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AfCFTA Shifts from Policy to Practice
The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat and the International Trade Centre (ITC) have signed a renewed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), signalling a decisive shift from trade negotiations to real, private sector–driven commerce across Africa.
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The agreement was formalised on 18 May 2026 on the sidelines of Biashara Afrika 2026, a high-level forum bringing together policymakers, financiers, business leaders and trade partners focused on deepening intra-African trade.
With AfCFTA negotiations now concluded, the renewed partnership prioritises implementation—unlocking practical trade opportunities, reducing friction at borders, and enabling African businesses to scale seamlessly across the continent.
Digital Technology: The Backbone of Africa’s Single Market
Digital technology has emerged as the central enabler of AfCFTA’s ambition to unify 55 African economies into a single market. By digitising customs processes, harmonising trade rules, deploying regional e-commerce platforms, and enabling secure cross-border payments, AfCFTA is systematically dismantling traditional trade barriers.
Through digital infrastructure, African traders—especially small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs)—can now access markets across borders with reduced paperwork, lower transaction costs, and faster settlement timelines. The result is a more inclusive, efficient, and partnership-driven African trade ecosystem.
Signing Ahead of Africa Day Underscores Inclusion Agenda
The MoU was signed by AfCFTA Secretary-General Wamkele Mene and ITC Executive Director Pamela Coke-Hamilton, just one week ahead of Africa Day—symbolising a shared commitment to inclusive growth.
According to Mene,
“The success of the AfCFTA will ultimately be measured by the extent to which African businesses are able to trade across borders with greater ease and opportunity. This renewed partnership with ITC reinforces our commitment to creating real commercial opportunities for SMEs, women- and youth-led enterprises.”
Coke-Hamilton added that the collaboration is focused on translating policy into action at a time when global trade uncertainties make regional partnerships more critical than ever.
Trade Growth Potential Backed by Data
ITC research indicates that under AfCFTA, intra-African trade could grow by an additional $22 billion annually by 2029, driven by tariff elimination, value-chain development, and digital trade facilitation.
Estimates further suggest that the Agreement could boost intra-African trade by over 52%, particularly in value-added manufacturing and services, if implementation continues at scale.
Alignment with Africa’s Long-Term Development Vision
The renewed AfCFTA–ITC partnership aligns squarely with Agenda 2063: The Africa We Want, as well as the United Nations’ 2030 Sustainable Development Goals.
Since its signing in 2018, entry into force in 2019, and commencement of trading in 2021, AfCFTA has remained one of the fastest-negotiated and most ambitious agreements in the African Union system, covering a market of over 1.3 billion people.
Key Cooperation Areas Under the Renewed Partnership
The MoU outlines priority areas designed to strengthen implementation capacity and partnerships across the continent, including:
- Trade facilitation and improved market access
- Capacity building for inclusive entrepreneurship
- Institutional strengthening for AfCFTA implementation
- Enhanced access to trade and market intelligence
- Co-creation of programmes with shared ownership and measurable outcomes
This results-driven approach ensures that digital tools are matched with institutional readiness and private sector participation.
How AfCFTA Uses Digital Technology to Eliminate Trade Barriers
1. AfCFTA Digital Trade Protocol
The Protocol on Digital Trade harmonises continental rules on e-commerce, data protection, and cybersecurity. It creates a trusted environment where businesses can sell and deliver goods and services digitally across borders.
2. ADAPT Initiative
The Africa Digital Access and Public Infrastructure for Trade (ADAPT) initiative provides the foundational digital architecture connecting customs, trade, and payment systems across member states. Piloted in countries including Kenya, Morocco and Nigeria, ADAPT underpins interoperable digital trade.
3. Digital Payments and Customs Platforms
- Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS): Enables traders to settle cross-border transactions in local currencies, cutting dependence on foreign intermediaries and reducing costs and delays.
- Electronic trade portals: Digital certificates of origin, automated customs clearance, and online tariff tools are replacing paper-heavy processes.
4. Empowering SMEs, Women and Youth
Digital platforms allow MSMEs to bypass restrictive supply chains, access new markets, and trade goods—from agriculture and textiles to digital services—across Africa with minimal entry barriers.
5. Emerging Technologies for Trust and Transparency
AfCFTA is exploring technologies such as blockchain to improve traceability, combat counterfeiting, and automate trade finance—strengthening trust between African trade partners.
A New Digital Chapter for Intra-African Trade
The renewed AfCFTA–ITC partnership reflects a broader transformation: Africa’s trade integration is no longer driven solely by policy alignment, but by digital infrastructure, shared platforms, and technology-enabled partnerships.
As global trade becomes more fragmented, AfCFTA’s digital-first approach positions Africa to trade more with itself—faster, cheaper, and more collaboratively—while building resilient value chains for the future.
