Nigeria’s trade profile on the continent witnessed a major shift in the second quarter of 2025, as Togo emerged as the country’s top African trading partner, surpassing South Africa, which has traditionally held the position.
According to newly released figures from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), trade between Nigeria and Togo accounted for the largest share of intra-African commerce during the period, driven primarily by re-exports and increased demand for Nigerian goods in the West African sub-region.
The NBS data shows that while South Africa maintained strong trade flows with Nigeria, particularly in oil and manufactured products, Togo’s rise reflects a growing hub role in regional commerce. Lomé, the Togolese capital, has become a critical transit point for Nigerian exports, particularly refined petroleum products, cement, and agricultural commodities.
Economists note that the development underscores Nigeria’s deepening economic integration within West Africa, where proximity, shared borders, and regional trade agreements under ECOWAS continue to influence trade dynamics.
However, analysts also warn that the shift highlights the complexity of Nigeria’s export structure. Much of the recorded trade with Togo is linked to re-export activities, with goods often transiting through Togo to other destinations, raising concerns about transparency and the true scale of bilateral trade.
South Africa, once Nigeria’s dominant partner in the continent, remains significant, particularly in sectors such as energy, automobiles, telecommunications, and retail investments. But the Q2 figures suggest that West Africa, rather than Southern Africa, is increasingly central to Nigeria’s continental trade activity.
Trade experts argue that the trend could accelerate under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), if Nigeria can boost competitiveness and streamline border processes.
“The shift shows that regional neighbours like Togo are becoming gateways for Nigerian trade,” one analyst explained. “But it also highlights the urgent need for Nigeria to diversify beyond re-exports and strengthen local value chains.”
