The African Union (AU) has officially designated Nigeria as the Digital Trade Champion under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Digital Trade Protocol.
The continental union of governments cited Nigeria’s leadership in digital enterprise and innovation for the endorsement.
The AU endorsed Nigeria at the 38th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government, which ended on Sunday in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Nigeria’s proactive role in advancing the digital trade protocol, adopted in February 2024, was a key factor for the decision.
The AfCFTA Digital Trade Protocol encompasses eight annexes covering crucial areas, such as rules of origin, digital identities, cross-border data transfers, online safety, and financial technology.
The protocol is expected to provide a robust framework for Africa’s digital economy.
A statement yesterday in Abuja by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said former President of Niger Republic and AU AfCFTA Champion, Mahamadou Issoufou, praised Nigeria’s leadership, particularly for convening the Digital Economy Roundtable in January.
“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,” Issoufou said in his progress report to the AU Assembly.
He also highlighted Africa’s growing influence in digital innovation, particularly in mobile banking and financial technology, noting that the protocol would create an enabling environment for young African entrepreneurs.
“The AfCFTA Protocol on Digital Trade will establish a conducive environment for these young people to fully participate in Africa’s digital economy,” Issoufou added.
