Export Business in Nigeria

 

Do you want to start an export business in Nigeria? If yes, then you are at the right place. In this article, I will discuss export and share some of the critical things you should consider before starting an export business in Nigeria.

The Nigerian economy has grown steadily over the last decade, which has led to increased demand for imports from other countries. As a result, the country now exports more goods than it does food. Exporting is a great way to earn extra income; however, it is also risky because of the high cost of importing into Nigeria. Therefore, it is essential to research Nigeria's business opportunities before embarking on an export venture.

What is Exporting?

Exporting means selling your products or services outside the borders of your home country. You can do this through local agents or directly with international buyers. The main advantage of exporting is selling your product in foreign markets while earning profits. Another advantage is that you don't have to worry about import duties and taxes since the buyer pays them.

However, exporting is not easy. You must do proper market research, write good sales letters, understand trade laws in different countries, and learn how to negotiate contracts.

Importance of Exporting

There are many benefits associated with exporting. One of them is that you will gain experience in marketing and management skills. These skills will help you when you start running your own business. Also, you will learn new ways of doing business.

Another benefit of exporting is meeting people who can help you grow as an entrepreneur. They may introduce you to potential customers, suppliers, investors, etc.

It would help if you also remembered that exporting has risks. For example, if you ship faulty products, you could lose money. Also, you could face delays in receiving payment from your customers.

How to Start Export Business in Nigeria

Before starting an export business, ensure you know what products or services you want to sell. Also, ensure that you have researched the market well and identified the best buyers in your target market.

Also, find out whether you need any licenses or permits to operate in the country where you plan to set up shop. Finally, create a detailed business plan. Include all the information needed to run your business, such as:

• Products or Services Offered

• Pricing Structure

• Marketing Plan

• Target Market

• Legal Requirements

• Financials

• Management Team

• Key Employees

• Operations

• Quality Control

• Customer Service

• Sales & Distribution

• Shipping

• Returns Policy

• Risk Management

Once you have created a business plan, it is time to look for funding sources. Investors are willing to fund businesses that show promise. Therefore, you must present your business plan to potential investors. If you cannot raise funds from friends or family, you should consider seeking loans from banks or microfinance institutions.

The next step is to choose your company structure. There are two types of company structures in Nigeria – Sole Proprietorship and Partnership. A sole proprietorship is owned by one person, whereas a partnership involves at least two partners.

Sole Proprietorship

A sole proprietorship is a business organization that allows its owner to conduct business activities without having to form a separate legal entity. This type of business is commonly used by individuals who wish to engage in small-scale business activities.

Partnership

A partnership is a business association formed by two or more persons. In this case, each partner owns a share of the profits and losses of the business. The partners' shares are determined based on their contributions to the company.

In addition to these two forms of business organizations, there is another type called "Limited Liability Company" (LLC). An LLC is similar to a partnership but has some advantages over partnerships. It is important to note that an LLC is not a legal entity. You cannot sue anyone in court using an LLC. However, the courts treat the LLC like a corporation if you get sued.

Why Export to Nigeria?

As mentioned earlier, Nigeria has been increasing over the past few years. This economic growth has led to increased spending power among consumers. As a result, there is a vast increase in the demand for imported goods.

Nigeria currently ranks number one among the ten economies in Africa. This rapid growth will continue to increase demand for imported goods and services. As a result, the government has set aside a substantial amount of money every year to support the development of the manufacturing sector. The cash funds projects such as building factories and training workers.

In addition, the government is encouraging foreign direct investment (FDI) to boost the manufacturing industry. So, many companies are moving their operations out of China and India and investing in Nigeria.

How Can You Start Your Own Export Business in Nigeria?

You can start your own export business in Nigeria in several ways. One is to look for existing businesses already doing well in the market. For example, if you want to start a clothing company, you could buy a factory that makes clothes and sell them abroad.

Another option is to open your shop. You can either rent a space in a mall or build your store. Then you can sell your products to customers who come to your store.

You can also sell your products online. There are many websites where you can list your products for sale. Some of these sites include eBay, Amazon, Alibaba, and others.

Another way to start an export business is to work for someone else. You can find jobs in Nigeria that pay between $100-$500 per month. These jobs usually involve sending packages internationally.

If you decide to go this route, register with the Nigerian Immigration Service to obtain a visa.

Risks Involved With Exporting

Starting a new business is always risky. If you fail, you may lose all of your capital. That means you must repay investors when they give you the funds.

However, starting a new business does not necessarily mean that you will fail. Even though most people think that exporting is difficult, it is straightforward. All you need is a good plan and enough resources.

The best part about exporting is that you can earn more than you would at home. You don't have to worry about taxes or other deductions when working for yourself. Plus, you can choose how much time you spend on each project.

Common Problems Face in their Own Export Business

One of the biggest problems people face when starting their own export business is finding buyers for their products. It is so hard to get buyers that some people even consider giving up. However, if you do everything right from the beginning, you should find plenty of potential buyers.

One problem that many people encounter when trying to find buyers is competition. Many countries worldwide compete against each other to attract overseas investments. As a result, there are fewer opportunities for companies to invest in Africa.

Another common problem people experience when starting their own export company is getting funding. It is important to note that banks are not interested in lending money to small businesses. They only lend money to large corporations.

When applying for loans, you might have to pay high-interest rates. At the same time, the bank might ask you to put down too much collateral. This means you would have less money left after paying off your loan.

Conclusion

Starting an export business in Nigeria is difficult, but it offers some significant advantages. Most people who have successfully created their own export business say it was the best decision ever. With this guide, I hope you will have summoned some courage to start your export business. Good luck!