Nigeria has been officially designated as Africa’s Digital Trade Champion, a role expected to generate over 10 million new jobs across the continent by the end of 2025. Vice President Kashim Shettima reaffirmed the country’s commitment to leading Africa’s digital trade agenda under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). Represented by the Minister of Industry, Trade, and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, Shettima made this statement at the AfCFTA Digital Trade Workshop and Global Market, held at the State House Conference Centre in Abuja.
The event, themed “Unlocking State Exports Potential,” brought together officials from federal and state governments, including commissioners of trade and industry, alongside private sector stakeholders. Shettima emphasized Nigeria’s progress in digital commerce, financial technology, and innovation, positioning it as the continent’s hub for digital trade. He highlighted the country’s advancements in mobile payments, which have revolutionized cross-border transactions and financial inclusion across Africa.
Nigeria’s recognition as Africa’s Digital Trade Champion follows President Bola Tinubu’s pledge in December 2024 to spearhead the digital trade agenda for the continent. This leadership role was formally acknowledged at the 38th African Union Heads of State Summit, where former Nigerien President Mahamadou Issoufou commended Tinubu for his commitment to digital trade integration.
At the workshop, Shettima announced that Nigeria’s Ambassador to the World Trade Organization, Dr. Adamu Mohammed Abdulhamid, had been appointed as the Chairperson of the Committee of Trade and Services Special Session. He also noted that the AfCFTA Digital Trade Protocol aims to boost intra-African trade from 18% in 2022 to 50% by 2030, with Nigeria’s vast digital infrastructure—including over 109 million internet users and a growing mobile economy—serving as the foundation for this transformation.
The digital economy is projected to contribute 5.2% of Africa’s GDP this year, reaching $180 billion—an increase from $115 billion in 2020. Initiatives such as the Federal Ministry of Investment’s National Talent Export Programme, the Outsource to Nigeria Initiative, and the 3 Million Technology Talents Programme have been pivotal in nurturing high-quality Nigerian talent for global markets. Shettima also underscored Nigeria’s ongoing modernization efforts, including streamlining passport applications and investing in port infrastructure to reduce customs processing times and enhance trade facilitation.
Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, praised the government’s commitment to youth empowerment, referencing the Nigerian Youth Investment Fund, which supports young entrepreneurs in agriculture, manufacturing, textiles, and digital services. He expressed optimism that strategic partnerships and digital platforms would enable Nigerian youths to scale their businesses for international trade.
Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani, highlighted the transformative power of digital trade, emphasizing that nations failing to embrace digital commerce risk being left behind. Represented by Deputy Governor Hadiza Balarabe, he noted that digital trade platforms have eliminated traditional barriers, enabling businesses of all sizes to compete in regional and global markets. Given that 65% of Nigeria’s population is under 25, he argued that the country has a demographic advantage that could propel it to become a global digital powerhouse.
Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, acknowledged AfCFTA’s potential to strengthen Nigeria’s creative sector. She emphasized that the recently approved Creative Economy Development Fund would help artists and content creators monetize their intellectual property, turning creativity into bankable assets that can drive economic growth.
Nigeria Customs Service Comptroller General, Adewale Adeniyi, reaffirmed the agency’s dedication to digital trade facilitation. He highlighted the establishment of a dedicated export command in Lagos and the deployment of new digital solutions, such as the B’Odogwu platform, to enhance trade efficiency and transparency.
Director General of the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), Engr. Abisoye Coker-Odusote, emphasized that digital identity systems would be crucial in transforming Nigeria’s trade landscape. She projected a surge in business registrations through digital channels as the country shifts towards a tech-driven economy.
In his remarks, Special Assistant to the President on ICT Policy, Dr. Salihu Dasuki Nakande, stated that Nigeria’s designation as AfCFTA Digital Trade Champion solidifies its role as a leader in shaping Africa’s digital economy. Similarly, Special Assistant to the President on Export Promotion, Aliyu Bunu Sheriff, noted that Nigeria’s non-oil exports exceeded $5.4 billion in 2024 but stressed that the country’s export potential remains largely untapped. He cited opportunities in agriculture, particularly in fruit and vegetable exports, which could yield billions of dollars if strategically developed.
Principal Research Fellow at the Overseas Development Institute (ODI), Max Mendez-Parra, emphasized that AfCFTA’s Digital Trade Protocol could drive industrialization by creating a conducive environment for digital commerce and innovation. He called for a robust implementation strategy to maximize the agreement’s economic benefits.
Mark Smithson, Country Director for the British High Commission’s Department for Business and Trade in Nigeria, described AfCFTA as Africa’s most ambitious regional economic initiative, with the potential to drive industrial growth, job creation, and economic prosperity. He stressed that Nigeria’s leadership in digital trade could unlock vast economic opportunities, fostering inclusive growth across the continent.
With Nigeria at the forefront of Africa’s digital trade transformation, the country’s leadership role under AfCFTA is expected to accelerate economic integration, stimulate job creation, and position Nigeria as a dominant player in the global digital economy.
