Panafrican E-Commerce Initiative

projekt beendet

ContextElectronic commerce, also known as e-Commerce, is an increasingly important procurement and sales channel in emerging African economies. However, the prerequisites that would enable African companies to participate in cross-border e-Commerce are not yet in place. These include safe and affordable electronic payment systems, consumers’ and companies’ trust in e-Commerce, digital capability of small and medium-sized enterprises, and supportive regulatory frameworks.ObjectiveThe preconditions for companies to participate in cross-border e-Commerce have improved in selected African countries.ApproachThe project focusses on strengthening the framework conditions for e-Commerce. To this end, it is advising the East African Community on developing a regional e-Commerce strategy. The Smart Africa Secretariat was supported in the creation of a Blueprint for improving electronic payment systems for digital trade, which is being piloted in African countries. The project supports small and medium-sized enterprises to participate in e-Commerce. To achieve this, it is forming partnerships with private companies to deliver practice-oriented training courses in Ghana, Kenya and Rwanda – with a particular focus on women-led enterprises. In cooperation with relevant stakeholders, it is also facilitating the digitisation of the leather value chain in East Africa through supporting the development of a regional Business-to-Business platform. In Rwanda, the project is advising the ICT Chamber on establishing a trust seal for e-Commerce companies, with the aim of increasing consumers’ and retailers’ trust in electronic business. It is also supporting e-Commerce associations and promoting their integration into Pan-African networks and structures.

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