10035189-Advice on implementation of AfCFTA Digital Trade Protocol and technical inputs to related reforms; facilitation and development of partnerships with the private sector on digital trade

The project "Pan-African e-Commerce Initiative 3 - Boosting African Digital Trade" (PeCI 3) is a regional technical cooperation project implemented by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) in the context of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). The project aims to strengthen an enabling environment for cross-border digital trade in Africa, with a particular focus on micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), including women-led businesses. PeCI 3 contributes to the BMZ"s core area "Sustainable Economic Development, Training and Employment" and supports it"s digital policy and Africa Strategy through the promotion of inclusive digital trade ecosystems, and public-private cooperation. The project builds on the achievements and partnerships established under the previous phases (PeCI 1 and PeCI 2). Earlier phases supported MSMEs in adopting e-commerce solutions and digital sales channels, strengthened intermediary organisations providing training and advisory services, facilitated public-private exchange on digital trade issues and contributed to regional approaches related to e-commerce, digital payments, consumer protection and electronic transactions. The project also strengthened cooperation with the East African Community (EAC), the Smart Africa Alliance (SAA) and the AfCFTA Secretariat. PeCI 3 supports implementation of the AfCFTA Digital Trade Protocol (DTP), adopted by the African Union in 2024, by strengthening structures, processes and cooperation mechanisms required for cross-border digital trade. The project addresses barriers affecting MSME participation in digital trade, including fragmented regulatory frameworks, limited interoperability of digital payment systems, logistics and last-mile delivery challenges, gaps in online consumer protection and limited coordination between public and private actors. Particular attention is given to barriers affecting women"s participation in digital trade ecosystems. The project operates at pan-African, regional and national levels and combines technical advisory services, stakeholder consultations, public-private dialogue formats and capacity development measures. Activities include support for implementation of selected DTP chapters, facilitation of cross-border exchange on best practices, development of cooperation models between private-sector actors and intermediary organisations, and support for gender-sensitive approaches to digital entrepreneurship and MSME support services. Environmental sustainability is integrated as a cross-cutting topic, including approaches related to sustainable packaging and resource-efficient logistics. The project is implemented in cooperation with public, private and regional stakeholders in selected AfCFTA countries, particularly Ghana and Kenya, as well as with the EAC. Lead executing agencies are the Ministry of Finance in Ghana, the Ministry of Investments, Trade and Industry (MITI) in Kenya and the EAC Secretariat. Additional partners include the AfCFTA Secretariat, the Smart Africa Secretariat, chambers of commerce, business and e-commerce associations, payment service providers, logistics companies, innovation hubs and women"s business networks. PeCI 3 further aims to strengthen cooperation between African, German and European private-sector actors to promote cross-border digital trade and MSME participation. The project cooperates with business associations, e-commerce platforms, logistics and payment providers, chambers of commerce and innovation actors, including bevh, AHKs and African e-commerce associations. Cooperation with UNCTAD, ITC and initiatives supported by the European Union and the World Bank further strengthens synergies and regional outreach. The project is scheduled to run until June 2028.