AfCFTA member states advance digital trade integration

The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) concluded its Tenth Meeting of the Committee on Digital Trade in Nairobi, marking four days of substantive discussions aimed at accelerating implementation of the AfCFTA Protocol on Digital Trade across the continent.

Member states engaged in detailed discussion on critical priority areas including cross-border payments, data transfers, digital public infrastructure, and national digital identity systems, reinforcing the foundations of a trusted and integrated African digital market.

Building a Continental Digital Framework

The AfCFTA Protocol on Digital Trade establishes a continent-wide legal framework designed to facilitate inclusive, secure, and seamless cross-border trade across African countries. The Nairobi meeting focused on translating this framework into practical implementation strategies that can unlock opportunities for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) across the continent.

During the four-day engagement, Member States examined how interoperability, trust, and simplification of digital trade processes can remove barriers and create new economic opportunities. Discussions centred on harmonizing approaches to digital infrastructure, ensuring data flows across borders while maintaining security and privacy standards, and establishing interconnected payment systems that facilitate trade.

Practical Country Experiences

Tunisia, Zambia, Senegal, Uganda, Togo, and Angola shared practical experiences in implementing the Digital Trade Protocol, providing valuable insights from their national contexts. These country presentations demonstrated concrete progress in areas such as digital identity systems, payment infrastructure, and regulatory frameworks that support cross-border digital commerce.

The exchange of experiences highlighted both successes and challenges in operationalizing digital trade provisions, offering Member States opportunities to learn from one another’s approaches. Countries discussed technical solutions, policy innovations, and strategies for building digital capacity that can serve as models for continental implementation.

Focus on MSMEs and Inclusion

A key theme throughout the meeting was ensuring that Africa’s digital economy remains inclusive, with particular attention to creating opportunities for MSMEs. Participants explored how simplified digital trade processes, interoperable systems, and accessible digital infrastructure can enable smaller enterprises to participate in cross-border commerce and access larger markets across the continent.

The discussions emphasised that digital trade is not merely about technology, but about economic transformation that reaches businesses of all sizes. By reducing complexity and building trust in digital transactions, the Protocol aims to democratize access to continental markets.

Growing Momentum Toward Implementation

The Tenth Committee Meeting reflects growing momentum toward a fully operational and inclusive African digital economy. With substantive progress on technical standards, regulatory harmonisation, and practical implementation strategies, Member States are advancing from policy development to concrete action.

The engagement in Nairobi builds on previous committee meetings and demonstrates increasing coordination among African countries in establishing the infrastructure, systems, and policies necessary for seamless digital trade across the continent’s 55 nations.

Next Steps

The outcomes and recommendations from the Nairobi meeting will inform ongoing efforts to operationalize the Digital Trade Protocol. Member States will continue work on harmonizing digital trade regulations, enhancing interoperability of digital systems, and building capacity for implementation at national and regional levels.

The AfCFTA Secretariat will support Member States in translating the insights and commitments from Nairobi into tangible progress toward an integrated African digital market that serves businesses, consumers, and economies across the continent.

As Africa moves toward full implementation of the AfCFTA, digital trade represents a critical pillar for economic integration one that can leapfrog traditional barriers and create new opportunities for the continent’s 1.3 billion people.

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