CAPACITY BUILDING ON THE USE OF DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES UNDER THE AFCFTA TO FOSTER INTRA AFRICAN TRADE AND REGIONAL VALUE CHAINS
Announcement in Brief
|
Background
Digital technologies present a critical opportunity to reduce trade costs, expand market access, and promote inclusive participation, especially among micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), including women-led businesses. However, Africa continues to face substantial challenges in digital infrastructure, regulatory frameworks, digital skills, and financial mechanisms, which constrain digital trade adoption.
Considering the above, the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), with the financial support of the Government of Japan and in partnership with TradeMark Africa (TMA) joined their efforts to organize a training targeting founders, co-founders, and senior managers of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs/MSMEs) from across Africa, inviting themt o apply for a three-day capacity-building workshop on digital trade.
Objectives
Digital technologies are transforming trade, lowering barriers to new markets, streamlining logistics and payments, and enabling African businesses to expand across borders. This training will help SMEs:
- Gain practical skills in online payments, e-documents, cybersecurity, and emerging technologies such as AI, FinTech, and blockchain.
- Learn how to integrate digital solutions to improve efficiency, visibility, and competitiveness in regional value chains.
- Understand the AfCFTA Protocol on Digital Trade and how to navigate regulatory frameworks on data governance and privacy.
- Network with peers and policymakers to identify opportunities for cross-border growth.