The Minister of Industry, Trade, and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, at the 15th meeting of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to upholding the digital trade protocol to boost investment, export, and economic reforms.
The AfCFTA Digital Protocol, enacted in February 2024, establishes a legal framework to accelerate tech-driven innovation and commerce across Africa, promoting digital trade and cooperation while ensuring a secure and trusted ecosystem.
Speaking at the close of the two-day meeting in Addis Ababa, Oduwole reiterated the government’s support for the recommendations by the Committee of Senior Trade Officials.
This endorsement underscores Nigeria’s dedication to enhancing digital infrastructure across State Parties.
The minister expressed optimism that the protocol would strengthen the growth and utilization of African digital platforms and computing facilities by African-owned SMEs within State Parties.
Emphasizing the importance of robust personal data protection to foster trust and prevent cybercrimes and fraud, she said, “Nigeria fully supports the recommendations of the Committee of Senior Trade Officials.
“We recognize and underscore the value of leveraging digital infrastructure across State Parties while considering the need for strong provisions on the protection of personal data, to build trust amongst ourselves and prevent fraud and cyber-crimes.
“The Protocol on Digital Trade has provided strong and pragmatic rules that will not only promote digital transformation on the continent but also support the growth and use of African digital platforms and computing facilities, within State Parties, by African-owned small and medium enterprises,” the Minister added.
Oduwole, alongside other trade delegates, commended the efforts of the Secretariat, Committee on Digital Trade, and Senior Trade Officials.
“I wish to join other delegations in appreciating the enormous work done by the Secretariat, Committee on Digital Trade, and Senior Trade Officials, which has enabled us to deliver the Annexes within the approved timeframe,” the Minister expressed.
“This will, no doubt, ensure that the seamless operationalization of the new protocol will serve as a catalyst for economic development by increasing trade, creating jobs, and reducing poverty, as well as optimizing the industrial structure of the continent,” she stated.