Nigeria targets 10m new jobs as digital trade champion under AfCFTA

Mkpoikana Udoma

Port Harcourt — Nigeria is set to create over 10 million new jobs by the end of 2025, as it takes the lead in Africa’s digital trade revolution under the African Continental Free Trade Area, AfCFTA.

Vice President Kashim Shettima reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to driving Africa’s digital trade agenda, stating that the country’s leadership in digital commerce, services, and innovation places it at the forefront of the continent’s economic transformation.

“Our innovations in mobile payments have transformed cross-border payments, financial inclusion, and digital transactions across the continent,” Shettima said at the AfCFTA Digital Trade Workshop and Global Market event in Abuja.

The Vice President was represented by the Minister of Industry, Trade, and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole. The workshop, themed “Unlocking State Exports Potential,” brought together federal and state government officials, private sector experts, and key stakeholders to discuss Nigeria’s digital trade strategy.

Nigeria’s designation as Africa’s Digital Trade Champion follows President Bola Tinubu’s December 2024 pledge in Cape Town to lead the continent’s digital trade agenda. This leadership role was formally recognized at the 38th African Union Heads of State Summit, where former Niger President Mahamadou Issoufou, the AfCFTA Champion, commended President Tinubu.

“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.

He highlighted government initiatives such as the National Talent Export Programme, the Outsource to Nigeria Initiative, and the 3 Million Technology Talents Programme, which are fueling job creation and economic expansion.

Shettima also noted improvements in Nigeria’s trade infrastructure: “We have modernized our 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.”

Also, the Minister of Youth Development, Mr. Ayodele Olawande, praised the digital trade initiative, linking it to President Tinubu’s approval of the Nigerian Youth Investment Fund.

“The Tinubu administration is producing capital businesses for young entrepreneurs engaging in agriculture, manufacturing, textiles, creative industries, and digital services, so they can meet international trade standards,” Olawande said.

Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani, represented by his deputy, Dr. Hadiza Balarabe, emphasized the importance of embracing digital trade.

“Digital trade platforms have eliminated traditional trade barriers, allowing businesses, both big and small, to participate in regional and global markets like never before,” he stated.

Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy, Barrister Hannatu Musawa, said AfCFTA presents an opportunity for Nigeria’s creative industry to thrive globally.

“Our ministry is committed to positioning Nigeria’s creative sector as a cornerstone of export growth under the free trade area. Through the recently approved Creative Economy Development Fund, we are enabling creators to transform their intellectual property into bankable assets,” Musawa stated.

Similarly, Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Adewale Adeniyi, detailed the agency’s commitment to digital trade facilitation, citing new export-focused initiatives such as the B’Odogwu platform for improved trade transparency and efficiency.

The Director General of the National Identity Management Commission, Engr. Abisoye Coker-Odusote, projected substantial growth in business registrations through digital channels, stressing that digital identity systems will transform Nigeria’s trade landscape.

Special Assistant to the President on ICT Policy, Dr. Salihu Dasuki Nakande, hailed Nigeria’s AU endorsement as AfCFTA Digital Trade Champion as a testament to the country’s strategic role in shaping Africa’s digital economy.

“With this endorsement, Nigeria is not just a participant—we are leading the charge in designing the frameworks, policies, and innovations that will drive Africa’s digital economy forward,” Nakande said.

Special Assistant to the President on Export Promotion, Aliyu Bunu Sheriff, underscored the country’s vast potential in non-oil exports, stating that Nigeria must transition from a consumption-driven economy to one focused on production and value addition.

“The European Union imports over $120 billion worth of fruits and vegetables annually. If Plateau State alone captures just 2-5% of this, that translates to $2.4 billion to $6 billion in exports,” Sheriff noted.

International experts, including Max Mendez-Parra of the Overseas Development Institute, and Mark Smithson from the British High Commission, highlighted the AfCFTA Digital Trade Protocol as a game-changer for Africa’s economic future.

“With 65% of Nigeria’s population under the age of 25, the country possesses the demographic advantage to become a global digital powerhouse,” Smithson stated.