Under the Digital Trade Protocol of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), Nigeria has been formally named the Digital Trade Champion by the African Union (AU).
Nigeria’s leadership in innovation and digital industry was noted by the continental union of states as justification for the endorsement.
The 38th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government concluded on Sunday in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, with the AU endorsing Nigeria.
The decision was influenced in large part by Nigeria’s proactive efforts to advance the digital trade protocol, which was adopted in February 2024.
Eight annexes that cover important topics such rules of origin, digital identities, cross-border data transfers, online safety, and financial technology make up the AfCFTA Digital Trade Protocol.
Mahamadou Issoufou, the former president of the Niger Republic and AU AfCFTA Champion, commended Nigeria’s leadership, especially for hosting the Digital Economy Roundtable in January, according to a statement released yesterday in Abuja by Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy.
Issoufou said, “No organisation, region, or continent has negotiated or adopted such a comprehensive legal instrument on digital trade, positioning the African continent to benefit from the digital economy for innovation and job creation.
“The AfCFTA Protocol on Digital Trade will establish a conducive environment for these young people to fully participate in Africa’s digital economy.
“The Roundtable was attended by young pioneers in Fintech, mobile banking and other areas of the digital economy. It was evident from the discussions that young people are eager to take advantage of Africa’s digital economy through the AfCFTA Protocol on Digital Trade.”