By Ameenat Hamzat, Lagos, Nigeria
The Federal Government has launched a report on cross-border digital payments and identity aimed at expanding access for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises to the $3.5 trillion African Continental Free Trade Area market.
The report, titled “Cross-Border Digital Payments and Identity in Nigeria under the AfCFTA,” was unveiled in Abuja at an event hosted by the Office of the Vice President in collaboration with ODI Global under the Supporting Investment and Trade in Africa programme.
Deputy Chief of Staff to the President, Ibrahim Hassan Hadejia, described the report as timely and strategic, noting Nigeria’s growing role in shaping digital trade across the continent.
He said: “I appreciate the efforts of all stakeholders and urge us to move AfCFTA beyond a continental agreement to a $3.5 trillion trade juggernaut that will reinvigorate our industries, unlock intra-African trade, and domesticate African prosperity.”
Hadejia said the initiative builds on earlier milestones, including Nigeria’s Digital Trade Strategy and capacity-building programmes for subnational leaders.
He noted that improving cross-border payment systems and strengthening digital identity frameworks would be critical to enabling businesses to trade seamlessly across African markets.
The report identified the Pan-African Payment and Settlement System as a key platform for facilitating transactions while also highlighting the role of Nigerian fintech firms such as PalmPay and Moniepoint in driving adoption.
Special Adviser to the President on Job Creation and MSMEs, Temitola Adekunle-Johnson, said the report would strengthen the MSME ecosystem and improve access to continental markets.
He noted that cross-border payments in Africa have traditionally been informal and inefficient but are being transformed by systems such as the Bank Verification Number and National Identification Number.
Also speaking, Special Assistant to the President on ICT Policy, Salihu Dasuki, said efforts are underway to develop frameworks that will fast-track seamless cross-border payments for MSMEs.
The Federal Government said it remains committed to strengthening infrastructure, regulatory systems, and partnerships to position Nigeria as a leader in Africa’s di
gital trade landscape.
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