Nigeria acknowledges the significant strides made with the Protocol on Digital Trade, which offers pragmatic rules designed to drive digital transformation across the continent.
The Nigerian Minister of Industry Trade and Investment Dr Jumoke Oduwole stated this at the just concluded meeting of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
According to the minister, “Nigeria fully supports the recommendations of the Committee of Senior Trade Officials.”
“We recognize 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 amongst ourselves and prevent fraud and cyber-crimes.”
She explained that the endorsement underscores Nigeria’s dedication to enhancing digital infrastructure across all State Parties while emphasizing the importance of robust personal data protection provisions to foster trust and prevent cyber crimes and fraud.
Dr Oduwale said the protocol is set to bolster the growth and utilization 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.
“I wish to join other delegations in appreciating the enormous work done by the Secretariat, Committee on Digital Trade, and Senior Trade Officials, which has enabled us to deliver the Annexes within the approved timeframe,” the Minister expressed.
“This will, no doubt, ensure that the seamless operationalization of the new protocol will serve as a catalyst for economic development by increasing trade, creating jobs, and reducing poverty, as well as optimizing the industrial structure of the continent.”
Olusola Akintonde
