The Nigerian government has said it hopes to create 10 million jobs across Africa by the end of 2025 through the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Digital Trade Protocol.
The Vice President Kashim Shettima this on Wednesday during the AfCFTA Digital Trade Workshop and Global Market at the State House Conference Centre in Abuja.
Shettima, who was represented by the Minister of Industry, Trade, and Investment, Dr Jumoke Oduwole, said Nigeria will be playing this critical role based on its designation as Africa’s Digital Trade Champion.
The workshop, which brought together officials from the federal and state governments, including Commissioners of Trades and Industry and private sector experts, has the theme: “Unlocking State Exports Potential.”
According to VP Shettima, Nigeria’s progress in digital commerce, services, and innovation, has positioned the country as the continent’s digital trade hub.
“Our innovations in mobile payments have transformed cross-border payments, financial inclusion, and digital transactions across the continent,” he stated.
“The AfCFTA Digital Trade Protocol aims to increase intra-African trade from 18% in 2022 to 50% by 2030. With over 109 million internet users and a thriving mobile economy, Nigeria has the foundation to lead Africa’s digital commerce evolution,” Shettima noted.
The VP noted that the Internet economy is projected to contribute 5.2% of Africa’s GDP this year, with the continent’s digital economy expected to reach $180 billion, up from $115 billion in 2020.
“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 3 Million Technical Talents (3MTT) 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,” VP Shettima said.
He further noted that Nigeria has modernised its passport application system and invested in port infrastructure to streamline trade procedures, reducing customs processing times and enhancing the country’s ability to handle a major share of West Africa’s cargo.
“Let us move rapidly from the text of the protocol to the actuality of a digitally enabled trade as a catalyst for prosperity for all,” he added.
On his part, Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani, said a nation that fails to embrace digital trade will certainly be left behind, just as he applauded the Tinubu administration for making significant strides in the ICT sector.
“We must seize this moment, not merely as a challenge, but as a powerful catalyst for growth and development. Digital transformation stands today as the cornerstone of innovation and sustainable growth. With 65% of our population under the age of 25, Nigeria possesses the demographic advantage to become a global digital powerhouse,” he said.
Naijaonpoint earlier reported that the African Union (AU) has recently endorsed Nigeria as the Digital Trade Champion for the continent under the AfCFTA Digital Trade Protocol.