New data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) shows that Togo has replaced South Africa as the nation’s top African trading partner. The development, driven by a dramatic surge in non-crude oil exports to Togo, underscores a rebalancing of Nigeria’s trade priorities towards its immediate West African neighbors.
The latest figures reveal a stark contrast between the first and second quarters of the year. In Q1 2025, South Africa was Nigeria’s leading African export destination, with trade valued at N708.7 billion Naira ($463 million).
This figure was predominantly driven by crude oil, which accounted for over 99% of the trade value. In the same period, Togo ranked fourth, with exports from Nigeria standing at a more modest N134.8 billion ($88 million).
However, a dramatic shift occurred in Q2. Nigeria’s exports to Togo surged six-fold to N811.97 billion ($530 million), with a notable N698.7 billion ($456 million) originating from non-crude oil products.
This represents a substantial portion of Nigeria’s total exports to Africa and solidifies Togo’s position not only as the top export destination but also as Nigeria’s largest African source of imports, valued at N211.99 billion ($138 million).
This rapid acceleration in trade with Togo comes at the direct expense of South Africa, which saw its export value from Nigeria plummet by 33% to N473.65 billion (approximately $309 million) in the same quarter.
While South Africa’s imports from Nigeria were still heavily dominated by crude oil, the decline signals a clear shift in trade flows away from the continent’s southern economic powerhouse and toward closer, more integrated regional partners.
The Rise of Non-Oil Trade
A breakdown of the trade data reveals that the growth was largely driven by a diverse range of non-oil goods. Nigeria’s exports to Togo were dominated by agricultural products, including significant quantities of cocoa, cashew nuts, and sesame seeds.
Nigeria also exported light manufactured goods such as plastic and rubber products, as well as processed foods and beverages. In return, Nigeria imported essential materials from Togo, notably cement and clinker for its construction sector, textile products, and refined petroleum products.
The Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) noted that non-oil exports in the first half of 2025 were valued at $3.225 billion, a 19.59% increase over the previous year.
As a key re-export hub for West Africa, Togo’s lomé seaport provides a vital gateway for Nigerian goods, particularly non-oil products, to access the wider regional market.
The decline in trade with South Africa, while significant, is part of a broader trend. The Q2 2025 data shows a consistent contraction in Nigeria’s exports to the country. This shift may be attributed to a combination of factors, including macroeconomic conditions in both countries and a deliberate diversification of Nigeria’s export destinations.
While Nigeria and South Africa continue to be major economic forces, the data suggests that direct bilateral trade is becoming less central to their economic relationship as Nigeria pursues more localized trade opportunities.
