News in brief:
– Afreximbank launches new quality assurance centres in Kaduna and Imo, addressing quality challenges in agriculture, oil, and gas.
– As part of its IMPACT 2026 Plan, these centres tackle trade barriers, enhance exports, and foster economic growth.
Afreximbank announced that it has kicked off the development of two African Quality Assurance Centres (AQACs) in Nigeria, located in Kaduna and Imo States. The goal is to raise product standards and strengthen trade across Africa. While the bank initially shared its plans on its website in June 2024, this latest update confirms that construction has officially begun.
In Kaduna, the centre is being built on a 5-hectare plot within the Green Agro Allied Industrial Zone along the Kaduna-Abuja road, in Chikun Local Government Area. It will cater to industries like food, agriculture, packaging, and leather, helping to address gaps in quality and ensuring that products meet international standards. Essentially, it’s a step forward for making Nigerian goods more competitive in global markets.
Meanwhile, in Imo State, the AQAC is breaking new ground—literally and figuratively. This facility will house Nigeria’s very first Crude Oil Assay Laboratory, which is expected to transform oil and gas testing in the country. Beyond that, the centre will also support the food and agriculture industries, boosting the state’s push for economic diversification.
Tackling non-tariff barriers under IMPACT 2026 plan
These projects tie into Afreximbank’s broader IMPACT 2026 strategy, which is focused on overcoming non-tariff trade barriers, increasing exports, and harmonising trade across the continent. By setting up these quality assurance hubs, the bank aims to enable African goods to compete more effectively on a global scale, spurring economic growth and regional integration.
The centres are being developed in collaboration with Bureau Veritas, a global leader in testing, inspection, and certification. This partnership ensures that the AQACs will operate to the highest standards, offering reassurance to both local producers and international buyers.
This initiative represents a big leap forward in Afreximbank’s efforts to drive intra-African trade and export development. By addressing longstanding challenges with product quality, these centres could be game-changers for Africa’s presence in the global marketplace.
