Digital Executive & Director, SWIT – Odu’a Investment Company (Nigeria)
An analysis on the role of Emerging Digital Technologies on Intra-African Trade: Opportunities, Challenges, Strategic priorities and Recommendations This report offers a comprehensive analysis of the current state of intra- African trade and how emerging digital technologies are reshaping its landscape. By examining key trends, challenges, and opportunities, the report aims to chart a course for the future of African trade in the digital age. It provides recommendations on setting priorities, necessary reforms, and fostering partnerships that will drive sustainable economic growth across the continent.
Director, International Economic Development Group, ODI
Implementing the Digital Trade Protocol of the African Continental Free Trade Area: Expected impacts, early experiences and challenges ahead The AfCFTA Digital Trade Protocol (DTP) aims for a unifying regulatory framework for Africa’s digital economy. It offers a comprehensive framework designed to harmonise digital trade regulations, foster cross-border data flows, enhance cybersecurity measures, and promote digital inclusion. The expected benefits are significant in terms of GDP and investment, increased intra-African trade, job creation, and the expansion of key sectors like e-commerce and fintech. But there are also challenges. Using the case study from three African states- Ghana, Nigeria and Namibia- the paper demonstrates the challenges to implementation as well as solutions. Realising the benefits of the DTP hinges on addressing three challenges namely, closing infrastructure deficits, reducing regulatory fragmentation, digital literacy gaps, and addressing cybersecurity concerns.
