April 19, 2025 — The African Union (AU) has officially designated Nigeria as Africa's Digital Trade Champion under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Digital Trade Protocol. This recognition underscores Nigeria's leadership in digital innovation and its commitment to advancing the continent's digital economy.
The endorsement was formalized during the 38th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Nigeria's proactive role in implementing the digital trade protocol, adopted in February 2024, was a significant factor in this decision. The protocol encompasses eight annexes addressing critical areas such as digital identities, cross-border data transfers, online safety, and financial technology.
Vice President Kashim Shettima highlighted Nigeria's advancements in digital commerce, services, and innovation, positioning the country as the continent's digital trade hub. "Our innovations in mobile payments have transformed cross-border payments, financial inclusion, and digital transactions across the continent," he stated.
The AU's endorsement follows President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's December 2024 pledge in Cape Town to champion the digital trade agenda for all Africans. This leadership role was further recognized at the summit, where President Tinubu received commendation from former Niger President Mahamadou Issoufou, the AfCFTA Champion.
The AfCFTA Digital Trade Protocol aims to increase intra-African trade from 18% in 2022 to 50% by 2030. With over 109 million internet users and a thriving mobile economy, Nigeria has the foundation to lead Africa's digital commerce evolution.
Initiatives such as the Federal Ministry of Investment's National Talent Export Programme, launched by the President in September 2023, the Outsource to Nigeria Initiative backed by the Office of the Vice President, and the 3 Million Technology Talents Programme of the Ministry of Innovation and Digital Economy are driving this growth and opening up opportunities for access to high-quality Nigerian talent at a global scale.
As Africa's Digital Trade Champion, Nigeria is poised to spearhead the continent's digital transformation, fostering economic growth, technological advancement, and job creation for Africa's burgeoning youth population.
