FG unveils strategy to lead Africa’s digital trade revolution

By Kunle Sanni

The Federal Government has launched a comprehensive strategy to spearhead Africa’s digital trade revolution within the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) framework.

Vice President Kashim Shettima emphasized Nigeria’s unique position to lead the continent’s technological transformation during his keynote address at a Stakeholders Summit on Friday.

The event, themed “Digital Trade in Africa: The Renewed Hope Strategy,” is part of President Bola Tinubu’s administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda, aiming to harness trade as a catalyst for economic growth and continental cohesion in line with AfCFTA objectives.

“We are in a vantage position because we are the continent’s largest ICT hub, and as such, we must lead the way to the future of this peculiar wave of the Industrial Revolution,” Vice President Shettima stated. He highlighted the need to compare Nigeria’s policy initiatives with those of developed economies to sustain growth and maintain a leading position.

Senator Shettima outlined key components of the roadmap, including implementing AfCFTA’s Digital Trade Protocol and developing extensive technical talent hubs. The plan also focuses on enhancing digital infrastructure investments, promoting disruptive innovation and entrepreneurship, and ensuring alignment of multiple government agencies to support digital trade initiatives.

The Vice President stressed the importance of strong synergy between the public and private sectors in implementing the AfCFTA’s Digital Trade Protocol. He assured that the federal government remains committed to investing in digital infrastructure and human capital development to drive the process.

“Our programmes, from the Investment in Digital and Creative Enterprises (iDICE) to the ongoing intervention to train 3 million technical talents by the Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, to the Outsource to Nigeria Initiative (OTNI), are lifelines in our digital economy,” Shettima added. “They offer us an avenue to not only maximize our potential but also commit to the adoption of the Digital Trade Protocol within AfCFTA.”

Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijjani, noted the administration’s significant investments in the digital trade protocol to harness opportunities in the country and continent. Through policies and programmes such as the 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) programme, data protection policy, and improved digital infrastructure investments, the administration is equipping the young population for future opportunities.

Tijjani emphasized that the unprecedented opportunities within the single market area could be best harnessed through effective collaboration and networking facilitated by digital technology.

In his welcome address, Special Assistant to the President on ICT Policy, Salihu Nakande, thanked President Tinubu and Vice President Shettima for their dedication to the Renewed Hope Agenda, which has laid a solid foundation for the digital transformation journey in the country. Nakande highlighted the need for speed and cohesion among African countries to ensure AfCFTA’s success.

“We will explore how the digital economy and AfCFTA can transform Nigerian trade, boost economic growth, and support livelihoods,” Nakande said. He projected Nigeria to be a 1 trillion-dollar economy by 2026, emphasizing that a digital economy is necessary for achieving this goal.

Head of Prosperity at the British Deputy High Commission, Kris Kamponi, praised the initiative, noting its critical role in addressing issues related to growing prosperity for Africa. Senior Research Officer at ODI, Dr. Prachi Agarwal, commended Nigeria for its visionary approach and leadership in prioritizing digital trade and pledged the organization’s commitment to supporting AfCFTA’s operationalization.

The event also saw the participation of key figures such as the Executive Secretary of the Nigeria Shippers Council (NSC), Pius Akutah; Director General of National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Inuwa; Registrar-General of the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), Hussaini Magaji; Director General of Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN), Charles Odii; Managing Director of Nigeria Commodity Exchange, Anthony Atuche, and representatives of development partners.