The Nigerian-American Chamber of Commerce (NACC), in collaboration with the United States Africa Trade Desk (USATD), has identified agriculture, fashion and technology as key sectors for strengthening Nigeria-United States economic ties.
 
This was the focus of a high-level webinar convened under the theme, ‘Exploring Two-Way Trade Opportunities Between Nigeria and the U.S’, which brought together trade experts and business leaders to discuss strategies for strengthening economic ties amid evolving tariff structures and global supply chain dynamics.
 
The session spotlighted the USATD’s role as a private sector-driven platform designed to bridge U.S. market demand with African supply, using a data-driven approach and strategic partnerships with the U.S. Departments of Commerce and State.
 
Founder, USATD, Gavin van der Burgh, explained that the platform provides a full-service route-to-market mechanism for African producers, including regulatory compliance, logistics support and direct-to-retail integration in the U.S.
 
“Our mission is to create trade pathways that generate jobs, reduce dependency on Chinese supply chains and position Africa, especially Nigeria, as a reliable source of high-quality, ethically sourced goods,” he said.
 
According to him, Nigeria’s export profile to the U.S. is expanding beyond crude oil and urea to include cocoa, sesame and processed agricultural goods. He highlighted cashew nuts, cocoa and sesame as high-potential agricultural exports, with Nigeria producing 68 per cent of the world’s cashews and revealed plans to process Nigerian cashews in America. While acknowledging China’s deep trade ties with Africa, he contrasted China’s loan-based approach with the U.S. emphasis on mutual benefit.

Senior Bilateral Trade Advisor, USATD, William Fanjoy, highlighted the importance of aligning Nigerian exports with U.S. trade strategy, noting that U.S. Customs and Border Protection encourages imports that contain American content.
 
He added: “A critical question every Nigerian exporter must ask is: can we incorporate a U.S. component investment, inputs or materials to create win-win transactions and reduce tariff impacts?”
 
With the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) set to expire in September, Nigerian exporters were urged to prepare for potential shifts in U.S. trade policy. Fanjoy stressed the need for agility, noting that Nigeria’s exports to the U.S., valued at $5.7 billion in 2024, could face new tariffs if AGOA is not renewed.
 
He urged Nigerian businesses to look beyond AGOA and build resilience through competitiveness, branding and bilateral trade readiness.On the role of U.S., founder, Delaware Black Chamber of Commerce (DEBCC), Ayanna Khan, noted that Delaware offers tremendous potential for Nigerian exporters, pointing to the growing demand for African fashion, Nollywood film and Afrobeats music in the U.S. She also referenced efforts to foster deeper cultural and economic ties through diaspora-led initiatives, including dual citizenship pilot schemes and the promotion of African arts and culture.
 
Director, Continental Services, USATD, Frances Fraser, outlined an eight-step onboarding process required for Nigerian exporters to successfully enter the U.S. retail ecosystem, noting the need for food safety certification, detailed product specifications and openness in documentation.
 
The Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) was also spotlighted for its role in facilitating export documentation. Acting Director General, NACC, Wofai Samuel, said NACC is committed to unlocking more two-way trade prospects between both countries by helping Nigerian businesses navigate the complex U.S. market through trade education, partnerships and export preparedness.