The African Union (AU) has officially designated Nigeria as the Digital Trade Champion under the Africa Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Digital Trade Protocol. This recognition highlights Nigeria’s leadership in fostering digital enterprise and innovation across the continent.
According to a statement by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, the endorsement came during the 38th Ordinary Session of the AU Assembly of Heads of State and Government, held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The session acknowledged Nigeria’s proactive efforts in implementing the AfCFTA Digital Trade Protocol, which was adopted in February 2024.
Nigeria’s Role in Advancing Digital Trade
The AfCFTA Digital Trade Protocol aims to regulate and enhance digital trade across Africa. It includes provisions on:
- Rules of origin
- Digital identities
- Cross-border data transfers
- Cybersecurity and online safety
- Financial technology and emerging digital innovations
Former Nigerien President and AU AfCFTA Champion Mahamadou Issoufou praised Nigeria’s role in advancing the protocol, particularly for hosting the Digital Economy Roundtable in January 2024. He described the roundtable as a key step in shaping Africa’s digital economy and providing young Africans with new opportunities.
“No region or continent has developed such a comprehensive legal framework for digital trade. Africa is now positioned to leverage the digital economy for innovation and job creation,” Issoufou stated.
AU Ministers Hail Nigeria’s Leadership
Minister of Industry, Trade, and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, emphasized the significance of Nigeria’s designation, stating:
“The AfCFTA Digital Trade Protocol is a game changer. It will create millions of jobs for Africa’s tech-savvy youth, add billions to the continent’s GDP, and attract significant investments in public digital infrastructure.”
With this recognition, Nigeria is expected to lead efforts in harmonizing digital trade policies across Africa, boosting e-commerce, fintech, and digital entrepreneurship. The endorsement further cements Nigeria’s role as a driving force in Africa’s digital transformation.
