AU commends Tinubu for implementing AfCFTA digital trade protocol

The African Union’s (AU) Africa Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) champion and former president of the Republic of Niger, Mahamadou Issoufou, has commended President Bola Tinubu and Nigeria for taking steps towards the agreement’s implementation, including organizing a roundtable highlighting the AfCFTA Protocol.

At the ongoing AU Assembly taking place in Addis Ababa, President Issoufou delivered his annual report, highlighting key achievements in advancing the AfCFTA’s Digital Trade Protocol, with its eight completed annexes—the first of its kind in the world.

The AfCFTA Protocols on digital trade and trade in services are important to economic transformation, presenting unparalleled opportunities for Nigeria to elevate its economic profile.
These protocols, designed to enhance trade and economic integration across Africa, are particularly significant for Nigeria, as they offer pathways to boost economic competitiveness, accelerate job creation, and foster inclusive growth.

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Additionally, the protocol simplifies cross-border e-commerce by streamlining customs procedures and harmonizing regulations. This not only facilitates the flow of digital goods and services but also creates an enabling environment for Nigerian businesses to thrive.

Just last month, Nigeria hosted the AfCFTA Secretary-General and convened a roundtable on trade in goods and services, featuring leading Nigerian fintech innovators such as Bamboo, Helium Health, Renda, CcHUB, and Vendease. These companies shared their tech-driven business solutions, demonstrating Nigeria’s pioneering role in digital trade expansion across Africa.

Additionally, in December last year, during his address in Cape Town, South Africa, President Tinubu expressed eager willingness to collaborate with other African countries on the digital trade agenda for the benefit of all Africans.

This recognition further reinforces Nigeria’s role as a key driver in shaping Africa’s digital economy under the AfCFTA framework. With the AfCFTA Protocol on digital trade now in place, Nigeria is well-positioned to harness this foundation to unlock even greater opportunities for growth and continental integration.