Borno, Chad Move To Strengthen Cross-Border Trade, Investment, Economic Cooperation

The Borno State Government and a high-level delegation from Chad have expressed readiness to strengthen cross-border trade, investment and economic cooperation following a three-day summit held in Maiduguri.

The summit, which focused on cross-border trade and investment opportunities, brought together stakeholders from Borno State and the Republic of Chad to explore new avenues for economic cooperation, business partnerships and regional development.

Discussions at the closing session on Wednesday centred on agriculture, livestock, food processing, transportation, trade and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), identified as sectors with significant potential to expand commercial activities between the neighbouring territories.

Speaking at the event, a traditional title holder in the Borno Emirate Council, Alhaji Hassan Zanna, the Zanna Boguma of Borno, said the summit provided a platform for stakeholders to examine emerging economic opportunities, strengthen business relationships and identify practical measures to promote cross-border trade and investment.

Zanna said Borno State’s strategic location in Nigeria’s North-East and its proximity to Chad positioned it as an important gateway for regional commerce.

He noted that stronger economic ties between the two areas could enable businesses to access wider markets, improve the movement of goods and services, and establish partnerships capable of stimulating economic growth.

According to him, agriculture and livestock featured prominently in the discussions because of their importance to the livelihoods of communities across the region.

He said improved cooperation in the sectors could create opportunities for agricultural producers, livestock traders, processors and other participants in the value chain.

The traditional title holder also identified food processing as a potential driver of value addition, job creation and increased business activity, noting that investment in processing facilities, storage and distribution could help reduce post-harvest losses, improve product quality and expand market access.

On transportation and logistics, Zanna said efficient transport networks, streamlined trade procedures and improved coordination among relevant stakeholders would be critical to reducing the cost and time involved in moving goods between Borno and Chad.

He added that the summit offered small and medium-sized enterprises opportunities to explore new markets, establish commercial contacts and identify potential investors and business partners.

Speaking on behalf of the high-level delegation from Chad’s Zagawa Province, the Special Adviser to the Chadian President, Dr Youssouf Tyera, expressed the delegation’s readiness to strengthen economic cooperation with Borno State through investments in agriculture, livestock and other strategic sectors.

Tyera said the delegation’s visit and participation in the summit were aimed at exploring opportunities for business, investment and educational cooperation that could deliver mutual benefits and improve the livelihoods of communities in both Chad and Nigeria.

He said the engagement was intended to chart a new course for bilateral cooperation by building on the longstanding historical relations between the two areas.

According to him, closer collaboration in strategic sectors could create opportunities for economic growth, strengthen people-to-people relations and promote shared prosperity.

Tyera added that the summit would help revive existing ties between the communities while opening new avenues for partnerships in trade, education and investment.

He said the proposed cooperation in agriculture and livestock was particularly important because of the sectors’ contributions to livelihoods and economic activities across the region.

The delegation’s visit highlights the potential for stronger cross-border partnerships between communities in Chad and Borno State, particularly in sectors capable of supporting sustainable development, expanding business opportunities and improving living standards.

Both sides are expected to explore practical areas of collaboration to translate their renewed commitment into tangible economic and social benefits for their respective communities.