The AfCFTA Digital Trade Protocol Hackathon is designed to spark creativity and collaboration in addressing critical challenges in Africa’s digital trade ecosystem. By bringing together developers, entrepreneurs, and innovators, the hackathon seeks to solve pressing issues such as e-commerce facilitation, digital payments, logistics, and digital identity management across the continent. The solutions created during this event will help pave the way for a more inclusive, efficient, and accessible digital economy in Africa.

Participants of the AfCFTA Digital Trade Hackathon will address seven strategic challenges aimed at driving innovation in Africa’s digital trade and cross-border commerce:

• E-Commerce Policy & Trust: Simplify digital trade rules to boost trust and cross-border e-commerce in Africa.

• Connectivity Access: Improve internet access in remote areas to include more people in the digital economy.

• Digital Payments: Create secure, fast, and inclusive payment systems, especially for the unbanked.

• Logistics & Delivery: Solve infrastructure gaps to improve cross-border e-commerce delivery and logistics.

• Youth & MSME Inclusion: Empower youth and small businesses through digital skills and onboarding support.

• E-Commerce Adoption: Increase consumer and business trust in online shopping with better platforms and support.

• Global Expansion: Help African businesses grow internationally through export tools and digital branding.