped bilateral trade. This effort comes as the second Nigeria–Morocco Business Week opens on 9 February across Lagos, Kano, and Abuja.
The four-day forum aims to move the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) from policy to real economic activity. Although both countries maintain strong diplomatic ties, trade between them remains lower than expected given their economic size and complementary strengths.
Nigeria wants to expand non-oil exports and strengthen agricultural supply chains. In addition, the country wants to reduce reliance on imported inputs such as fertiliser and agro-processing equipment. Meanwhile, Morocco is increasing its focus on sub-Saharan Africa as demand growth slows in its traditional European markets. As a major phosphate and fertiliser producer, Morocco sees Nigeria as a key long-term partner.
Despite strong potential, trade has faced several barriers. For example, logistics challenges, weak business linkages, and limited industrial integration between West and North Africa have slowed growth. Therefore, the forum aims to address these structural gaps.
The Embassy of Nigeria in Rabat is organising the event alongside Spectre TransTrade Global, CONSCIMA, chambers of commerce, and sector ministries from both countries. The 2026 edition builds on the first forum held in Casablanca in 2024, which attracted more than 130 companies.
This year, organisers are shifting focus from dialogue to implementation. As a result, the programme prioritises business-to-business matchmaking, technology transfer, and value addition. Organisers are also working to directly connect Nigerian buyers and importers with Moroccan producers and processors.
The forum follows a three-city structure aligned with Nigeria’s commercial hubs. First, Lagos will host high-level conferences, exhibitions, and B2B meetings involving corporates, financiers, and trade intermediaries. Next, Kano will focus on agriculture, agro-processing, and livestock, supported by industrial site visits. Finally, Abuja will host closed-door meetings between government and private sector leaders, followed by an awards ceremony.
Key sectors include agriculture, fertilisers, renewable energy, manufacturing, digital trade, and infrastructure. Morocco’s fertiliser production capacity could support Nigeria’s agricultural productivity and help close input gaps. At the same time, Nigeria’s large market and energy resources offer strong investment opportunities for Moroccan firms.
Beyond commodity trade, both countries want to build integrated industrial value chains under AfCFTA rules. To support this goal, organisers have secured partnerships with development finance institutions, chambers of commerce, and government agencies to drive post-forum project implementation.
Participation is expected to exceed the 2024 turnout. Consequently, companies from both countries are moving closer to signing formal agreements, especially in agriculture, agro-industry, livestock, and renewable energy sectors that support economic diversification in both economies.