Bangalore, India – 6 December 2024: H.E. Wamkele Mene, the Secretary-General of the AfCFTA Secretariat, met with Nandan Nilekani, representing Co-Develop and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, to discuss the transformative role of digital public infrastructure (DPI) in supporting Africa’s digital trade. The meeting explored lessons from India’s experience with DPI development and its potential application in driving Africa’s digital transformation.

During the discussions, H.E. Mene outlined the legal commitments undertaken by State Parties under the Protocol on Digital Trade. He emphasised how these commitments align with and advance Africa’s digital transformation agenda, as articulated in the AU Agenda 2063 and the AU Digital Transformation Strategy for Africa.

H.E. Mene further highlighted the Protocol’s critical focus on enhancing the meaningful participation of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), women, youth, and rural communities in intra-African trade. By doing so, the Protocol aims to foster social and economic development, create job opportunities for Africa’s youth, and support inclusive growth across the continent.

Additionally, he stressed the importance of facilitating the movement of businesspersons across Africa, underscoring its role in boosting intra-African trade and unlocking the full potential of the continent’s economic integration efforts.

This meeting reaffirmed the shared commitment to leveraging digital innovation and collaboration to build an inclusive, sustainable, and prosperous future for Africa.