The key to venturing into export business is knowing what products have global demand, and how to start small. You’ve probably heard people talk about the “export business” and wonder if it’s for a select few. However, with the right product and strategy, exporting from Nigeria can open you up to a good source of income. 

This opportunity is not reserved for big companies. Many Nigerians are already making money exporting goods like shea butter and charcoal. 

So if you’ve ever wondered about what to export from Nigeria and make money from it, this blog post is for you.

In this post, we’ll look at 5 profitable export business ideas you can start and things you need to know before venturing into this business.

Why You Should Consider An Export Business From Nigeria

Exporting from Nigeria can be a lucrative business. Nigeria is a country rich in natural resources and agricultural products that are usually in high demand in foreign countries due to their high quality.

In addition, going into the export business creates an opportunity to earn in foreign currencies like the USD, EUR, or GBP.

Furthermore, the Nigerian government offers incentives to exporters such as the Export Expansion Grant (EEG) and access to funding through institutions such as the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC).

What You Need To Know Before Starting An Export Business In Nigeria

Exporting is not a get-rich-quick scheme

The export business is a long-term game. Building reliable international partnerships, setting up logistics, getting documented and gaining authority and trust doesn’t happen overnight. Stay focused on sustainable growth over quick wins.

Understand your target market

Not every product is in demand everywhere. Understanding your target market helps you understand what countries to export your goods to. This also affects pricing, marketing and distribution.

Get familiar with export regulations and documentation

Before you ship anything out of Nigeria, you need to register with the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC). This gives you an exporter’s certification and also opens you up to export incentives and support.

Build trust and relationships in your business

Building strong relationships in your business is an underrated way to grow as an exporter. Trust and relationships lead to repeat business, reduce risk concerns and promote referrals. Always make sure to communicate clearly with your clients and keep them updated.

Profitable Export Business Ideas From Nigeria

Ginger

Ginger is a root spice known for its strong aroma and health benefits. It’s that brown root spice used for seasoning or even medicinal purposes. Nigeria is one of the top global producers of ginger.

This product is relatively easy to store and transport when dried. Ginger is usually in demand all year round due to its medicinal and health benefits. It can be exported to countries such as USA, India, The Netherlands and Germany.

Cocoa

This is one of Nigeria’s most significant agricultural exports, according to NEXA. It’s the dried and fermented seed of Theobroma Cacao. It is used primarily in the production of chocolate, cocoa butter and beverages.

States such as Ondo, Ogun, Osun, and Ekiti are primary cocoa-producing areas. This product is usually exported to countries such as Poland, Germany, Indonesia, USA, Canada and Belgium. If you have access to cocoa producing regions or the means to source directly from a farmer, the cocoa export is a profitable export business idea to consider.

Cashew nuts

Cashew nuts are another high-demand agricultural product that Nigeria exports in large quantities. The cashew nut is produced across states including Kogi, Enugu, Kwara and Oyo.

While most of these nuts are exported in their raw form, there’s a growing market demand for semi-processed and fully processed ones. This product is exported to countries such as Vietnam, India, USA. These products are lightweight and non-perishable when properly stored. This is a thriving business with steady global demand.

Sesame seeds- Export business ideas

Sesame seeds are the seeds of the sesame plant usually used to flavour and garnish foods, especially baked goods. The seeds are tiny, oil-rich seeds that are pressed to extract the sesame oil used in cooking and cosmetics.

In the export business, some Nigerians focus solely on the raw seeds because they are easier to handle and have a longer shelf life.

Furthermore, Nigeria is one of the largest producers of sesame seeds, with major production in states like Benue, Jigawa, and Taraba. These seeds are usually harvested, cleaned and exported either in their raw or processed form to countries like Japan, China and Turkey.

If you’re looking for a profitable agricultural export business idea that is quite profitable, sesame seeds are a good bet.

Shea butter

Shea butter is a creamy, fat-rich substance extracted from the nuts of the shea tree. It is used in the beauty and skin care industries for smoother skin. This product is usually found in body lotions, lip balms, and hair products. Some food industries also use it as a substitute for cocoa butter.

There is a growing international demand for shea butter due to its high quality and rich moisturizing properties. Top countries that import shea butter include, United states, France, united kingdom, japan and south Korea.

Each of these products- ginger, cocoa, cashew nuts, sesame seeds and shea butter offers a real opportunity for you to get into the export game. But thriving in the export business goes beyond knowing what products to offer. You need to understand your target market, deliver high-quality goods and stay consistent even when business feels slow.

In addition, focusing on what buyers want and meeting both national and international standards and regulations positions you as a good business dealer and helps you enjoy the long-term profits that come with being an exporter in Nigeria.

Conclusion- Export Business Ideas

You don’t need to be a millionaire or have decades of experience to become an exporter. With the right mindset, a good in-demand product and an eager feeling to grow and learn, you can build a thriving export business from the ground up.

There are many more profitable products to export from Nigeria, but we just looked at these five due to their growing demand and their shelf life.

Have you been in the export business before? Drop your questions or comments in the comment box.