Africa’s economic transformation is increasingly driven by digital trade and innovation, with the AfCFTA positioning digitalization as a key enabler of industrialization and inclusive growth. For small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), particularly women-led businesses, digital trade offers new opportunities to participate in regional and continental value chains, while persistent barriers continue to limit access to markets.

This session will explore how the AfCFTA Digital Trade Protocol (DTP) can address these challenges as a development-oriented framework for inclusive digital trade. As the largest regional digital trade agreement negotiated by developing countries, the DTP introduces provisions on digital identity, financial inclusion, technology transfer, and trade facilitation that have the potential to unlock SME participation and support Africa’s industrialization ambitions.

Held on the sidelines of MC14 in Yaoundé, the discussion will draw on research from ODI Global and empirical insights from tralac to highlight practical pathways for implementing the DTP and scaling inclusive digital trade models. The session will conclude with key takeaways on how Africa can leverage digital trade to empower SMEs and contribute to shaping development-friendly global digital trade rules.