AU Endorses Nigeria as AfCFTA Digital Trade Champion

The African Union (AU) has officially recognized Nigeria as the Digital Trade Champion for the continent under the AfCFTA Digital Trade protocol. This landmark endorsement celebrates Nigeria’s remarkable achievements in promoting digital enterprise and innovation.

Nigeria’s Proactive Role in Digital Innovation

The decision comes on the back of Nigeria’s impressive track record in advancing digital technologies. Mr. Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy, highlighted Nigeria’s leadership in a recent statement. He noted that during the 38th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, Nigeria’s active role in implementing the digital trade protocol was acknowledged and commended.

Digital Trade Protocol

Adopted in February 2024, the digital trade protocol outlines an ambitious agenda designed to modernize Africa’s digital economy. The protocol includes eight key annexes covering critical areas such as:

Rules of origin
Digital identities
Cross-border data transfers
Public interest considerations for disclosing source code
Online safety and security
Emerging and advanced technologies
Financial technology

This robust framework is intended to provide a clear regulatory environment that will spur innovation, attract investments, and generate substantial economic growth across Africa.

Praise from Digital Trade Leaders

In his annual report on the progress of the AfCFTA’s digital trade protocol, former Nigerien President Mahamadou Issoufou praised Nigeria’s leadership. He emphasized the significance of convening the Digital Economy Roundtable in January, describing it as a pivotal moment in pushing the digital trade agenda forward.

“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 for innovation and job creation,” Issoufou remarked.

He further highlighted the role of Africa’s youth in driving digital innovation, particularly in mobile banking and other digital services, noting that the protocol will empower young innovators to take full advantage of Africa’s burgeoning digital landscape.

A Vision for Africa’s Economic Transformation

At a Digital Economy Roundtable in Abuja, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, Minister of Industry, Trade, and Investment, outlined the transformative potential of the AfCFTA Digital Trade Protocol. She described it as a game changer that is expected to:

Create millions of jobs for Africa’s tech-savvy youth
Contribute billions to the continent’s GDP
Attract significant investments in public digital infrastructure

This strategic move not only reinforces Nigeria’s position as a leader in digital innovation but also paves the way for a dynamic digital economy across Africa.

Nigeria’s endorsement as the Digital Trade Champion under the AfCFTA protocol marks a significant milestone in Africa’s journey toward a fully integrated digital economy. With robust regulatory frameworks and visionary leadership, the continent is poised to become a global hub for digital innovation and economic growth.

Stay tuned for more latest updates as Africa continues to embrace the digital revolution and unlock new opportunities for prosperity and development.