Developing a digital trade strategy in Nigeria

This report develops a comprehensive national digital trade strategy for Nigeria aligned with the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Protocol on Digital Trade (DTP). The AfCFTA aims to enhance economic integration and intra-African trade, and Nigeria, with its growing digital economy, stands to benefit significantly. Three key questions are explored in this study: how can Nigeria align its digital trade strategy with AfCFTA? What barriers exist in its digital economy?, and what policy interventions can drive digital trade growth, particularly in business process outsourcing (BPO), ecommerce and the inclusion of women and youth? This study used a mixed methods approach combining rigorous desk-based research with extensive stakeholder engagement and key informant interviews with government ministries, regulatory bodies, and private sector players . Findings emphasise the need for a national digital trade policy, enhanced infrastructure, regulatory alignment, and digital inclusion strategies. By implementing these strategies, Nigeria can maximise AfCFTA benefits, drive sustainable economic growth, and enhance its role in Africa's digital economy.