High Demand for Cloud and Digital Agreements Signals Trade Shift in Africa and Middle East
These developments indicate that the region is on the verge of a major shift in how trade is conducted, driven by digital infrastructure, policy reforms and cross-border collaboration.
Africa and the broader Africa–Middle East (AME) region are showing strong momentum toward adopting digital trade systems, with new data revealing high corporate appetite for foundational digital technologies and increased interest in regional digital agreements. These developments indicate that the region is on the verge of a major shift in how trade is conducted, driven by digital infrastructure, policy reforms and cross-border collaboration.
Corporate leaders across the AME region are placing significant emphasis on cloud computing as the bedrock of digital transformation. According to recent insights, 77% of respondents selected cloud computing among their top three drivers of digitalisation. This focus reflects a deliberate strategy to prioritise scalable, secure and interoperable infrastructure before deploying more advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence and digital assets. Countries like the UAE and Saudi Arabia continue to lead the way with major investments in data center capacity, responding to the growing demand for computing power and the need for seamless data flows.
To address fragmentation caused by differing regulations and limited interoperability, AME corporates are increasingly looking toward Digital Economy Agreements (DEAs). Of all regions surveyed, the AME placed the highest importance on these agreements, with 41% describing them as “very important.” This reflects the region’s diversity of markets and regulatory regimes, which requires coordinated policy frameworks to unlock regional digital trade. Additionally, 76% of corporates are calling for more countries to join DEAs and harmonize standards. Regional initiatives—such as Nigeria’s leadership role as the Digital Trade Champion under the AfCFTA Digital Trade Protocol—are reinforcing this demand by promoting digital skills, infrastructure and common frameworks.
Implementation challenges remain a significant obstacle, with 57% of AME corporates citing difficulties in executing their digital transformation plans. These challenges often stem from uneven infrastructure development and evolving regulatory landscapes. In response, companies are increasingly turning to external partners and outsourcing models to accelerate progress. The role of banks is also expanding, with more than 86% of corporates seeking advisory support from financial institutions to help them navigate emerging technologies and implement digital transformation strategies effectively.
Collectively, these trends highlight a region preparing for a major leap forward in digitised global commerce. With strong demand for foundational technologies, increased interest in regional digital agreements and growing reliance on expert partnerships, African corporates are laying the groundwork for a new era of digital trade integration and competitiveness.
