Lagos, Nigeria | 1–2 July 2026

Representing the Chamber at the two-day forum were the Director-General, Mr. Emmanuel Essien, and the Deputy President for Business Development and Partnerships, Ambassador Nicky Maxwell, who joined policymakers, business leaders, development partners, technology innovators, and representatives of the organized private sector to deliberate on the future of digital trade across Africa.

The Forum provided a strategic platform for discussions on the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Digital Trade Protocol, with emphasis on leveraging digital technologies to facilitate cross-border commerce, promote inclusive economic growth, strengthen regional value chains, and improve market access for African businesses.

The NB-CCI delegation participated as part of the distinguished delegation of the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA), led by its National President, Engr. Jani Ibrahim, FNSE, FAEng, MNI, OON.

The high-powered NACCIMA delegation also included the Second Deputy President, Asiwaju (Dr.) Michael Olawale-Cole, CON, MFR, FNIM, CNIM, FCIoD, the Director-General, Mr. Sola Obadimu, FIoD, and other senior officials of the Association, reflecting NACCIMA's unwavering commitment to promoting private sector participation in the implementation of AfCFTA.

Throughout the Forum, participants explored emerging opportunities in digital commerce, electronic trade documentation, cross-border digital payments, e-commerce, digital identity systems, trade facilitation technologies, logistics, customs modernization, cybersecurity, and digital infrastructure required to unlock Africa's vast intra-continental trade potential.

Speaking after the event, Mr. Emmanuel Essien, Director-General of NB-CCI, noted that the Forum provided valuable insights into the transformative role of digital technologies in enhancing trade efficiency and competitiveness across Africa.

He observed that the Chamber is already investing in digital innovation through the deployment of its fully automated membership and trade facilitation platform, which supports online membership registration, digital certification, business profiling, subscriptions, stakeholder engagement, and process automation. According to him, these initiatives align with the objectives of the AfCFTA Digital Trade Protocol and position the Chamber to deliver modern, technology-driven services to businesses operating along the Nigeria–Benin economic corridor.

Ambassador Nicky Maxwell, Deputy President for Business Development and Partnerships, emphasized the importance of digital transformation in expanding opportunities for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), women-owned businesses, and young entrepreneurs. She noted that digital trade presents unprecedented opportunities for businesses in Nigeria and the Republic of Benin to access wider African markets, build strategic partnerships, and enhance their competitiveness.

The participation of NB-CCI at the Forum forms part of the Chamber's broader strategy to remain at the forefront of continental trade developments and to equip its members with the knowledge, networks, and tools required to thrive under the African Continental Free Trade Area.

As a newly accredited member of NACCIMA, the Nigeria–Benin Chamber of Commerce and Industry remains committed to working closely with national, regional, and international stakeholders in advancing digital trade, strengthening cross-border commerce, and promoting sustainable economic cooperation between the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Republic of Benin.

The Chamber looks forward to translating the knowledge and partnerships gained from the Forum into practical initiatives that will support businesses, enhance trade facilitation, and contribute to the realization of Africa's vision of a fully integrated and digitally enabled single market.