Africa’s digital and creative economies took center stage at Moonshot 2025, the continent’s premier tech and innovation summit, which wrapped up this week in Lagos, Nigeria. This pivotal event gathered founders, investors, policymakers, and industry leaders to discuss how Africa can harness technology, trade, and creativity to foster sustainable growth.
Nigeria Unveils Bold Digital Trade Reforms
Currently, Africa’s digital trade accounts for a mere five percent of the continent’s overall commerce. However, Nigeria’s government is determined to change this narrative. During Moonshot 2025, the Trade Minister announced a series of sweeping reforms aimed at empowering African businesses to scale across borders and boost intra-African trade.
Among the key initiatives is the introduction of a National Single Window and a Trade Facilitation Portal. These tools are designed to simplify import and export procedures, enhance transparency, and significantly reduce costs for businesses. This move is expected to streamline trade processes and make it easier for companies to operate across different African markets.
Additionally, Nigeria unveiled a flat-rate air freight deal with Uganda Airlines, establishing a new Air Cargo Corridor. This corridor aims to cut export costs to Uganda, Kenya, and South Africa by up to 75 percent, addressing logistical barriers that have long hindered trade in the region.
“The reforms are about helping African businesses thrive within Africa,” stated the Trade Minister, highlighting Nigeria’s role as a Digital Trade Co-Champion for the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Building Momentum for Africa’s Tech Ecosystem
For Tomiwa Aladekomo, CEO of Big Cabal Media, Moonshot 2025 signifies a turning point in Africa’s tech landscape. “The energy is different,” he remarked. “We’re witnessing founders thinking beyond local markets, investors taking Africa seriously, and policymakers aligning with the realities of digital business.”
However, Aladekomo emphasizes that the real challenge lies beyond the summit. “Moonshot’s success will be measured by what happens after the lights go off — partnerships formed, policies implemented, and capital deployed where it matters,” he noted. He envisions Africa’s next frontier in AI-driven innovation, fintech expansion, and youth-led entrepreneurship, all supported by stronger policy alignment and regional collaboration.
Creating for Africa, Not Copying Silicon Valley
Another significant highlight of Moonshot 2025 came from YouTube’s Director of Emerging Markets, Ebi Atawodi, who urged African founders to design solutions grounded in local realities rather than mimicking global tech models. “Building small, intentional solutions that solve African problems is how we’ll drive real impact,” Atawodi asserted.
Her remarks coincided with the European Union’s announcement of increased support for local innovation hubs and digital capacity-building initiatives across the continent, reinforcing the importance of localized solutions.
Protecting Africa’s $17 Billion Creative Economy
Africa’s vibrant creative sector — encompassing everything from Afrobeats to Nollywood — continues to shape global culture. Yet, experts warn that inadequate Intellectual Property (IP) protection is costing African creators billions of dollars annually. During the conference, stakeholders advocated for a unified African IP framework under the AfCFTA Protocol on Intellectual Property Rights, which could unlock the continent’s $17 billion creative industry by safeguarding artists, filmmakers, and innovators.
“Without proper IP protection, Africa’s creators remain the least rewarded for their global impact,” stated one industry expert. “The AfCFTA protocol could finally change that.”
A New Era for African Innovation
From digital trade to creative rights, Moonshot 2025 showcased Africa’s growing determination to take ownership of its digital and economic future. The event’s central message was clear: Africa is moving from ambition to execution — building systems, partnerships, and solutions designed by Africans, for Africa.
