Tinubu Pushes Digital Trade to Boost Africa’s Economic Growth

President Bola Tinubu has reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening trade ties across Africa through digital innovation, saying the country will work closely with other African nations to deepen intra-African trade, enhance value addition and improve the continent’s competitiveness in the global economy.

Tinubu made the declaration on Wednesday in a message shared on his verified X account, @officialABAT, as he welcomed policymakers, investors, entrepreneurs, innovators and private sector leaders to Lagos for the 2026 African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Digital Trade Forum.

The President said Africa had reached a critical stage in its economic journey and must move beyond discussions and agreements to practical actions that deliver real benefits to citizens.

He noted that the forum’s theme, “Digital Trade for a Connected African Market,” reflects the urgent need for African countries to transform policy commitments into measurable economic growth and prosperity.

According to Tinubu, Nigeria is proud to serve as one of Africa’s AfCFTA Digital Trade Champions and is backing that role with reforms aimed at removing trade barriers, modernising border processes and connecting African markets through technology.

He identified the National Single Window initiative as a key component of the administration’s trade facilitation strategy, explaining that the platform is designed to simplify cross-border trade, reduce delays, lower transaction costs and improve regulatory compliance for businesses.

The President said the initiative would benefit importers, exporters, manufacturers and Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) by creating a faster and more transparent trading environment.

Tinubu also highlighted the Nigeria Customs Service’s B’Odogwu platform, describing it as a major step toward modernising customs operations through quicker cargo clearance, improved revenue collection and smoother border procedures.

He explained that the reforms are part of a broader digital infrastructure programme that includes digital identity systems, interoperable payment platforms, data governance frameworks and other digital tools that will help Nigerian businesses access African and global markets.

The President further revealed that Nigeria, alongside Morocco and Kenya, is piloting the AfCFTA’s ADAPT framework, an initiative designed to connect national trade systems across the continent and accelerate the implementation of Africa’s single market agenda.

“The AfCFTA gives Africa the market. Digital trade gives that market speed, scale and reach,” Tinubu stated.

Expressing optimism about Africa’s economic future, the President said digital trade would play a central role in driving growth across the continent. He added that Nigeria would continue collaborating with other African countries to build a stronger, more integrated economy that creates jobs, adds value to local resources and competes effectively on the global stage.