The Pan-African E-Commerce Initiative’s project aims to enhance the environment for cross-border digital trade in certain AfCFTA countries, particularly for Micro, Small, and Medium-Sized Enterprises (MSMEs).
International Economics (IEC), in collaboration with Consortium Partner, GOPA Consulting, is offering technical assistance to boost African digital trade and to improve the framework conditions for companies in selected African countries to participate in cross-border e-commerce.
Africa has witnessed a significant increase in e-commerce in recent years, although this growth is starting from a relatively low level. Some African countries show bigger progress in terms of e‐commerce readiness and adoption, however in the global context, their scores are only aligned to the global average. MSMEs seem to benefit only to a very limited extent from the uptake in e-commerce, particularly across borders. Barriers for MSMEs to effectively participate in cross-border e-commerce are, for example, access to training, the availability of cross-border electronic payment systems, regulatory framework conditions or the protection of consumers on electronic platforms.
Against this background, the project seeks to enhance the cross-border digital trade environment in Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, Rwanda and EAC region, with a focus on empowering Micro, Small, and Medium-Sized Enterprises (MSMEs). The aim is to make the environment conducive to participation by African companies in national and cross-border digital trade and support African MSMEs to profit from digital trade. The project targets intermediary organizations and MSMEs, aiming to implement measures at pan-African, regional, and national levels to foster a conducive environment for cross-border e-commerce participation, particularly for MSMEs, including those led by women.
Against this background, our Consortium is working with the PeCI team to provide following assistance:
Africa’s trade competitiveness continues to be limited by both domestic factors and global trade barriers. Non-tariff measures, unaffordable intra-continental transport costs, poor connectivity in general, and weak infrastructure (from energy, water to roads) will remain some of Africa’s leading challenges over the next years. With the accelerating digitalising of the global economy, cross-border e-commerce has the potential to significantly contribute to the Continent’s ambitions.
