AfCFTA Digital Trade Protocol Workshop Unveils Path to Prosperity for Nigerian Youth, Economy


The National Action Committee on African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), led by Mr. Olusegun Awolowo as the Executive Secretary, has marked a significant milestone in Nigeria's economic trajectory with the convening of the AfCFTA Digital Trade Protocol Workshop.

Hosted at the Radisson Blu in Lagos, the event served as a gathering point for a diverse array of thought leaders, policymakers, and industry experts, all converging to illuminate the path towards harnessing the transformative potential of digital trade under the AfCFTA framework.

The workshop underscored the unwavering commitment of the National Action Committee to propel Nigeria to the forefront of digital trade under the AfCFTA. Mr. Awolowo stated that the committee's was proactive in mobilizing and engaging stakeholders as the AfCFTA Digital protocol was adopted by the 37th African Union (AU) Heads of States on February 17-18 2024.

He emphasized that the AfCFTA Digital Trade Protocol is not merely a regulatory framework but a gateway to unprecedented economic opportunity for Nigeria particularly for Nigerian youth, who are the ultimate beneficiaries of the job that will be created and wealth that will be generated. The Executive Secretary further underscored the importance of creating a conducive regulatory environment, strengthening digital infrastructure, and promoting digital literacy across Nigeria, because it will unlock a myriad of opportunities embedded within the digital trade ecosystem for Nigeria economic prosperity

Mr Olusegun Olutayo Senior Trade Law Expert at the Nigeria AfCFTA Secretariat presented a synopsis of the AfCFTA Digital Trade Protocol and the preparedness of Nigeria to implement the protocol, which stated that the  NAC-AfCFTA that will empower Nigerian youth, and unlock the vast potential of digital trade and attract the right investment to Nigeria.

The workshop also featured an ongoing study on AfCFTA digital trade protocol for Nigeria which was delivered by Mr Sand Mba-Kalu the Executive Director of Africa International Trade and Commerce Research, who offered insights into the complex nature of digital trade and its multiple and cross-cutting benefits for Nigeria's economy and Africa

Ms.Gbeke Oshinowo, Technical Advisor on Digital & Entrepreneurship Skills GIZ / Digital Transformation Center, Nigeria moderated the two panel sessions, that had distinguished stakeholders from various industries, including the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria (ATCON), Fintech Association, SystemSpecs, Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC), Paystack, MainOne, Flutterwave, Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Interswitch, among others, that provided invaluable perspectives and strategic pathway Nigeria can adopt to harness the full potential benefits of digital trade under AfCFTA for Nigeria.

The robust discussions, collaborative brainstorming, delivered actionable recommendations that participants considered will enhance competitiveness, foster innovation, and deepen intra-African trade integration.

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