Unlocking digital trade under the AfCFTA

The AfCFTA Digital Trade Forum for the year 2025, the inaugural edition, is currently taking place in Lusaka, Zambia. The forum aims to explore how digital trade can transform global commerce and connect businesses across borders, particularly in the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) region. The AfCFTA boasts a vast market of over 1.3 billion people, presenting immense potential for economic integration and growth. Zambia, being central to southern Africa and bordering eight other African countries, plays a crucial role in advancing digital integration within the region. At the forum, key stakeholders, including political leaders, trade ministers, and young entrepreneurs, have been engaging in conversations and panel discussions to chart a path towards unlocking Africa's digital trade potential. CNBC Africa's Guillermo Mussepele and Editor-in-Chief Godfrey Mutizwa provided insights from the event, highlighting the importance of taking concrete actions to accelerate the implementation of the AfCFTA and digital trade protocols. Political leaders have emphasized the urgency of moving beyond discussions and into practical steps to boost intra-African trade and create new opportunities for businesses and job growth. With a focus on digitizing borders and enhancing cross-border trade, the forum aims to address the infrastructural and regulatory challenges that currently hinder digital trade growth in Africa. By bridging physical and digital borders, the summit seeks to spur innovation, collaboration, and economic development across the continent. Stay tuned for more updates from the AfCFTA Digital Trade Forum as the discussions continue to shape the future of digital trade in Africa.