By:
Nana Appiah Acquaye
The
African Continental Free Trade Area Secretariat has opened the 2026 AfCFTA
Digital Trade Forum in Lagos with a renewed call for African countries to
accelerate the implementation of the AfCFTA Protocol on Digital Trade as part
of efforts to build an integrated continental digital economy.
Opening
the forum, Secretary-General Wamkele Mene said digital trade is already
transforming commerce across the continent and urged member states to move
swiftly from policy commitments to practical implementation.
"Digital
trade is not a distant dream in Africa. It is happening right now, and it is
rewriting what is possible for our people," Mene stated.
Representing
the Governor of Lagos State, Folashade Bada Ambrose-Medebem welcomed delegates
and reaffirmed the state's ambition to strengthen Lagos' position as a leading
African hub for trade, innovation and investment.
During
his address, Mene commended Nigeria for becoming the first State Party to
obtain parliamentary approval for the ratification of the AfCFTA Protocol on
Digital Trade, describing the milestone as an important step in advancing
Africa's digital transformation and regional economic integration.
Nigeria's
Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Jumoke Oduwole, outlined the
country's ongoing reforms aimed at strengthening the digital trade ecosystem,
promoting innovation and facilitating cross-border digital commerce.
The
forum brings together government officials, policymakers, private sector
leaders and regional stakeholders to discuss practical measures for
implementing the Digital Trade Protocol, which seeks to harmonize digital
commerce rules, promote interoperability, expand digital payments and improve
market access across African economies.
Organizers
said the forum reflects the AfCFTA Secretariat's commitment to translating the
Protocol on Digital Trade into tangible economic opportunities, supporting the
development of a connected continental digital market that enables businesses
and consumers to participate more effectively in cross-border trade.
