Recognizing the potential of e-commerce, the AfCFTA Conference, during its 33rd Ordinary Session held from February 9 to 10, 2020, decided to include a Protocol on Digital Trade within the AfCFTA framework. This initiative aims to ensure that Africa can negotiate and implement a comprehensive AfCFTA Digital Trade Protocol, granting full authority over all aspects of digital trade, including data and goods exchanged digitally. It also seeks to promote the emergence of African-owned digital trade platforms at national, regional, and continental levels, as part of preparations for negotiating the protocol.
In this context, the National AfCFTA Committee (CN-ZLECAf) convened the first meeting of the Thematic Working Group (GTT) on e-commerce on Tuesday, August 2, 2022, at the conference room of the Directorate for Promotion and International Economic Cooperation (DPCEI) in the Alliance building in Plateau. This meeting provided GTT members with the opportunity to assess the state of e-commerce in Côte d’Ivoire, discuss the organization of its stakeholders, explore future prospects, and establish a work program.
E-commerce is poised to be a catalyst for inclusive growth across Africa, with the potential to create numerous jobs in the future. Its benefits include opening markets to rural or isolated communities, providing essential services, and offering access to new professional opportunities. With proper mobilization, e-commerce can undoubtedly become a driving force for sustainable development.
The AfCFTA aims to create a single liberalized market for goods and services, facilitate investments, promote sustainable and inclusive development, enhance economic competitiveness, and foster the industrial development of its member states. By integrating e-commerce as a core component of its strategy, the AfCFTA is positioning Africa to harness the transformative power of the digital economy for long-term growth and resilience.