The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Digital Trade Forum 2026 has ended with a strong call for member states to accelerate the implementation of the AfCFTA Digital Trade Protocol, a framework designed to create a seamless and inclusive digital market across Africa. Stakeholders at the Lagos gathering stressed that while significant progress has been made in developing policies, the continent must now focus on turning commitments into tangible actions that can drive digital trade and economic growth.
The two-day forum brought together government representatives, regulators, private-sector leaders, innovators, and development partners from across the continent. Discussions centered on strengthening cooperation and creating practical pathways for implementing the Digital Trade Protocol, which is expected to open new opportunities for businesses, improve cross-border commerce, and enhance Africa’s competitiveness in the global digital economy. Experts noted that the success of the agreement will largely depend on how quickly member countries adopt and enforce its provisions.
Chief Technical Advisor of the AfCFTA Secretariat, Gilberto Antonio, presented eight key calls to action and emphasized that the protocol already provides a solid regulatory foundation for digital trade. However, he warned that its true value can only be realized through effective implementation at the national and regional levels. According to him, coordinated efforts among governments, regulators, and businesses are essential to ensure that African economies benefit from a more connected digital marketplace.
Nigeria reaffirmed its commitment to leading Africa’s digital transformation agenda during the forum. Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, described digital trade as a major catalyst for continental integration, inclusive growth, and economic development under AfCFTA. She highlighted recent reforms, including the Tax Reform Act and the Investment and Securities Act 2025, which have strengthened intellectual property protections and created a more favorable environment for innovation and investment. Oduwole also revealed that Nigeria conducted Africa’s first comprehensive mapping of its digital services ecosystem, identifying key expansion markets such as Egypt, Ghana, Kenya, Rwanda, and South Africa.
Secretary-General of the AfCFTA Secretariat, Wamkele Mene, praised Nigeria for hosting the forum and for its leadership in advancing the Digital Trade Protocol. He noted that Africa’s digital economy, currently valued at about $712 billion, has enormous growth potential driven by mobile connectivity, fintech innovation, artificial intelligence, and the continent’s youthful population. Mene urged governments to speed up the ratification and domestication of the protocol, invest in digital infrastructure, harmonize regulations, and ensure that women, youth, and small businesses are fully included in Africa’s rapidly expanding digital marketplace.
source: The guardian