The 39th Ordinary Session of the Heads of State and Government of the African Union, which recently concluded in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, marked a significant milestone for Nigeria’s diplomatic and economic standing. Under the leadership of His Excellency the Vice President, the Nigerian delegation took a commanding role in the summit’s primary debates, proactively advancing lead positions on the most pressing issues currently facing the continent. Nigeria specifically distinguished itself by presenting its substantial achievements as a champion of Digital Trade within the framework of the African Continental Free Trade Area. This presentation served to highlight the nation’s progress in modernizing commerce and its readiness to lead the digital transformation of African markets.
Parallel to the high-level plenary sessions, the Honorable Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment engaged in a series of strategic meetings designed to solidify Nigeria’s influence over regional trade and investment. These discussions involved key global stakeholders and continental partners, focusing on consolidating Nigeria’s role as a primary driver of economic integration. Patience Okala, Special Adviser to the Minister, noted that these engagements were instrumental in reinforcing the nation’s leadership. By aligning national interests with the broader goals of the AU, the delegation successfully utilized the weekend’s events to strengthen partnerships that will likely dictate the trajectory of cross-border investment and industrial growth in the coming years.