For Africa to lead in the digital revolution and not lag other continents, prioritizing investments in infrastructure and connectivity, regulatory framework harmonization, and digital skills and innovation will be key, said Rwanda’s Minister of Trade and Industry Prudence Sebahizi. ALSO READ: African innovators tipped to drive digital trade under AfCFTA He made the remarks at the opening of African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Digital Trade Forum on May 8, in Lusaka, Zambia. The three-day forum brought together different African Heads of State, government officials, digital innovators, regulators, and policymakers to discuss how digital trade can accelerate the implementation of AfCFTA and the foundational work that needs to be done. Studies indicate that Africa’s digital economy is projected to reach $180 billion by the end of 2025 and contribute to 5.2 percent of the continent’s GDP. “This is more than just a forecast, it is a call to action,” said Sebahizi. “The prosperity of our nations depends on seamless connectivity, innovation-driven commerce and equitable access to digital market. By embracing digital trade, we can remove barriers, streamline cross-border transactions, and unlock opportunities for enterprises.” However, challenges to realize this potential remain. For example, only 40 percent of Africans have access to the internet. Regulatory fragmentation with more than 50 different digital trade policies on the continent continues to hinder progress. “Harmonization is no longer a choice; it is a necessity. Our collective commitment is now evident to ensure that digital trade becomes the catalyst that transforms this commitment into tangible economic progress,” he said. Sebahizi highlighted Rwanda’s progress in digital transformation as a driver of economic development with investment in digital infrastructure, e-commerce and fintech solutions that have empowered local enterprises to compete regionally and globally. He noted that national efforts alone are insufficient and the AfCFTA provides a unique framework to unify strategies, harmonize regulations, and empower entrepreneurs across the continent. ALSO READ: AfCFTA’s Mene roots for SME support to drive Africa’s digital trade To fast-track the implementation of the AfCFTA through digital trade, Sebahizi mentioned three key areas to prioritize, including investing in infrastructure and connectivity to ensure that reliable broadband access reach every corner of the continent. He also noted the need to align digital trade policies to facilitate seamless transactions and robust protection across borders, to harness digital literacy and innovation to equip the youth with skills necessary to drive Africa's future economic future. Wamkele Mene, Secretary General of AfCFTA Secretariat, said that at a time the global economy and trade is being shaken, the African continent must seize the crisis as an opportunity and not become consumers but rather creators and innovators of the digital economy. Through digital platforms, he said, the African continent has exposed the world to the creativity of Africans, the ingenuity of Africans and the innovation of Africans in the area of the creative industry. However, he acknowledged that the bulk of income generated by African content creators from leveraging digital platforms remains outside of the continent. He noted that the protocol on digital trade aims to reverse this trend. “We must develop the capacity to nurture and to create an enabling environment for content creators, innovators, young entrepreneurs to take advantage of this market of 1.4 billion people,” said Mene. He noted that the private sector should actively play a role in advancing the creation of opportunities through this protocol that seeks to benefit small and medium enterprises, especially those led by women and youth.
