Joy Agwunobi
The African Union (AU) has endorsed Nigeria as the Digital Trade Champion for the continent under the Africa Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Digital Trade Protocol. This recognition highlights Nigeria’s commitment to advancing digital enterprise and innovation across Africa.
The endorsement was announced during the 38th Ordinary Session of the AU Assembly of Heads of State and Government in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. At the session, Nigeria was commended for its active role in driving the implementation of the AfCFTA Digital Trade Protocol, which was adopted in February 2024.
The protocol outlines a framework covering eight key areas, including rules of origin, digital identities, cross-border data transfers, disclosure of source codes for legal and legitimate public interest reasons, online safety and security, financial technology, and emerging digital technologies.
Presenting his annual report on the AfCFTA Digital Trade Protocol, Mahamadou Issoufou, former Nigerien president and AU AfCFTA champion praised Nigeria’s leadership in advancing digital trade. He highlighted the Digital Economy Roundtable, hosted by Nigeria in January, as a significant step in shaping Africa’s digital future.
“No region or continent has negotiated or adopted such an extensive legal instrument on digital trade. This positions Africa to maximise the benefits of the digital economy for innovation and job creation,” Issoufou said.
He emphasised that young Africans are already leading innovation in mobile banking and other technology-driven services, and the digital trade protocol will create an enabling environment for them to thrive.
Issoufou also acknowledged President Bola Tinubu and his administration for organising the Abuja Roundtable, which brought together key players from the fintech and digital sectors. He noted that the enthusiasm displayed by young entrepreneurs at the event reflected their readiness to seize the opportunities offered by the AfCFTA Digital Trade Protocol.
Speaking on the AU’s endorsement of Nigeria, Jumoke Oduwole, minister of industry, trade, and investment, described the recognition as a turning point for Africa’s digital economy.
“Africa has set a global precedent by pioneering the AfCFTA Protocol on Digital Trade, which establishes a comprehensive regulatory framework,” Oduwole stated.
She added that Nigeria’s role as Digital Trade Champion would significantly boost the continent’s digital economy by creating millions of jobs for young tech professionals, contributing billions to Africa’s GDP, and attracting substantial investments in digital infrastructure.
