PEDA Strengthens Nigeria’s Agricultural Trade Links with Global Partnerships

News in Brief:

-PEDA partnerships with COLEAD, Dubai consultancies, and SABA enhance Nigerian exporters’ access to Gulf and UK markets.

-Initiatives include traceability training, market linkages, logistics support, and export readiness programmes to boost agrifood trade.

The Produce Export Development Alliance (PEDA), formerly AFGEAN, is actively expanding Nigeria’s presence in global agricultural markets through strategic international partnerships. It has a vision to facilitate over $1 billion in traceable agrifood trade by 2030, strengthening the country’s export capacity and competitiveness.

Partnering for Global Market Access

Adetiloye Aiyeola, CEO of PEDA, explained that collaboration with the Brussels-based Committee Linking Entrepreneurship, Agriculture and Development (COLEAD) has provided Nigerian exporters with technical assistance, traceability training, and access to European buyer networks.

“These partnerships are key to ensuring Nigerian products meet global standards and reach international markets efficiently,” Aiyeola said.

Recently, PEDA led a market and trade development mission to Dubai, aimed at creating access for Nigerian products in Gulf markets. The initiative included discussions with leading food importers, distributors, and logistics firms, focusing on agro-commodities such as hibiscus, sesame, and dried fruits.

Strategic Business Linkages in the Gulf

Aiyeola revealed that PEDA partnered with a Dubai consultancy to facilitate structured business linkages between African and Gulf enterprises. This collaboration will officially begin with the Gulfood 2026 Strategy Programme in January, helping Nigerian exporters leverage the exhibition for market entry into the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region.

“Such initiatives allow us to build strong, reliable export pipelines that benefit both producers and buyers,” he added.

Expanding Ties with the UK

PEDA is also preparing for engagement with the Scottish African Business Association (SABA) in the United Kingdom. Discussions will focus on sustainability, trade relations, and investment opportunities between African agribusinesses and UK buyers.

“It is about building structured trade corridors and positioning Nigeria as a dependable source of quality agricultural exports,” Aiyeola said.

Building Long-Term Market Confidence

Itunuoluwa Olatawura, a volunteer with PEDA, stressed that the organisation is committed to creating long-term market confidence.

“Every partnership we cultivate helps make trade more reliable and profitable for African producers,” she said.

Through export advisory programmes, trade missions, and innovative projects, PEDA is demonstrating that Nigeria’s agricultural sector can meet both domestic food security needs and global demand.

Strengthening Nigeria’s Export Ecosystem

Founded to enable African agribusinesses to access international markets, PEDA has developed a strong network of farmer groups, exporters, and market enablers. The association now serves as a trade facilitation platform that provides market intelligence, logistics support, and export readiness initiatives, enhancing competitiveness in horticulture, processed foods, and non-oil commodities.

By linking producers to global buyers, PEDA continues to position Nigeria as a reliable supplier of high-quality agricultural products.