Maputo, Mozambique; 23 August 2024: The 7th Meeting of the Committee on Digital Trade of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) successfully concluded in Maputo, Mozambique. The five-day meeting sought to continue with the negotiations of the eight annexes to the AfCFTA Protocol on Digital Trade. The annexes outline specific and substantive rules on cross-border digital payments, cross-border data transfers, digital identities, financial technology, rules of origin, source code, and emerging technologies. Delegations deliberated on how the annexes can be developed to contribute towards inclusive and sustainable development, boosting intra-African trade.

Delegations noted that the annexes and the Protocol provides a significant opportunity for Africa to address socio-economic needs and promote the growth of African-owned enterprises, digital platforms and content. The Protocol has the potential to enhance the participation of  African Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), women, youth, persons with disabilities and rural communities in intra-African trade. 

The outcomes of the Meeting will be submitted for consideration by the upcoming 18th Meeting of the Committee of Senior Trade Officials (STOs), scheduled to take place from 26 to 29 August 2024. 

The Committee are expected to conclude the negotiations of the annexes by October 2024, and submit the annexes for consideration and approval by the Council of Ministers, through STOs, 

and subsequent adoption by the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the African Union in early 2025.

The AfCFTA Secretariat reaffirmed its commitment to providing technical assistance and capacity building to State and non-State Parties throughout the negotiation process and beyond to ensure that the Protocol on Digital Trade and its annexes are effectively implemented by the State Parties. The Committee’s efforts mark a significant step toward establishing a digital trade framework that will drive the continent’s long-term economic growth.