Digitalization and innovation to facilitate the implementation of the AfCFTA and for boosting intra-African trade

This event will explore the nature, extent and use of digital technologies, particularly, by the informal sector (which comprises mainly women and youth), and how they can be improved and formalized to benefit from the implementation of the AfCFTA. It will also explore pathways for digitalization and the overall promotion of intra-African trade, emerging opportunities in agricultural credit and financing platforms (AgfinTech), early warning and business/market intelligence and information systems. The event will further examine youth-led innovations in the digital space in the context of the forthcoming Protocol on Women and Youth in Trade for enhancing inclusive implementation of the AfCFTA agreement. To provide a platform for stakeholders in the agrifood system arena to discuss opportunities, challenges, and strategies to improve intra-African agricultural trade through science-based food control and trade facilitation measures, digitalization and formalization of informal businesses, including those led by women and youth. To deepen understanding on the roles and responsibilities of major stakeholders and multistakeholder partnerships in harnessing the benefits from the AfCFTA for a profitable business environment using evidence and science-based solutions. To provide insights on how women and youth are shaping the digitalization of the agriculture and agrifood trade agenda in Africa and agree on what is needed to enhance women and youth participation in intra-African trade. To create awareness of FAO’s comparative advantage as the leading international norm-setting body for food safety standards among relevant stakeholders in support of the implementation of the AfCFTA for sustained growth. Improved understanding of the roles and responsibilities of major stakeholders (academia, policymakers, private sector, women and youths, development partners, etc.) and multistakeholder partnerships in harnessing the benefits of the AfCFTA for a robust trade and business environment in Africa. A shared understanding of the alternate pathways and tools to strengthen inclusive AfCFTA implementation at the national, regional and continental levels.