The African Union (AU) has officially designated Nigeria as the Digital Trade Champion for the continent under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Digital Trade Protocol.
This follows the country’s notable efforts in advancing digital enterprise and innovation.
This endorsement came at the 38th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government, held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, where Nigeria’s significant contributions to the implementation of the digital trade protocol, adopted in February 2024, were celebrated.
The protocol aims to develop eight critical annexes, including areas such as rules of origin, digital identities, cross-border data transfers, public interest disclosures of source code, online safety and security, emerging technologies, and financial technology.
In his annual report on the AfCFTA’s digital trade progress, Mahamadou Issoufou, former President of Niger and AU AfCFTA Champion, commended Nigeria’s leadership, particularly in convening the Digital Economy Roundtable in January.
This event played a pivotal role in advancing the digital trade agenda across the continent.
Issoufou praised Africa’s comprehensive approach to digital trade, stating, “No organisation, region, or continent has negotiated or adopted such a comprehensive legal instrument on digital trade, positioning Africa to benefit from the digital economy, driving innovation, and creating jobs.”
He highlighted Africa’s young innovators, particularly in mobile banking and digital services, and underscored that the AfCFTA Protocol on Digital Trade would offer them a conducive environment to thrive in the continent’s expanding digital economy.
Reflecting on the Roundtable in Abuja, Issoufou also recognised President Bola Tinubu and his administration for hosting the event and inviting the AfCFTA Secretariat.
He remarked, “The Roundtable was attended by young pioneers in fintech, mobile banking, and other digital sectors, and it was clear that young people are eager to leverage Africa’s digital economy through the AfCFTA Protocol on Digital Trade.”
Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, Nigeria’s Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, addressed the significance of the AU’s endorsement, emphasizing the role of the AfCFTA Digital Trade Protocol in shaping Africa’s future.
“Africa is leading the world by pioneering the AfCFTA Protocol on Digital Trade, which provides a robust regulatory framework,” she said.
“This protocol is a game-changer, poised to create millions of jobs, contribute significantly to Africa’s GDP, and attract substantial investments in public digital infrastructure.”
With this designation, Nigeria is set to spearhead Africa’s digital transformation under the AfCFTA framework, ensuring broader economic growth, technological advancement, and job creation for the continent’s youthful population.
