The Nigerian government aims to create 10 million jobs across Africa by the end of 2025 through the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Digital Trade Protocol.
Vice President Kashim Shettima made this known during the AfCFTA Digital Trade Workshop and Global Market at the State House Conference Centre in Abuja with the theme “Unlocking State Exports Potential.” Represented by the Minister of Industry, Trade, and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, Shettima emphasized Nigeria’s critical role in this initiative, highlighting the country’s designation as Africa’s Digital Trade Champion.
Shettima highlighted Nigeria’s advancements in digital commerce, services, and innovation, stating that these strides have firmly positioned the country as Africa’s leading digital trade hub. He emphasized that Nigeria’s groundbreaking innovations in mobile payments have significantly enhanced cross-border transactions, expanded financial inclusion, and revolutionized digital payments across the continent.
Nigeria’s designation as Africa’s Digital Trade Champion follows President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment in December 2024 to spearhead the continent’s digital trade agenda. This pledge, made in Cape Town, was officially recognized at the 38th African Union Heads of State Summit, where former Niger President and AfCFTA Champion Mahamadou Issoufou commended Tinubu’s leadership.
Shettima stated the ambitious goals of the AfCFTA Digital Trade Protocol, which seeks to boost intra-African trade from 18% in 2022 to 50% by 2030. He noted that with over 109 million internet users and a booming mobile economy, Nigeria is well-positioned to drive Africa’s digital commerce revolution.
The Vice President highlighted the growing impact of Africa’s internet economy, projecting it to contribute 5.2% of the continent’s GDP this year, with the digital economy expected to surge to $180 billion, up from $115 billion in 2020.
According to him, “Initiatives, such as the Federal Ministry of Investment’s National Talent Export Programme, launched by the president in September 2023, the Outsource to Nigeria Initiative backed by the Office of the Vice President, and the three Million Technology Talents Programme of the Ministry of Innovation and Digital Economy, are leading this growth and opening up opportunities for access to high-quality Nigerian talent at a global scale.”
Shettima also noted Nigeria’s efforts to modernize its passport application system and upgrade port infrastructure, streamlining trade processes, cutting customs processing times, and strengthening the country’s capacity to handle a significant share of West Africa’s cargo.
Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani, emphasized the importance of embracing digital trade, warning that any nation that fails to do so risks being left behind. Represented by his deputy, Dr. Hadiza Balarabe, he commended the Tinubu administration’s progress in the ICT sector.
He described how digital trade platforms have removed traditional barriers, enabling businesses of all sizes to access regional and global markets. He also pointed to the vast opportunities within the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) in an increasingly interconnected world. With 65% of Nigeria’s population under 25, he noted that the country has the potential to become a global digital leader, leveraging its youthful workforce to drive innovation and economic growth.
