AU Names Nigeria as AfCFTA Digital Trade Champion

• The African Union has endorsed Nigeria as the Digital Trade Champion under the AfCFTA, recognizing its leadership in digital enterprise and innovation

• Nigeria’s role in advancing the digital trade protocol, which aims to establish a structured digital trade framework across Africa, was acknowledged

The African Union (AU) has officially designated Nigeria as the continent’s Digital Trade Champion under the Africa Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Digital Trade Protocol.

This recognition highlights Nigeria’s strong commitment to digital innovation and enterprise growth.

During the 38th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government, which concluded on Sunday in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, Nigeria’s proactive role in advancing the AfCFTA digital trade protocol was acknowledged.

The protocol, adopted in February 2024, aims to establish a structured digital trade framework across Africa.

It includes eight key annexes covering essential areas such as rules of origin, digital identities, cross-border data transfers, public interest disclosures of source code, online safety, security measures, emerging technologies, and financial technology.

In his annual report on the progress of the AfCFTA Digital Trade Protocol, former Niger Republic President and AU AfCFTA champion Mahamadou Issoufou praised Nigeria’s leadership. He highlighted the importance of the Digital Economy Roundtable in January as a major step in pushing the digital trade agenda forward.

“No other region or continent has developed such a comprehensive legal framework for digital trade. This initiative positions Africa to fully benefit from the digital economy by fostering innovation and job creation,” Issoufou stated.

He also noted that Africa’s youth are leading in digital innovation, especially in mobile banking and other technology-driven services.

“The AfCFTA Digital Trade Protocol will create an enabling environment for young Africans to thrive in the digital economy,” he added.

Issoufou also commended Nigerian President Bola Tinubu and his administration for organizing the Digital Economy Roundtable in Abuja and involving the AfCFTA Secretariat in discussions.