This session led by the African Digital Trade and Professionals Association (AfDTPA) at the African IGF, will discuss the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) as a historic turning point in Africa's economic integration, and digital trade is critical to achieving its full economic potential. By eliminating cross-border trade challenges. AfCFTA boosts the market for digital goods and services, enabling business organizations to use digital platforms and data to accelerate growth in their economies.
However, the effective operation of digital trade across African borders depends on strong data governance policies that ensure the free flow of data while safeguarding privacy and building confidence. Data localization, cybersecurity, and cross-border data flows are all issues that must be handled in order for the internet-based economy to succeed. This session will look at how to swiftly implement digital trade under AfCFTA by adopting harmonized data governance policies which encourage secure, inclusive, and equitable economic growth throughout African nations.

Expected Outcomes: Digital trade Policies and frameworks for Data Governance, Actionable Insights for AfCFTA digital trade Implementation, Stakeholder Collaboration, Empowerment through Digital Trade: A focus on how digital trade can accelerate inclusive economic growth, creating opportunities for small businesses, women, and youth across the continent.
Target audience: Policymakers, Private and government Sectors, Academics and Researchers, Civil Society and business and technology sectors
Preferred session duration: Opening Remarks (10 minutes), Panel Discussion (25 minutes), Interactive Dialogue (15 minutes) and Conclusion and Recommendations (10 minutes)
Hybrid session format (virtual and in person)