Policy brief by Prof. Muhammed Tawfiq Ladan says AfCFTA Digital Trade Protocol and Intellectual Property reforms could position Nigeria as Africa’s leading digital commerce hub
By John Ishaku
ABUJA, Nigeria — June 29, 2026
Nigeria’s ambition to become Africa’s leading digital trade and innovation hub is expected to receive renewed momentum as the country hosts the 2026 African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Week from June 29 to July 2 in Abuja and Lagos.
Coinciding with the Federal Executive Council’s (FEC) ratification of the AfCFTA Protocol on Digital Trade and its eight technical annexes, the continental gathering is projected to bring together ministers, policymakers, business leaders, innovators and development partners to accelerate Africa’s digital economy.
In a comprehensive policy brief, Professor Muhammed Tawfiq Ladan argues that Nigeria’s hosting of the event represents more than a diplomatic engagement, describing it as an opportunity to strengthen the country’s position in cross-border digital commerce, fintech innovation, intellectual property protection and regional economic integration.
AfCFTA Week Places Nigeria at Centre of Continental Trade Dialogue
Jointly organised by the Federal Government of Nigeria and the AfCFTA Secretariat headquartered in Accra, Ghana, the 2026 AfCFTA Week features ministerial meetings, business forums, policy dialogues and digital trade engagements designed to deepen implementation of the continental free trade agreement.
Among the major activities are:
- The African Council of Ministers on AfCFTA.
- High-level business forums.
- The HerAfCFTA initiative aimed at promoting women-owned enterprises.
- The Digital Trade Forum scheduled for July 1–2 at the National Theatre in Lagos.
According to the policy brief, discussions are expected to focus on tariff liberalisation, elimination of non-tariff barriers, digital commerce regulations, electronic payments and regional digital infrastructure.
Digital Trade Protocol Marks Major Policy Shift
A major highlight of this year’s engagement is Nigeria’s implementation of the AfCFTA Protocol on Digital Trade.
The protocol introduces eight technical annexes designed to create common legal and regulatory standards governing digital commerce across Africa.
Professor Ladan notes that the framework seeks to replace fragmented national digital regulations with harmonised continental standards capable of facilitating seamless electronic trade among AfCFTA member states.
He argues that successful implementation could significantly reduce compliance costs for Nigerian businesses seeking to expand across African markets.
How the Eight Annexes Could Benefit Nigeria
The policy brief identifies several areas where Nigeria could derive strategic advantages.
Digital Products Gain Preferential Market Access
Under the Rules of Origin for Digital Products, software and digital services developed or substantially created within Africa would qualify for preferential treatment under AfCFTA.
The objective is to ensure African innovators benefit from continental market access while discouraging foreign companies from exploiting the agreement through trans-shipment arrangements.
Cross-Border Payments Become Easier
Another annex promotes interoperability among electronic payment systems.
The policy proposes wider adoption of the Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS), allowing businesses to settle cross-border transactions using local currencies, including the Nigerian Naira, thereby reducing transaction costs associated with multiple currency conversions.
Fintech Expansion Across Africa
The Digital Trade Protocol also provides a framework for regulatory cooperation among African financial regulators.
According to Professor Ladan, this could simplify expansion opportunities for Nigerian fintech companies by reducing the need to obtain separate licences in multiple African countries.
Strengthening Data Governance and Digital Trust
Beyond market access, the protocol establishes common standards governing digital identities, electronic signatures and cross-border data transfers.
The policy brief recommends closer coordination between Nigeria’s National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) and the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) to ensure Nigerian digital credentials receive legal recognition throughout Africa.
It also advocates stronger regional cooperation on cybersecurity through collaboration between Nigeria’s Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT) and similar institutions across the continent.
Protecting Nigerian Intellectual Property
One of the most significant provisions identified in the policy brief relates to protection of proprietary software.
The Source Code Protection Annex prohibits governments from compelling software developers to disclose proprietary source codes as a condition for market entry.
Professor Ladan argues that this provision complements Nigeria’s National Intellectual Property Policy and Strategy (NIPSS), recently approved by the Federal Executive Council.
According to him, the combined framework allows Nigerian technology companies to commercialise software, protect trade secrets and strengthen intellectual property valuation while expanding into continental markets.
He further suggests that stronger intellectual property protection could improve access to financing by enabling startups to use digital assets as commercially recognised intellectual property.
Women Entrepreneurs and SMEs Expected to Benefit
The policy brief also highlights opportunities for women-owned businesses, startups and Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).
The HerAfCFTA initiative is expected to connect women entrepreneurs with regional value chains, while simplified digital export procedures could lower barriers for smaller businesses seeking to access African markets.
Professor Ladan argues that harmonised digital regulations may encourage broader participation by technology startups, software developers, creative industries and service exporters.
Experts Call for Effective Implementation
While the AfCFTA Digital Trade Protocol offers significant opportunities, analysts caution that successful implementation will depend on domestic institutional readiness.
Key priorities include:
- Modernising digital infrastructure.
- Strengthening cybersecurity systems.
- Harmonising domestic regulations.
- Improving broadband connectivity.
- Enhancing digital literacy.
- Supporting innovation-driven enterprises.
Experts note that translating policy commitments into measurable economic gains will require sustained collaboration among government agencies, regulators and the private sector.
As Nigeria hosts the 2026 AfCFTA Week, the country finds itself at an important stage in Africa’s evolving digital economy.
Professor Muhammed Tawfiq Ladan’s policy brief presents an optimistic assessment of how the AfCFTA Digital Trade Protocol, when implemented alongside Nigeria’s National Intellectual Property Policy and Strategy, could enhance digital commerce, strengthen innovation and expand opportunities for businesses operating across the continent.
Whether these anticipated benefits materialise will largely depend on effective implementation, regulatory coordination and sustained investment in digital infrastructure. Nevertheless, the 2026 AfCFTA Week offers Nigeria an opportunity to reinforce its leadership role in shaping Africa’s digital trade future.
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