Nigeria’s push to expand digital trade across Africa has gained fresh momentum as the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) opened applications for the pilot cohort of its Digital Export Acceleration Programme (DEAP).
- Nigeria’s push to expand digital trade across Africa has gained fresh momentum as the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA)...
- The initiative targets Nigerian startups, SMEs, and digital businesses seeking to enter regional and international markets under the African Continental...
- Applicants must be legally registered in Nigeria and must have operated for at least two years.
- Organisers also say businesses will gain access to strategic partnerships and ecosystem connections to ease expansion into new territories.
Keep reading for the full breakdown on AfCFTA — everything you need to know is covered below.
The initiative targets Nigerian startups, SMEs, and digital businesses seeking to enter regional and international markets under the African Continental Free Trade Area framework. The programme is being implemented through NITDA’s Office of Nigerian Digital Innovation alongside the Digital Trade Desk under the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy.
Focus on Export-Ready Businesses
The pilot cohort aims to support businesses with proven market traction and products that can scale beyond Nigeria. Organisers say the programme will prioritise sectors including technology, fintech, healthtech, edtech, agribusiness, manufacturing, logistics, renewable energy, fashion, and the creative industry.
Applicants must be legally registered in Nigeria and must have operated for at least two years. Businesses are also expected to provide evidence of customer demand and demonstrate the ability to expand into regional or global markets. Only a limited number of firms will be selected for the first cohort.
The programme arrives at a time when many Nigerian startups are looking beyond the domestic market due to rising competition and growing interest in cross-border trade opportunities across Africa.
Support for Market Expansion
Selected participants will receive export-readiness support, market-access advisory services, investor-readiness guidance, and mentorship from industry experts. Organisers also say businesses will gain access to strategic partnerships and ecosystem connections to ease expansion into new territories.
Another focus area is helping businesses navigate compliance requirements and trade procedures linked to international expansion. This includes support on cross-border trade operations and opportunities tied to the AfCFTA agreement, which seeks to strengthen trade among African countries.
Industry observers note that digital trade initiatives are becoming more important as African governments increase efforts to strengthen regional commerce and encourage technology-driven entrepreneurship.
Growing Interest in Africa’s Digital Trade Economy
The launch of DEAP also reflects broader efforts across the continent to build stronger digital trade infrastructure. Institutions, including Afreximbank, have recently introduced accelerator programmes to support African startups operating in logistics, payments, trade technology, and export services.
NITDA has continued to expand programmes linked to digital innovation, entrepreneurship, and talent development as part of Nigeria’s wider digital economy agenda. The agency says its long-term priorities include supporting innovation, improving digital literacy, and strengthening the country’s technology ecosystem.
Applications for the DEAP pilot cohort close on 30 May 2026. Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted following the review process.