How Nigeria is Leading Africa’s Digital Trade Revolution

By Achimi Muktar

At the 38th African Union (AU) Summit, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu received high praise for Nigeria’s groundbreaking efforts in advancing the continent’s digital trade landscape. In a major endorsement, His Excellency Mahamadou Issoufou, the African Union’s AfCFTA Champion and former President of Niger, highlighted Nigeria’s leadership in implementing the AfCFTA’s Digital Trade Protocol—an ambitious initiative with eight annexes, making it the first of its kind globally.

President Issoufou acknowledged Tinubu’s proactive steps, particularly Nigeria’s hosting of a high-profile roundtable in January 2025, where the AfCFTA Secretary-General met with top Nigerian FinTech innovators. Industry leaders such as CcHUB, Norebase, Helium Health, Renda, Vendease, and Bamboo showcased their cutting-edge solutions, reaffirming Nigeria’s status as a trailblazer in Africa’s digital economy.

Adding momentum to this vision, Tinubu made a bold commitment in December 2024 during his address in Cape Town, South Africa. He pledged to collaborate with other African nations to accelerate digital trade for the collective prosperity of the continent.

This recognition at the AU Summit cements Nigeria’s influence in shaping Africa’s economic future, proving that under Tinubu’s leadership, the nation is not just participating in the AfCFTA but actively driving the digital trade revolution.