Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://hdl.handle.net/10419/251135 
Year of Publication: 
2021
Series/Report no.: 
ODI Report
Publisher: 
Overseas Development Institute (ODI), London
Abstract: 
At continent level, the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) negotiations are scheduled to include a protocol on e-commerce under Phase III, presenting a unique opportunity for African countries to collectively establish common positions on e-commerce, harmonise digital economy regulations and leverage the benefits of e-commerce. In this paper, we examine developments in e-commerce negotiations, their implications for African businesses and the role of the AfCFTA. This is done using desk-based research, complemented with primary survey data from 31 African businesses predominantly across Kenya, Rwanda and Nigeria, and in-depth semi-structured telephone interviews with 15 firms, the majority of which are small enterprises. A core finding is that e-commerce is now more important than ever, with scope for the AfCFTA to provide a guiding framework for data protection, privacy policies and stronger enforcement. The analysis in this paper shows that facilitating a regional dialogue in Africa to open opportunities to cross-border e-commerce trade is key.
Subjects: 
Africa
Trade & investment
Technology
Tax
Creative Commons License: 
cc-by-nc-nd Logo
Document Type: 
Research Report

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