In a push to strengthen the country’s position in Africa’s digital economy, the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment has launched a new initiative aimed at helping Nigerian digital firms scale their operations across the continent.
The initiative, unveiled as the Digital Services Survey, is designed to map out Nigerian digital service providers and streamline their entry into other African markets under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
According to a statement from the ministry’s Director of Press and Public Relations, Dr. Adebayo Thomas, the goal is to ease regulatory hurdles and offer targeted support to companies looking to grow beyond Nigeria’s borders.
Thomas noted that while the trade of physical goods is often governed by clearly defined protocols, digital services don’t always fit neatly into existing trade categories — a gap the new framework seeks to close. He explained that the survey will help standardise the classification and treatment of digital services across participating AfCFTA nations.
“This initiative aims to establish a shared framework that will provide clarity and consistency for Nigerian digital businesses operating in other African markets,” he said.
Part of the broader strategy includes the creation of a Digital Services Repository — a first-of-its-kind database that will house detailed information on Nigerian digital firms, their growth strategies, and the obstacles they encounter when expanding across Africa.
The project is also geared toward bolstering Nigeria’s influence in shaping continental digital trade rules, positioning the country as a central player in defining standards and practices within Africa’s evolving tech landscape.
By identifying key markets and simplifying cross-border engagement, the ministry hopes to unlock new commercial opportunities and accelerate Nigeria’s digital footprint throughout the region.
