Kano and Lagos, Nigeria – 27 & 29 October 2025
More than 200 farmers, agribusiness owners, and exporters participated in a two-city workshop series held in Kano and Lagos on the 27 and 29 October 2025 to deepen understanding of the United Kingdom’s Developing Countries Trading Scheme (DCTS) and its opportunities for Nigerian businesses.
The workshops — jointly facilitated by the UK in Nigeria and Propcom+- aimed to equip participants with the knowledge and tools to access the UK market through sustainable trade, quality assurance, and compliance with international standards.
The Developing Countries Trading Scheme (DCTS) is a UK government initiative designed to strengthen trade partnerships with developing countries by providing fairer and more generous market access, including waivers, reduced tariffs and streamlined export procedures.
Participants at the DCTS Roadshow in Lagos, Nigeria
Empowering Agribusinesses for Global Trade
The events brought together stakeholders from across Nigeria’s agricultural value chains — including smallholder farmers, exporters, aggregators, and processors — to learn about export readiness, product certification, labelling requirements, and financing opportunities. Participants also engaged with trade experts, regulatory agencies, policymakers, and financial institutions to discuss practical pathways for leveraging the DCTS to expand export revenues and create jobs across agricultural markets. “The DCTS is not just about trade — it’s about deeping relationships between the UK and Nigeria,” said Ms Jasmine Dirie, Head of the DCTS at the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.
Regional Impact: From North to South
The interactions focused on linking smallholder farmers and cooperatives producing high-demand products to export opportunities under the DCTS. Participants explored how integrating improved processing and quality control practices could enhance competitiveness.
Othe discussions highlighted the role of private sector investment, logistics infrastructure, and compliance frameworks in scaling export volumes and improving trade efficiency. Participants gained insights into packaging innovations, cold chain management, and access to UK buyers.
The Country Director Propcom+ (4th left), DG Kano Investment Promotion Agency (7th left) and other participants during the DCTS Kano
Strengthening Nigeria–UK Trade Ties
In both locations the UK in Nigeria underscored the UK’s commitment to supporting Nigeria’s economic diversification and export growth through agricultural value chain development. They also reflected Propcom+’s ongoing role in driving market systems development (MSD) by facilitating partnerships that unlock finance, technology, and market access for smallholders and agribusinesses.
As a next step, Propcom+ and partners plan to continue providing technical assistance, capacity building, and policy support to ensure more Nigerian products reach international markets competitively and sustainably.
About Propcom+
Propcom+ is a UK-funded Market Systems Development (MSD) programme promoting climate-smart, inclusive, and sustainable agriculture across Nigeria. By engaging public and private sector actors, Propcom+ facilitates innovations that strengthen livelihoods, enhance productivity, and contribute to resilient food systems.
