The Nigerian government has expressed its ambition to create 10 million jobs across Africa by the end of 2025 through the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Digital Trade Protocol.
This was announced by Vice President Kashim Shettima on Wednesday at the AfCFTA Digital Trade Workshop and Global Market, held at the State House Conference Centre in Abuja.
Represented by the Minister of Industry, Trade, and Investment, Jumoke Oduwole, Shettima emphasized that Nigeria will play a key role in this initiative, given its designation as Africa’s Digital Trade Champion
The workshop, which gathered officials from both federal and state governments, including Commissioners of Trade and Industry, as well as private sector experts, was themed “Unlocking State Exports Potential.”
Shettima highlighted Nigeria’s advancements in digital commerce, services, and innovation, positioning the country as the continent’s digital trade hub. He pointed out that the internet economy is expected to contribute 5.2% to Africa’s GDP this year, with the continent’s digital economy projected to reach $180 billion, up from $115 billion in 2020.
Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani, also spoke at the event, stressing that any nation that neglects digital trade risks being left behind. He commended the Tinubu administration for its notable achievements in advancing the ICT sector.
