Tech in Africa
The International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) alongside Africa investor (Ai) have partnered to launch a digital-powered eTrade initiative to help digitize 5 million MSMEs across Africa. This new development was made public at the second Africa investor Global Trade Organization Leaders’ Summit. The drive will speed up intra-Africa digitization and attempt to gain access to global markets for millions of SMEs that support the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
A combination of the ICC’s intent on making technology work for all and Africa Investor’s AfricaPLC industrial eTrade & Fintech marketplace platform, notwithstanding a worldwide network of multinational companies chambers of commerce, African corporates, academic institutions, and media organizations will work hand in hand to provide market access and the right tools and training for digitizing the continent’s SMEs.
ICC and Ai will leverage on their international networks to roll out this initiative through AfricaPLC. At the onset, the platform will operate as an SME directory harnessing the full power of e-commerce applied once the African Continental Free Trade Area that kicks in on January 2021.
The platform remains part of the Digital Sustainable Procurement Champions Community (DSPCC) – a collection of top African and multi-national companies operating in the African continent in a manner that ensures the digitization of SME supply chains.
In a statement during the launch by ICC Secretary General John W.H. Denton, he described their efforts as an attempt to “digitize five million SMEs in Africa” in the wake of “persisting the economic consequences of COVID-19″.
Hubert Danson, the Chairman, and CEO of Africa Investor expressed “delight” in their intent to partner with the ICC in getting the continent to trade digitally by 2021.
African Continental 🌍 #FreeTradeAgreement moving towards implementation at the beginning of 2021@iccwbo @Africaplc #WCO #WCOOMD #Customs #AfCFTA #eCommerce #DigitalTrade #WCODataModel
➡️ https://t.co/vTczlLqsKM pic.twitter.com/qSnFXxC9k1— World Customs Organization (@WCO_OMD) December 8, 2020
