Africa Unveils Initiative to Digitize Trade Among All 55 Countries

Introduction of ADAPT: Africa has launched the AfCFTA Digital Access and Public Infrastructure for Trade Initiative (ADAPT), a digital platform aimed at modernizing trade and integrating the continent into a unified digital marketplace, developed in collaboration with various organizations.

Three-Layer Digital Infrastructure: ADAPT features a multilayer framework consisting of a Digital Identity Layer for secure identities, a Data Exchange Layer for standardized trade documents, and a Financial Layer to create an interoperable payments ecosystem, significantly reducing transaction costs and time.

Rollout Timeline: The initiative will be implemented in phases, starting with pilot launches in select countries from 2025 to 2026, followed by expansion to all 55 African nations by 2035, ensuring regulatory alignment and effective scaling.

Expected Economic Impact: By 2035, ADAPT is anticipated to double intra-African trade, generating over $70 billion in new commerce annually and adding $23.6 billion to the continent's economy through efficiency gains from digitization and faster payments.