Tinubu lauded at AU Summit for advancing AfCFTA’s digital trade protocol

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu received high praise for Nigeria’s proactive role in implementing the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Digital Trade Protocol.

The applause came at the 38th African Union (AU) Summit held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

In his annual report at the AU Assembly, Mahamadou Issoufou, AfCFTA Champion and former President of Niger, highlighted significant strides in advancing the Digital Trade Protocol, which now boasts eight completed annexes, making it the first of its kind globally.

President Issoufou commended President Tinubu and the Federal Republic of Nigeria for their commitment to the protocol’s implementation, particularly through initiatives such as the high-level roundtable held in January 2025. This roundtable, which brought together the AfCFTA Secretary-General and key stakeholders, focused on trade in goods and services while showcasing innovative solutions from Nigeria’s leading fintech firms, including CcHUB, Norebase, Helium Health, Renda, Vendease, and Bamboo.

Additionally, in December 2024, during his address in Cape Town, South Africa, President Tinubu reaffirmed Nigeria’s dedication to fostering regional collaboration on the digital trade agenda, emphasizing its potential to drive economic transformation across Africa.

The recognition at the AU Summit, analysts note, further cements Nigeria’s leadership in shaping Africa’s digital economy under the AfCFTA framework, positioning the country as a key driver of innovation and economic integration on the continent.