The Federal Government has unveiled a new report aimed at unlocking opportunities for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) to access the $3.5 trillion African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) market through enhanced digital trade systems.
Titled Cross-Border Digital Payments and Identity in Nigeria under the AfCFTA, the report was launched on Monday in Abuja by Deputy Chief of Staff to the President Ibrahim Hadejia.
The initiative, hosted by the Office of the Vice President in collaboration with ODI Global under the Supporting Investment and Trade in Africa (SITA) programme, seeks to position Nigeria as a leader in Africa’s digital trade agenda.
Hadejia described the report as both timely and strategic, stressing that seamless cross-border transactions are essential for driving trade, economic growth, and job creation.
He highlighted the role of trusted digital identity frameworks and efficient payment systems in achieving President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope vision for Nigerian MSMEs.
Platforms such as the Pan-African Payment and Settlement System, along with domestic fintech companies like PalmPay and Moniepoint, are expected to play a central role in driving adoption of cross-border digital payments.
Hadejia reassured that the government remains committed to strengthening infrastructure, regulatory frameworks, and partnerships to maintain Nigeria’s leadership in the digital trade space.
Also contributing at the event, Special Adviser to the President on Job Creation and MSMEs, Temitola Adekunle-Johnson, noted that cross-border payments in Africa have historically been inefficient but are now being transformed by innovations such as the Bank Verification Number and National Identification Number systems.
Other presidential aides, including Salihu Dasuki (ICT Policy) and Shuda Ahmed (Project Support), stressed that affordable and efficient digital payment systems are crucial for MSMEs to expand beyond domestic markets.
The launch drew stakeholders from AfCFTA, the National Information Technology Development Agency, the National Identity Management Commission, and the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission.
