UN ECA, TradeMark Africa and Google Join Forces to Boost Digital Trade Across Africa

The United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA),  through its African Trade Policy Centre (ATPC) and the African Institute for Economic Development and Planning (IDEP), has launched a new capacity-building initiative to empower government stakeholders and private sector actors, including women-led micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), to leverage digital technologies for intra-African trade. The initiative is financially supported by the Government of Japan and implemented in collaboration with TradeMark Africa (TMA), Google, and other partners.

The programme comes at a critical moment for the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), the world’s largest free trade area in terms of membership, covering over 1.4 billion people with a combined GDP approaching USD 3 trillion. While digital technologies offer significant potential to enhance trade, structural challenges such as gaps in digital infrastructure, regulatory harmonization, digital skills, and access to finance continue to limit opportunities, particularly for women-led businesses that face persistent barriers to digital inclusion.

Aligned with the recently adopted AfCFTA Protocol on Digital Trade, the initiative aims to strengthen institutional and technical capacities necessary for effective implementation of the Protocol. By equipping government and private sector stakeholders with practical knowledge of digital tools and platforms, the programme seeks to enhance regional value chains, expand market access, and translate policy commitments into tangible outcomes across the continent.

The training programme, set to take place in Addis Ababa from 25 to 27 November, will be delivered in a hybrid format and will feature peer-to-peer exchanges, best practice sharing, and engagement with regional and international partners active in the digital trade ecosystem. Selected SMEs participating in the programme were chosen for their potential and willingness to integrate digital tools for market expansion.

ECA officials highlighted the strategic importance of the initiative in supporting Africa’s inclusive growth agenda. Strengthening the digital capabilities of SMEs, particularly those led by women and youth, is seen as vital for unlocking the promise of the AfCFTA and fostering equitable participation in regional trade. Participants are expected to gain a deeper understanding of policy frameworks, improved skills to integrate digital solutions into trade processes, and strengthened collaborative networks.

The initiative also lays the groundwork for ongoing capacity development through future online learning offerings hosted on ECA’s digital platforms, ensuring sustained support for the continent’s digital trade ecosystem.