President Bola Tinubu has reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to driving Africa’s digital trade revolution, saying his administration is implementing key reforms to remove trade barriers, modernise border operations and unlock the continent’s estimated $3.4 trillion market potential. The President made the declaration while welcoming participants to the 2026 African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Digital Trade Forum in Lagos, describing the event as a critical step towards transforming Africa’s economic future.
In a message shared on his verified X account, Tinubu stressed that Africa must move beyond discussions and agreements to practical implementation that delivers tangible benefits for its citizens. According to him, the theme of the forum, “Digital Trade for a Connected African Market,” reflects the urgent need for African countries to embrace innovation and collaboration in order to create jobs, attract investment and promote shared prosperity across the continent.
The President noted that Nigeria is playing a leading role as one of Africa’s AfCFTA Digital Trade Champions and is backing that responsibility with bold policy reforms. He highlighted the National Single Window project as a major initiative aimed at simplifying cross-border trade by reducing bureaucratic bottlenecks, lowering transaction costs and creating a more transparent trading environment for businesses, manufacturers and Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).
Tinubu also pointed to the Nigeria Customs Service’s B’Odogwu platform as a significant digital reform that is reshaping customs administration. The platform is expected to speed up cargo clearance, improve revenue collection and enhance border efficiency. He explained that these efforts form part of a broader strategy to strengthen Nigeria’s digital public infrastructure through digital identity systems, interoperable payment solutions, data governance frameworks and digital platforms that connect businesses to markets across Africa and beyond.
Looking ahead, the President revealed that Nigeria, Kenya and Morocco are piloting the AfCFTA’s ADAPT framework, an initiative designed to link national trade systems and accelerate the implementation of the continental free trade agreement. Expressing optimism about the future, Tinubu said digital commerce would power Africa’s next wave of economic transformation, adding that Nigeria remains committed to working with other African nations to build an integrated, innovative and globally competitive marketplace.
source: The guardian
