African Leaders Push for Swift Implementation of AfCFTA Digital Trade Protocol

African Leaders Push for Swift Implementation of AfCFTA Digital Trade Protocol. African leaders gathered this week at the AfCFTA Digital Trade Forum to accelerate progress on the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Digital Trade Protocol, a key step toward building a unified digital economy across the continent.

President Boko delivered a keynote address urging member states to move decisively from discussion to implementation. “Let’s seize the moment and move swiftly to implement the AfCFTA Digital Protocol Agreement,” he said, highlighting the protocol’s potential to unlock economic opportunities for Africa’s youth and deepen intra-African trade.

The Digital Trade Protocol, adopted during the 37th African Union Heads of State Summit in February 2024, aims to harmonize digital trade rules among member states. Its focus includes data governance, cybersecurity, e-commerce, and digital payment systems. The protocol requires ratification by at least 22 member states to take effect. As of now, 49 countries have ratified, triggering a five-year window for full implementation.

Forum host President Hakainde Hichilema praised President Boko’s leadership and emphasized the transformative potential of the protocol. He projected the creation of over 7,000 data centers across the continent, with the potential to generate millions of jobs—particularly for youth aged 25 to 45.

The forum provided a platform for stakeholders to discuss practical steps for implementation, including national policy alignment and cross-border collaboration in the digital space.

With high-level support and widespread ratification, the AfCFTA Digital Trade Protocol is positioned to become a cornerstone of Africa’s digital future. Leaders left the forum with a collective call to action: to turn commitment into progress and ensure that Africa’s digital trade landscape reflects the dynamism and ambition of its people.