The African Continental Free Trade Area Secretariat has begun discussions with the United Africa Blockchain Association on using emerging technologies to support digital trade, financial inclusion and cross-border commerce across the continent.
The engagement centered on how technology education, innovation and digital solutions could contribute to the implementation of the AfCFTA Protocol on Digital Trade. The consultation was led by the Secretariat’s Chief of Staff and examined opportunities to expand the use of technology among entrepreneurs, businesses and communities participating in Africa’s growing single market.
The AfCFTA Protocol on Digital Trade provides a harmonized and technology-neutral framework intended to strengthen digital commerce among the bloc’s 55 member states. Its objectives include supporting digital payment systems, enabling cross-border data flows and improving trade-related processes across national boundaries.
The AfCFTA Secretariat and UABA are developing a collaboration roadmap aimed at expanding technology education, supporting innovation and strengthening the digital capabilities of African entrepreneurs.
Blockchain Seen as a Tool for More Efficient Trade
During the discussions, the organizations examined how blockchain and other emerging technologies could improve the efficiency, security and transparency of trade systems operating across the continent.
Blockchain-based systems could help facilitate faster and more secure cross-border payments while reducing some of the operational barriers faced by small and medium-sized enterprises. Such technologies may also improve the visibility of transactions and streamline processes involving multiple countries, businesses and financial institutions.
The stakeholders indicated that wider adoption of digital tools could enable more companies to participate in Africa’s single market. Small businesses and entrepreneurs often face challenges related to payment delays, high transaction costs and limited access to cross-border financial services. Technology-based solutions could help address some of these obstacles and make regional commerce more accessible.
The proposed technology initiatives are expected to support faster and more secure cross-border payments, improve trade transparency and reduce barriers for small and medium-sized businesses.
The discussions also emphasized the importance of ensuring that emerging technologies are accessible to a broad range of market participants. The planned initiatives are expected to consider the needs of start-ups, women entrepreneurs, traders and small businesses seeking to operate beyond their domestic markets.
Technology Labs and Skills Development Planned
As part of the proposed collaboration, the AfCFTA Secretariat and UABA plan to explore technology labs that would support start-ups, innovators and emerging companies. These facilities could provide access to technical knowledge, experimentation opportunities and innovation support for businesses developing solutions aligned with Africa’s digital trade objectives.
The collaboration is also expected to place significant emphasis on capacity building. Expanding access to technology education and practical digital skills could help entrepreneurs better understand and adopt emerging tools while creating opportunities for locally developed solutions.
The AfCFTA Secretariat indicated that stronger digital infrastructure would be essential to extending the benefits of the continental market to businesses and communities throughout Africa. It also highlighted the need to broaden access to technology skills so that participation in digital trade is not limited to large companies or major commercial centers.
The planned technology labs and capacity-building programs are intended to help African start-ups and emerging businesses develop digital solutions that support the continent’s long-term trade goals.
The engagement reflects a broader effort to combine trade policy with technology development as Africa seeks to strengthen economic integration. By linking digital infrastructure, technology education and innovation support with the implementation of the Digital Trade Protocol, the proposed collaboration could contribute to a more connected and inclusive continental trading environment.
The next phase is expected to focus on establishing a detailed roadmap and identifying practical initiatives that can support entrepreneurs and businesses participating in Africa’s expanding digital economy.