By The adoption of African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) beyond breaking down trade barriers, streamline regulations, and open new markets for businesses of all sizes has the transformative potential of emerging technologies from Africa
According to the Director General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Inuwa the recent adoption of the AfCFTA Digital Trade Protocol is a pivotal milestone that will revolutionising trade and investment across Africa.
Inuwa who made the remark in a keynote address at the Nigeria AfCFTA Hackathon 2025, highlighted how digital innovation can drive efficiency, inclusivity, and sustainable economic growth.
The DG who was represented by Mr Salisu Kaka, Director of Digital Economy Development Department, stated that the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) is one of the largest free trade zones globally, uniting over 1.4 billion people with a collective GDP exceeding $3 trillion.
“This Hackathon arrives at a crucial time following the African Union’s 2024 endorsement of the Digital Trade Protocol. It aims to harmonise digital regulations and eliminate trade barriers across all 54 African nations,” he added.
The Hackathon is structured around five priority areas: Youth and MSME Inclusion, E-Commerce Adoption, E-Commerce Policy and Trust, Digital Payments, and the E-Commerce Regulatory Sandbox.
“I’m confident that the Hackathon will spark innovative, scalable solutions to boost intra-African e-commerce, streamline cross-border transactions, and empower MSMEs with digital capabilities to compete globally,” Inuwa stated.
He described the event as a springboard for innovations that will simplify payments, promote inclusion, and reinforce Nigeria’s leadership in actualising the AfCFTA digital economy framework.
National Coordinator of the Nigeria AfCFTA Coordination Office Dr. Olusegun Awolowo, who was represented by the Senior International Trade Policy and Law Expert at AfCFTA, Mr Olusegun Olutayo, emphasised that transformation is a continuous journey. He highlighted the continent’s focus on collaboration, innovation, and inclusive growth as essential to establishing Africa as a hub for digital trade.
He said the transformative potential of the AfCFTA presents Africa as a unified market of over one billion people-a vast opportunity for intra-African trade, investment, and economic growth.
According to him, the Hackathon is a tangible mechanism for implementing the AfCFTA Digital Trade Protocol-prioritising inclusion, innovation, and equitable access.
It is expected to generate actionable solutions that bridge policy and practice, accelerating Africa’s digital economy and empowering the next generation of African innovators.
