NITDA DG Hails Emerging Tech’s Potential to Revolutionize African Trade
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NITDA DG Hails Emerging Tech’s Potential to Revolutionize African Trade
By Alabidun Shuaib AbdulRahman
The Director-General of the National Information Technology Development Agency, NITDA, Kashifu Inuwa, CCIE, has emphasized the transformative potential of emerging technologies in revolutionizing trade and investment across Africa.
He stated this while delivering a keynote address at the Nigeria AfCFTA Hackathon 2025, held as part of the Science of Trade Conference in Lagos State.
Inuwa, represented by Engr. Salisu Kaka, Director of Digital Economy Development Department, highlighted the significance of digital innovation in driving efficiency, inclusivity, and sustainable economic growth.
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He noted 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.
The recent adoption of the AfCFTA Digital Trade Protocol, Inuwa said, marks a pivotal milestone that will break down trade barriers, streamline regulations, and open new markets for businesses of all sizes.
He cited Nigeria’s success story in leveraging technology through the Nigeria Integrated Customs Information System (NICIS II), which automated key processes and led to a 238% revenue increase between 2017 and 2023.
The Hackathon, 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 – aims to spark innovative solutions to boost intra-African e-commerce and empower MSMEs with digital capabilities to compete globally.
Over 200 participants from Nigeria, The Gambia, Malawi, Ghana, Niger, and Algeria are vying for the N20 million grand prize.
Inuwa expressed confidence that the Hackathon will reinforce Nigeria’s leadership in actualizing the AfCFTA digital economy framework.
Dr. Olusegun Awolowo, National Coordinator of the Nigeria AfCFTA Coordination Office, emphasized that transformation is a continuous journey, highlighting the continent’s focus on collaboration, innovation, and inclusive growth.
The Hackathon is expected to generate actionable solutions that bridge policy and practice, accelerating Africa’s digital economy and empowering the next generation of African innovators.
With the Unified Customs Management System generating over ₦31 billion, Nigeria’s progress in digital trade facilitation is evident.
