From Sola Ojo, Abuja
The Nigerian Government has reaffirmed its commitment to digital trade protocol as the 15th meeting of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), between November 2024 9 and 10, ended in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
At that meeting, the Government of Nigeria proudly declared its support for the recommendations set forth by the Committee of Senior Trade Officials.
Minister of Trade and Investment, Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment (FMITI), Dr Jumoke Oduwole, represented the country at the event.
“Nigeria fully supports the recommendations of the Committee of Senior Trade Officials.
“We recognise and underscore the value of leveraging digital infrastructure across state parties, while considering the need for strong provisions on the protection of personal data, to build trust among ourselves and prevent fraud and cyber-crimes,” she said.
She acknowledged the significant strides made with the Protocol on digital trade, which offers pragmatic rules designed to drive digital transformation across the continent.
To her, the protocol was set to bolster the growth and utilisation of African digital platforms and computing facilities by African-owned small and medium enterprises (SMEs) within state parties.
“The Protocol on Digital Trade has provided strong and pragmatic rules that will not only promote digital transformation on the continent but also support the growth and use of African digital platforms and computing facilities, within State Parties, by African-owned small and medium enterprises,” the Minister added.
The Minister joined other delegations in commending the diligent efforts of the Secretariat, Committee on Digital Trade, and Senior Trade Officials.