Advancing regional cooperation within AfCFTA through an integrated cross-border e-commerce system

The digital economy has become an essential factor in economic diversification, yet regional trade blocs lack support for putting in place legal mechanisms to facilitate cross-border e-commerce activities between their member states. This article examines the potential for cross-border e-commerce in the context of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) by identifying opportunities but also critical challenges in its Digital Trade Protocol. It also reviews the laws and regulations governing e-commerce in each signatory to the AfCFTA - including those laws related to e-transactions, data protection and privacy, consumer protection and cybercrime - taking a deep-dive into discussing the legal environment necessary to support cross-border online business activities. Based on this analysis, this article offers important insights and recommendations for policymakers, proposing an integrated cross-border e-commerce system based on a centralised shipping method. Specifically, it recommends harmonising customs procedures, improved infrastructure, and financing mechanisms.