The federal government has introduced a report on Cross-Border Digital Payments and Identity in Nigeria, a programme aimed at enhancing trade opportunities for micro, small and medium enterprises under the African Continental Free Trade Area. This initiative was launched by Ibrahim Hassan Hadejia, the deputy chief of staff to the president, who emphasized the need for stakeholders to unlock trade opportunities and access the $3.5 trillion AfCFTA market. According to Hadejia, the report is a strategic move, building on earlier milestones such as the development of Nigeria's Digital Trade Strategy and a capacity-building programme for subnational leaders.
The government has expressed its commitment to strengthening critical infrastructure, regulatory frameworks, and partnerships to ensure Nigeria's readiness for digital trade. Hadejia noted that intra-African trade will be driven by small businesses empowered through digital trade and e-commerce, and that issues of trust, identity, and logistics must be addressed. Special adviser to the president on job creation and MSMEs, Temitola Adekunle-Johnson, believes the report will significantly strengthen the MSME ecosystem, enabling Nigerian SMEs to achieve seamless access to continental markets.
The launch of the Cross-Border Digital Payments and Identity report by the federal government is a significant step towards enhancing trade opportunities for micro, small and medium enterprises. Ibrahim Hassan Hadejia's emphasis on unlocking trade opportunities and accessing the $3.5 trillion AfCFTA market is a clear indication of the government's commitment to strengthening the MSME sector. The report's findings and recommendations, as noted by Temitola Adekunle-Johnson, will enable Nigerian SMEs to achieve seamless access to continental markets, which is crucial for the growth and development of the sector. This move has the potential to reinvigorate industries and unlock intra-African trade, ultimately contributing to the country's economic growth. By addressing issues of trust, identity, and logistics, the government can create a conducive environment for small businesses to thrive and drive intra-African trade.
