*Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, CCIE, Director-General of the National Information Technology Development Agency, at the Nigeria AfCFTA Hackathon 2025, in Lagos, highlights how digital innovation can drive efficiency, inclusivity, and sustainable economic growth on the African continent

Gbenga Kayode | 绿帽献妻

The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), has emphasised the transformative potential of emerging technologies is vital to revolutionising trade and investment across Africa.

绿帽献妻 reports Malam Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, CCIE, Director-General of NITDA, stated this in a keynote address delivered at the Nigeria AfCFTA Hackathon 2025, in Lagos.

NITDA said the event, held as part of the Science of Trade Conference in Lagos State, highlighted how digital innovation could drive efficiency, inclusivity, and sustainable economic growth on the African continent.

On Nigeria’s adoption of AfCFTA Digital Trade Protocol

Represented on the occasion by Engr. Salisu Kaka, Director of Digital Economy Development Department at NITDA, Inuwa stated 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 Gross Domestic Product (GDP) exceeding $3 trillion.

The Director-General of the agency also described the recent adoption of the AfCFTA Digital Trade Protocol as a pivotal milestone that would dismantle trade barriers, streamline regulations, and open new markets for businesses of all sizes.

He further said: “Nigeria, with its population of over 200 million and strong entrepreneurial culture, is uniquely positioned to lead Africa鈥檚 digital transformation.”

Describing the recent rise of e-commerce and mobile payments as game changers in the trade and investment ecosystem, Inuwa averred: 鈥淔rom Abuja, I can order products online, conduct due diligence, make payments, and receive deliveries鈥攖echnology has made trade seamless.

“This Hackathon arrives at a crucial time, following the African Union鈥檚 2024 endorsement of the Digital Trade Protocol.

“It aims to harmonise digital regulations and eliminate trade barriers across all 54 African nations.”

The Information Technology (IT) sector regulatory agency equally noted that Inuwa stressed how global technological advances have reshaped commerce in Africa.

He affirmed that several African trade systems are still burdened by outdated procedures, excessive paperwork, and logistical bottlenecks.

The NITDA Chief Executive, however, assured that a paradigm shift is underway, powered by innovations, including Blockchain technology, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT), and other digital platforms, which are now central to trade operations.

Inuwa as well cited the success of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) in leveraging technology through the Nigeria Integrated Customs Information System (NICIS II).

The NICIS II automated key processes, such as declarations, cargo tracking, and risk assessment, leading to a 238 percent revenue increase between 2017 and 2023, according to NITDA.

According to Inuwa, the Unified Customs Management System, introduced December 2024 as a successor to NICIS II, has already generated over N31 billion, showcasing Nigeria鈥檚 progress in digital trade facilitation.

Focus of Nigeria AfCFTA Hackathon 2025

NITDA explained the Nigeria AfCFTA 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.

The agency noted that these sectors are industries where digital tools can significantly enhance trade dynamics.

The Director-General stated: 鈥淚鈥檓 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, therefore, described the Hackathon event as a springboard for innovations that would simplify payments, promote inclusion, and reinforce Nigeria鈥檚 leadership in actualising the AfCFTA digital economy framework.

Earlier in his welcome address, Dr. Olusegun Awolowo, National Coordinator of the Nigeria AfCFTA Coordination Office, emphasised that transformation is a continuous journey.

Dr. Awolowo, represented by Olusegun Olutayo, Senior International Trade Policy and Law Expert, highlighted the continent鈥檚 focus on collaboration, innovation, and inclusive growth as essential to establishing Africa as a hub for digital trade.

The National Coordinator also reaffirmed the transformative potential of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

He stressed that it presents Africa as a unified market of over one billion people鈥攁 vast opportunity for intra-African trade, investment, and economic growth.

According to him, realising this vision requires active participation and shared ownership.

He further averred that the Hackathon is a tangible mechanism for implementing the AfCFTA Digital Trade Protocol鈥攑rioritising inclusion, innovation, and equitable access.

It is expected to generate actionable solutions that bridge policy and practice, accelerating Africa鈥檚 digital economy and empowering the next generation of African innovators, NITDA stated.