The African Union (AU) has officially endorsed Nigeria as the Digital Trade Champion for the continent under the Africa Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Digital Trade Protocol. This recognition, announced at the 38th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, highlights Nigeria’s leadership in advancing digital enterprise and innovation across Africa.
According to a State House statement by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President (Information & Strategy), the endorsement follows Nigeria’s proactive efforts in promoting the AfCFTA Digital Trade Protocol, adopted in February 2024. The protocol aims to develop eight annexes covering critical areas such as digital identities, cross-border data transfers, online safety, and financial technology, positioning Africa to harness the digital economy for innovation and job creation.
Former Niger Republic President and AU AfCFTA Champion Mahamadou Issoufou praised Nigeria’s leadership during his progress report to the Assembly. He highlighted the pivotal role of the Digital Economy Roundtable convened by President Bola Tinubu in Abuja in January 2025, which brought together young pioneers in fintech, mobile banking, and other digital sectors. Issoufou noted that the Roundtable demonstrated the eagerness of Africa’s youth to leverage the AfCFTA Digital Trade Protocol to drive economic growth.
“No organisation, region, or continent has negotiated or adopted such a comprehensive legal instrument on digital trade,” Issoufou stated, emphasising the protocol’s potential to create a conducive environment for young Africans to thrive in the digital economy.
Nigeria’s Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, described the AU’s endorsement as a testament to Africa’s global leadership in digital trade. “The AfCFTA Digital Trade Protocol is a game changer,” she said, adding that it is expected to create millions of jobs, boost GDP, and attract significant investments in public digital infrastructure across the continent.
The AU’s recognition of Nigeria as the AfCFTA Digital Trade Champion underscores the country’s commitment to fostering a robust digital economy and its pivotal role in shaping Africa’s digital future.