E-commerce and integration in a digitalizing Africa

Having started late, Africa is now digitalizing faster than anywhere else in the world. Modes of business and trade are changing, with potential implications for economic development, integration and structural transformation. This chapter deliberates on how African countries can prepare for the digital economy, and in particular whether policy makers should consider e-commerce as a negotiating topic in the AfCFTA. It defines the contours of e-commerce and outlines the main opportunities and challenges associated with digitalization alongside national and regional trends. It presents national and regional strategies and policies, emphasizing the imperative of regulatory coherence. It details the potential of the AfCFTA to build cooperation given the plurality of e-commerce related strategies, policies and regulations. The chapter highlights important developments related to e-commerce at the multilateral level that hold implications for Africa. Thereafter it moves on to discuss the treatment of e-commerce in regional and free trade agreements-to identify common and divergent approaches of relevance in the AfCFTA context. The chapter concludes by presenting possible approaches for the treatment of e-commerce in the AfCFTA.

Sustainable Development Goals:

Good Health and Well-Being

Decent Work and Economic Growth

Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure