At the recent Global DPI Summit in Cairo, Egypt, Africa.com caught up with Wamkele Mene, Secretary-General of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). In this impromptu interview, Mene shared valuable insights into the challenges and progress surrounding the implementation of the AfCFTA digital trade protocol. Based on this conversation, we have written the following article to delve into the key steps being taken to drive Africa’s digital transformation and the collaborative efforts needed to achieve the continent’s digital goals.
In the rapidly evolving landscape of Africa’s digital economy, the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) digital trade protocol represents a critical milestone. Following his insightful session on Driving Africa’s Digital Transformation at the Global DPI Summit, Wamkele Mene, Secretary-General of AfCFTA, shared his thoughts on the progress made and the challenges that lie ahead. As the continent strives to leverage digital tools for economic growth and integration, the AfCFTA digital trade protocol aims to create a unified, efficient, and inclusive digital ecosystem across Africa.
Overcoming Initial Hurdles
The development of the digital trade protocol was no small feat, involving negotiations on sensitive issues such as data movement and seamless payment systems. Mene explained that many countries initially faced challenges in agreeing on a framework that would balance national interests, including security concerns, with the need for regional cohesion. Each nation, for example, had a preference for its own payment systems, creating a complex negotiation process.
Yet, these hurdles were successfully navigated, marking a significant step toward the broader goal of digital integration. “We were able to overcome the most difficult negotiating issues,” Mene noted, highlighting the collective effort of 48 countries that have adopted the protocol. This achievement reflects not only the political will but also a shared vision for a digitally integrated Africa.
The Real Challenge: Implementation
While the successful negotiation of the protocol was a vital step, Mene emphasized that the true challenge now lies in its implementation. Moving from policy agreement to tangible results requires strategic focus on capacity-building, awareness-raising, and strong advocacy. “It will not implement itself; we will have to do the hard work for implementation of the protocol,” he stated.
Mene underscored the need to build capacity across various sectors, including governments, institutions, and private enterprises. This foundational work is essential to ensure that the protocol is not just a policy on paper but a driver of real change across the continent. AfCFTA is committed to working with partners both within and outside Africa to ensure this vision becomes a reality.
A Unified Effort for Inclusive Growth
The implementation of the digital trade protocol is expected to have far-reaching benefits, especially in promoting financial and digital inclusion. By creating a cohesive digital environment, the protocol can enable more Africans to access digital services, participate in e-commerce, and engage in cross-border trade. This, in turn, supports the broader goals of economic growth and poverty reduction.
Mene pointed out that this inclusive growth requires robust support from all stakeholders, including the private sector. The protocol is designed to create an enabling regulatory framework, making it easier for private enterprises to invest in digital public infrastructure (DPI). “We have seen banks and fintech companies investing their own balance sheets in DPI,” he remarked, emphasizing that the private sector plays a crucial role in this transformation.
The Role of the Private Sector
Mene is optimistic about the role of the private sector in driving the implementation of the protocol. While governments have laid the groundwork through policy and legal commitments, the next step is for businesses to recognize the opportunities within this new digital landscape. With the appropriate regulatory framework in place, the protocol provides a clear path for private investments in areas such as digital payments, data centers, and digital services.
“The benefits for the private sector to invest in DPI are clear,” Mene explained. He believes that businesses can leverage the new opportunities created by a more integrated digital market, ultimately contributing to the continent’s economic resilience and competitiveness. The protocol’s framework offers a secure and structured environment for these investments to thrive, setting the stage for a digitally empowered Africa.
Looking Ahead: A Call to Action
As Africa moves forward in its digital transformation journey, the path ahead is both promising and challenging. The AfCFTA digital trade protocol has laid a strong foundation, but its success depends on continued collaboration, investment, and commitment from all sectors of society. Mene’s message is clear: implementing the protocol will require effort and dedication, but the potential rewards—a more connected, inclusive, and vibrant African economy—are well worth the work.
With the political will in place and the private sector ready to engage, Africa is poised to become a leader in digital innovation and economic integration. As Mene concluded, the focus now is on turning this vision into reality, ensuring that digital trade can unlock new opportunities for millions of people across the continent. The journey may be complex, but the destination—a digitally unified Africa—is within reach.
H.E. Wamkele Mene
Secretary General of African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA)Prior to being elected Secretary-General of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat, he served as Chief Director: Africa Economic Relations, at the Department of Trade & Industry of South Africa. In this role, he was South Africa’s chief trade negotiator in the AfCFTA and Tripartite FTA negotiations. During his tenure as chief negotiator, South Africa ratified both the AfCFTA and Tripartite FTAs agreements, providing new export markets in fast growing and dynamic markets in East and West Africa.