Research reports and studiesFebruary 2021Karishma Banga, Mohamed Gharib, Maximiliano Mendez-Parra and Jamie MacleodE-commerce mobile conference in Nairobi, Kenya, December 2018. Photo: UNCTAD/FlickrAt continent level, the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) negotiations are scheduled to include a protocol on e-commerce under Phase III, presenting a unique opportunity for African countries to collectively establish common positions on e-commerce, harmonise digital economy regulations and leverage the benefits of e-commerce. In this paper, we examine developments in e-commerce negotiations, their implications for African businesses and the role of the AfCFTA. This is done using desk-based research, complemented with primary survey data from 31 African businesses predominantly across Kenya, Rwanda and Nigeria, and in-depth semi-structured telephone interviews with 15 firms, the majority of which are small enterprises.A core finding is that e-commerce is now more important than ever, with scope for the AfCFTA to provide a guiding framework for data protection, privacy policies and stronger enforcement. The analysis in this paper shows that facilitating a regional dialogue in Africa to open opportunities to cross-border e-commerce trade is key.Read the research E-commerce in preferential trade agreements: implications for African firms and the AfCFTADocumentpdfRelatedThe climate and trade nexus in AfricaThis is the first of two reports assessing the relationship between trade and climate change in Africa.Research reports and studies4 February 2021 Africa trade and Covid‑19: the supply chain dimensionInvestigating the impacts of the pandemic on trade and value chains in Africa.Working and discussion papers11 August 2020 Africa’s economic transformation: the role of Chinese investmentThis report uses evidence from DEGRP research and beyond to assess whether and how Chinese investment in Africa has contributed to economic transformation.Research reports and studies29 June 2020See more:tradetechnologytaxAfrica
