Nigeria has been officially endorsed as the Digital Trade Champion under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Digital Trade Protocol, a move that underscores the country’s leadership in driving digital transformation across Africa.
Speaking on the milestone, Nigeria’s Minister of Industry, Trade, and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, described the endorsement as a significant achievement, reinforcing Nigeria’s role as a key player in Africa’s evolving digital economy.
“Africa has taken a bold step by establishing the AfCFTA Protocol on Digital Trade, the first of its kind globally, to create a unified regulatory framework for digital commerce across the continent,” Oduwole said. “Nigeria’s designation as the AfCFTA Digital Trade Champion is a testament to our commitment to innovation and digital enterprise.”
The endorsement was announced at the 38th Ordinary Session of the AU Assembly of Heads of State and Government in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, where Nigeria was praised for its proactive approach to implementing the AfCFTA Digital Trade Protocol, which was adopted in February 2024.
According to Oduwole, the protocol covers eight key areas essential for Africa’s digital economy, including rules of origin, digital identities, cross-border data transfers, online security, emerging technologies, and FinTech. She noted that Nigeria’s leadership in digital trade would drive economic growth, create millions of jobs, and attract substantial investments in public digital infrastructure across the continent.
“The designation of Nigeria as Digital Trade Champion is not just an honorary title—it is a responsibility,” she added. “We are committed to collaborating with African nations, private sector players, and global partners to build a resilient, inclusive, and thriving digital economy that will position Africa as a formidable force in global digital commerce.”
Oduwole reaffirmed that under President Bola Tinubu’s administration, Nigeria would continue to spearhead initiatives that enhance digital trade, entrepreneurship, and technological innovation, ensuring that Africa maximizes its potential in the digital era.
