The Federal Government of Nigeria is spearheading a digital trade initiative to help homegrown tech and digital service providers expand across Africa.
The bold new move, signalling a fresh strategy to amplify Nigeria’s footprint in the continent’s booming digital economy, was unveiled by Dr Jumoke Oduwole, Nigeria’s Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment.
The campaign, Nigeria’s Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, is introducing a data-driven approach to identify, support and unlock market access for digital firms eager to go continental.
Dr Oduwole states that the goal is simple: reduce the friction Nigerian companies face when crossing into new markets. The ministry is gathering intelligence directly from the companies that matter—who they are, what they offer, where they want to go, and what’s standing in their way.
Minister: Digital trade will unlock new markets for Nigeria
At the heart of this, Dr Oduwole says, is an official survey inviting Nigerian digital service providers to share details about their operations and pinpoint African countries they are eyeing for expansion.
“This is because, unlike physical goods and traditional services, digital services don’t fit neatly into existing trade categories,” Dr Oduwole explains, noting how regulatory ambiguity has long been a stumbling block for Nigerian digital startups and enterprises seeking to scale outside national borders.
With the digital services industry fast becoming the backbone of Africa’s future economy, the Nigerian government is positioning its tech players to ride the wave—with strategy, structure and support.
Dr Oduwole states that the goal is simple: reduce the friction Nigerian companies face when crossing into new markets. The ministry is gathering intelligence directly from the companies that matter—who they are, what they offer, where they want to go, and what’s standing in their way.
“It’s like creating a common language that helps everyone to get on the same page about what these services are and how they should be treated,” she says. “The transformative benefits for Nigeria include unlocking new markets.”
As Nigeria positions itself as a leader in Africa’s digital future, Dr Oduwole says that the Federal Government’s push is expected to empower startups, unlock trade corridors, and put Nigeria at the centre of shaping digital policy across the continent.
The strategy, the Minister says, is not just paperwork. It is policy-in-motion. By developing a comprehensive database of Nigerian digital service providers and the challenges they face abroad, the ministry is planning to streamline trade negotiations and shape smarter digital trade agreements with other African nations.
While Nigerian giants like Paystack, now operating in Ghana, Kenya, and South Africa, and Interswitch, which has carved a solid continental presence, are already scaling borders, many smaller firms are still stuck at the gate—hindered by inconsistent registration processes and patchy regulatory oversight in foreign markets.
Dr Oduwole stresses that the initiative is also about levelling the playing field.
“Nigeria is, therefore, championing digital trade services and is pioneering a simple, clear framework that both businesses and governments can understand,” the Minister explains.
As Nigeria positions itself as a leader in Africa’s digital future, Dr Oduwole says that the Federal Government’s push is expected to empower startups, unlock trade corridors, and put Nigeria at the centre of shaping digital policy across the continent.
For emerging and established digital service providers, this could be the opportunity to go beyond borders—with government-backed momentum and a unified voice guiding the way.
More details about the digital services expansion initiative are expected to be released on the official website of the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment and platforms aligned with Nigeria’s growing tech ecosystem.
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