The Digital Trade Protocol under the AfCFTA was adopted in February 2024. It is a significant milestone for the governance of digital trade on the continent.

This panel explored the ways in which this Protocol encourages digitalization in trade and promotes a more inclusive and rights-based sustainable development. Experts offered insights on how digitalization can help overcome trade barriers, showcase successful digital trade initiatives and strategies for enhancing cooperation in support of an inclusive implementation of the AfCFTA Digital Trade Protocol. The discussion aimed to highlight the potential of these frameworks to unlock new opportunities and advance sustainable development in Africa.

Supported by FES Geneva the session was jointly organized by United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) and the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ). 

Speakers: 

• H.E. Kadra Ahmed Hassan, Permanent Representative to the UN and WTO of Djibouti, Government of Djibouti
• Maria Andrea Echazu Aguero, Human Rights Officer, OHCHR
• Martine Julsaint Kidane, Economic Affairs Officer, Digital Economy Capacity-Building Section, UNCTAD
• Ralph Oyini Mbouna, Director, Digital Transformation and Services (CDTSO), Smart Africa Secretariat

Moderator: Yvonne Bartmann, FES Geneva office