Nigeria has been named the Digital Trade Champion under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Digital Trade Protocol, a recognition of the country’s remarkable strides in digital enterprise and innovation.
The prestigious endorsement came during the 38th Assembly of Heads of State and Government in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, where Nigeria’s leadership in advancing digital trade across Africa was celebrated. The protocol, which was adopted in February 2024, aims to harmonize digital trade policies across the continent, fostering seamless e-commerce, fintech expansion, and cross-border digital transactions.
Former Nigerien President and AU AfCFTA Champion Mahamadou Issoufou lauded Nigeria’s commitment, particularly for hosting the Digital Economy Roundtable in January 2025. He described the event as a pivotal moment for Africa’s digital trade agenda, reinforcing Nigeria’s role as a driver of technological transformation and economic integration.
With this recognition, Nigeria is expected to play a leading role in shaping policies that enhance digital trade, attract investments, and position Africa as a global tech powerhouse.
This achievement solidifies the nation’s status as a frontrunner in the digital economy, paving the way for more innovation, job creation, and economic diversification within the AfCFTA framework.
