FG launches drive to boost Nigerian digital services across Africa

In a bold step to strengthen Nigeria’s footprint in Africa’s digital economy, the Federal Government, through the Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Investment, has launched a new initiative aimed at making it easier for Nigerian digital service providers to expand across the continent.

Announced by the Minister of Industry, Trade, and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, on Monday, the initiative invites all Nigerian digital service providers to participate in a government-led survey.

The goal is to gather detailed information about these businesses, including their current operations and preferred African countries for expansion.

According to Dr. Oduwole, Nigerian digital firms often encounter significant challenges when attempting to access or operate in other African markets.

These include unclear registration processes, regulatory overlaps, and a general lack of guidelines tailored to digital services.

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“This is because, unlike physical goods or traditional services, digital offerings don’t fit neatly into existing trade categories,” the Minister said. “Nigeria is, therefore, championing digital trade services and is pioneering a simple, clear framework that both businesses and governments can understand.”

She likened the effort to “creating a common language” for digital services across Africa—a move that will not only simplify market entry for Nigerian firms but also enhance Nigeria’s leadership role in shaping the continent’s digital trade regulations.

The initiative will also produce the country’s first-ever comprehensive database of digital service providers, detailing their expansion goals and the barriers they face. This will allow the Ministry to tailor trade negotiations toward unlocking specific target markets and creating a centralized digital services repository.

Dr. Oduwole emphasized that the program is designed to deliver long-term benefits, including the opening of new markets, regulatory clarity, and increased visibility for Nigerian tech businesses.

Despite challenges, a few Nigerian digital firms have made significant inroads into other African countries. Fintech giants like Flutterwave, Paystack, and Interswitch are operating across markets such as Ghana, Kenya, South Africa, Uganda, and Tanzania.

However, many others have faced delays and difficulties in securing licenses or navigating complex foreign regulations.

By spearheading this initiative, the Federal Government hopes to remove these hurdles and set a precedent for digital trade across the continent—positioning Nigeria not just as a participant but a pacesetter in Africa’s digital future.