By 
Stakeholders at the second African Continental Free Trade Area Secretariat Digital Trade Forum 2026 have called on African countries to accelerate the implementation of the AfCFTA Protocol on Digital Trade, urging governments to move beyond policy commitments towards coordinated execution that supports cross-border digital commerce.
The two-day forum, held in Lagos, brought together policymakers, regulators, private sector leaders, development partners and technology innovators to strengthen collaboration on building a trusted, inclusive and integrated digital marketplace across Africa.
Participants agreed that while the Digital Trade Protocol provides a comprehensive policy framework for the continent, its success will ultimately depend on timely implementation by member states through harmonised regulations, stronger digital infrastructure and greater regional cooperation.
Presenting eight key calls to action at the forum, Chief Technical Advisor to the AfCFTA Secretariat, Gilberto Antonio, emphasised that practical implementation remains the next critical step in unlocking the protocol’s economic potential for African businesses and consumers.
Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Jumoke Oduwole,
Reaffirming Nigeria’s commitment to advancing Africa’s digital economy, the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Jumoke Oduwole, described digital trade as a key driver of economic integration, inclusive growth and long-term transformation under the AfCFTA framework.
Speaking on the forum’s theme, “Digital Trade for a Connected African Market,” she highlighted several reforms introduced by the Federal Government to support innovation and digital enterprises, including the Tax Reform Act and the Investment and Securities Act 2025, which provide greater regulatory clarity while strengthening intellectual property protections for technology-driven businesses.
The minister also noted that Nigeria had completed what she described as Africa’s first comprehensive mapping of its digital services ecosystem, resulting in the continent’s first directory of digital services firms. The exercise also identified priority expansion markets for Nigerian digital businesses, including Egypt, Ghana, Kenya, Rwanda and South Africa.
According to Oduwole, Nigeria is also leading regional efforts to reduce regulatory barriers through the Digital Trade Regulators’ Working Group, which is developing harmonised guidelines covering market entry, licensing, investment and operational requirements for digital service providers across African markets.
The Secretary-General of the African Continental Free Trade Area Secretariat, Wamkele Mene
The Secretary-General of the African Continental Free Trade Area Secretariat, Wamkele Mene, commended Nigeria for hosting the forum and recognised the country’s leadership in advancing implementation of the Digital Trade Protocol.
He described the gathering as Africa’s leading platform for promoting dialogue, collaboration and practical action on digital trade, adding that the continent’s digital economy continues to present significant opportunities for economic growth.
Mene noted that Africa’s digital economy, estimated to be worth approximately $712 billion, is expected to be driven by expanding mobile connectivity, financial technology innovation, artificial intelligence and the continent’s rapidly growing youthful population.
He called on member states to accelerate the ratification and domestication of the Digital Trade Protocol while investing in digital infrastructure, harmonising regulatory frameworks, strengthening digital inclusion initiatives and creating greater opportunities for women, young people and micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) to participate in cross-border digital trade.
The forum concluded with a renewed commitment from stakeholders to strengthen cooperation and accelerate implementation of the Digital Trade Protocol as a foundation for building a more connected, competitive and inclusive African digital economy.
Comments