Registration has opened for the 2026 AfCFTA Digital Trade Forum, as policymakers and businesses intensify efforts to accelerate cross-border digital commerce under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
The forum, scheduled for July 1-2 in Lagos, Nigeria, will bring together government officials, technology firms, regulators, financial institutions and trade experts to discuss the infrastructure, policies and partnerships needed to support Africa’s growing digital economy.
The event will focus on how digital trade can expand market access, improve regional integration and create new opportunities for businesses and consumers across the continent.
The gathering comes as African economies increasingly prioritize digital transformation as a key driver of trade growth under the AfCFTA framework, which aims to create a single continental market for goods and services.
Digital trade has become a growing area of focus seeking to reduce barriers to cross-border commerce, expand financial inclusion and support small businesses through e-commerce and digital payment systems.
The forum is expected to examine issues including digital infrastructure, interoperable payment systems, cybersecurity, digital identity frameworks, data governance and regulatory harmonization across African markets.
The AfCFTA, which officially commenced trading in 2021, is projected to reshape intra-African trade by lowering tariffs and improving the movement of goods and services across member states. Digital commerce is increasingly viewed as a critical component of that integration agenda, particularly as internet penetration and smartphone adoption continue to rise across Africa.
Practical solutions needed to build a more connected African digital market and unlock the full economic potential of the trade agreement will be discussed.
Register via: https://events.au-afcfta.org
