The fifteenth meeting of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), 9th – 10th November 2024, concluded on Sunday in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia with the government of Nigeria supporting the recommendations set forth by the Committee of Senior Trade Officials.
The endorsement underscored Nigeria’s dedication to enhancing digital infrastructure across all State Parties while emphasizing the importance of robust personal data protection provisions to foster trust and prevent cyber crimes and fraud.
Dr Jumoke Oduwole, Minister, of Trade and Investment, Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment (FMITI) represented the country at the 15th meeting of the AfCFTA Council of Ministers responsible for Trade.
Adebayo Thomas, the Director, Press and Public Relations in the FMITI disclosed this in a statement signed on Sunday.
The Minister said: “Nigeria fully supports the recommendations of the Committee of Senior Trade Officials”.
“We recognize and underscore the value of leveraging digital infrastructure across State Parties while considering the need for strong provisions on the protection of personal data, to build trust amongst ourselves and prevent fraud and cyber-crimes.”
Nigeria acknowledges the significant strides made with the Protocol on Digital Trade, which offers pragmatic rules designed to drive digital transformation across the continent.
This protocol is set to bolster the growth and utilization of African digital platforms and computing facilities by African-owned small and medium enterprises (SMEs) within State Parties.
“The Protocol on Digital Trade has provided strong and pragmatic rules that will not only promote digital transformation on the continent but also support the growth and use of African digital platforms and computing facilities, within State Parties, by African-owned small and medium enterprises,” the Minister said.
The Minister joined other delegations in commending the diligent efforts of the Secretariat, Committee on Digital Trade, and Senior Trade Officials.
Their hard work has ensured the timely delivery of the Annexes, paving the way for the seamless operationalization of the new protocol.
She said: “I wish to join other delegations in appreciating the enormous work done by the Secretariat, Committee on Digital Trade, and Senior Trade Officials, which has enabled us to deliver the Annexes within the approved timeframe.
“This will, no doubt, ensure that the seamless operationalization of the new protocol will serve as a catalyst for economic development by increasing trade, creating jobs, and reducing poverty, as well as optimizing the industrial structure of the continent.”
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