FG launches strategy for Africa’s digital trade transformation

• Published On: 20 July 2024 at 14:58

On Friday, the Federal Government of Nigeria revealed a comprehensive plan to promote the continent's digital trade revolution in accordance with the framework of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement.

This was revealed by Vice President Kassim Shettima during a keynote address at a stakeholders summit titled "Digital Trade in Africa: The Renewed Hope Strategy," held at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.

The programme is an important component of President Bola Tinubu's Renewed Hope Agenda, which seeks to use trade as a catalyst for continental unification and economic prosperity, in line with the AfCFTA's goals.

"Nigeria is in a unique position to spearhead the continent's technological transformation," Vice President Kashim Shettima said in a statement released on X.

Shettima stated that the plan comprises implementing the AfCFTA's Digital Trade Protocol, developing technical talent clusters, expanding investments in digital infrastructure, and supporting entrepreneurship and innovation.

Shettima pledged that the government would continue to invest in digital infrastructure and human capital development, emphasising the need of public-private sector collaboration.

Bosun Tijani, Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, emphasised the Tinubu administration's significant investments in all parts of the digital trade protocol, which aim to capitalise on prospects both in Nigeria and throughout the continent.

He described how creative policies and initiatives, including as the 3 Million Technical Talent programme, data privacy legislation, and increased investment in digital infrastructure, are preparing Nigeria's youth for current and future prospects.

Tijani emphasised the importance of technology in encouraging trade throughout Africa, stating that the only approach to capitalise on the great potential present in the single market area is to leverage digital technology to allow efficient networking and collaboration.