The Director General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Inuwa, has highlighted the immense potential of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), describing it as a massive free trade zone uniting over 1.4 billion people with a combined GDP exceeding $3 trillion.
Speaking at the Nigeria AfCFTA Hackathon 2025 in Lagos, part of the Science of Trade Conference, the NITDA DG, represented by Engr. Salisu Kaka, emphasized the pivotal role of digital innovation in fostering efficiency, inclusivity, and sustainable economic growth within this burgeoning trade area.
He underscored the AfCFTA Digital Trade Protocol as a crucial step towards dismantling trade barriers, simplifying regulations, and unlocking new markets for businesses of all sizes across the continent.
Inuwa pointed out Nigeria’s unique position to spearhead Africa’s digital transformation, given its population of over 200 million and vibrant entrepreneurial spirit. Illustrating the transformative power of technology, he noted the rise of e-commerce and mobile payments, stating, “From Abuja, I can order products online, conduct due diligence, make payments, and receive deliveries—technology has made trade seamless.”
He further emphasized the timeliness of the Hackathon, coinciding with the African Union’s 2024 endorsement of the Digital Trade Protocol, which aims to harmonize digital regulations and eliminate trade barriers among all 54 African nations.