The Africa Trade Development Forum 2024 concluded in Kigali with a resounding call to prioritize investment in digital infrastructure to revolutionize trade and foster “No-Stop Borders” across Africa’s major trade corridors.
Under the theme “Unlocking Africa’s Trade Potential Through Digital Innovation,” the forum emphasized the critical role of digital trade in advancing the African Continental Free Trade Area [AfCFTA] agenda. Supported by Rwanda’s Prime Minister Dr. Edouard Ngirente, AfCFTA Secretary-General H.E. Wamkele Mene, and Rwanda’s Minister of Trade and Industry Prudence Sebahizi. The event brought together ministers, development partners, and multilateral leaders.
Key discussions centered on:
- Enhancing border processes through advanced digital systems.
- Expanding the use of digital tools such as integrated border management systems and electronic cargo tracking. This has proven to reduce trade costs by up to 80%.
- Scaling blockchain-based solutions like the Trade Logistics Information Pipeline [TLIP], successfully piloted between Kenya and the UK.
- Tackling Africa’s low internet penetration rate [30%] through significant investments in connectivity and green data centers.
- Leveraging blockchain and improved financial systems to streamline transactions and enhance trade efficiency.
“By improving digital infrastructure, we can reduce trade costs by up to 25% and unlock the immense potential of intra-African trade.” Stated Prime Minister Dr. Ngirente.
“Digital innovation will create opportunities for 600 million young Africans to engage in the digital economy.” Said H.E. Wamkele Mene on the the importance of empowering Africa’s youth.
The forum also explored innovative solutions for integrating MSMEs into the digital economy. Supporting their access to global markets, and advancing Africa’s trade agenda.
Participating government representatives included ministers from Namibia, Somaliland, Djibouti, Tanzania, and Uganda, alongside notable leaders such as TradeMark Africa’s Board Chair and former Ethiopian Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn.
The Africa Trade Development Forum 2024 has set the stage for actionable steps toward transforming Africa’s trade ecosystem through digital innovation.
