Digital Trade in Africa

Digital trade, encompassing the exchange of goods, services, and information through digital channels, is viewed as a catalyst for innovation and inclusive economic development. Though, the share of African trade in global digital trade appears to be on the low side, the growth in digitally delivered services is recently growing fast relative to trade in goods and non-digitally delivered services. Digital trade represents an important engine of growth and development for the African continent. 

This contributed volume is motivated by a shared perspective that digital trade can offer significant opportunities for African countries to boost growth, create better jobs, and reduce poverty. The book first distinguishes itself by providing an in-depth and comprehensive examination of the complex dynamics of digital trade in Africa, setting itself apart by probing into the driving forces propelling its growth along with the obstacles that limit the expansion of digital trade in the region. Second this book innovates by linking regional integration efforts in Africa to digital trade. It focuses on how collective efforts within different regional groups across the continent can be harnessed to boost digital trade in Africa.

Third, one of the key differentiators of the book lies in its thorough analysis of the regulatory frameworks governing digital trade across African nations. The existing policies and regulatory challenges are discussed across specific countries and group of countries. Lastly, the book links digital trade to the broader socio-economic environment by exploring the nexus between digital trade and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Africa. By aligning the principles of digital trade with specific SDGs ranging from poverty alleviation and quality education to gender equality and industry innovation, the book provides a comprehensive understanding of how digital trade can be harnessed as a tool for sustainable development across the African continent. It systematically examines how digital trade can be a driving force in achieving these global sustainability benchmarks.