Developing a digital trade research agenda on Africa

• Robert Schuman Centre for Advanced Studies
• GGP: Global Governance Programme

The goal of this workshop is to shape a research agenda to support digital trade in Africa and contribute to a forthcoming publication.

Africa’s digital economy is poised for significant growth, driven by initiatives such as the AfCFTA’s Digital Protocol, which aims to reduce trade barriers and enhance regional integration. However, persistent challenges—including infrastructure deficits, regulatory inconsistencies, and the digital divide between countries—must be addressed to foster digital trade across the African continent.

This workshop seeks to identify key research gaps and shape a forward-looking research agenda to support digital trade in Africa. Each participant will prepare a brief contribution for discussion during the workshop. These contributions will be synthesised into a concise book, serving as a valuable resource for academics and researchers working on digital trade in the African context.