Le protocole numérique de la ZLECAf vue d'ensemble

This research paper by Kholofelo Kugler for the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) analyzes the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Protocol on Digital Trade (PCN), adopted in February 2024. The document outlines the protocol's structure, its goals for facilitating digital trade and regulatory harmonization across Africa, and the significant infrastructure and regulatory challenges that may hinder its implementation.

• The AfCFTA Protocol on Digital Trade (PCN) was adopted in February 2024 as an integral part of the AfCFTA agreement. While the main protocol is adopted, negotiations continue for eight specific annexes covering areas such as rules of origin, cross-border digital payments, data transfers, digital identities, fintech, emerging technologies, and online safety and security. Once ratified, member states will have five years to align national laws with the protocol.
• The digital economy holds significant growth potential for Africa. Estimates from 2020 by Google and the International Finance Corporation suggest the African digital economy could reach 180 billion USD by 2025 (5.2% of GDP) and 712 billion USD by 2050 (8.5% of GDP). If internet penetration reached levels seen in the Global North, it could potentially add 2,200 billion USD to Africa's GDP and create 140 million jobs.
• The PCN consists of 52 articles across 11 sections. It focuses on digital trade facilitation by requiring updates to regulations regarding electronic transactions, trust services, and digital identities to reduce trade delays. This is critical as African countries currently face the highest average import delays, with customs procedures often exceeding 8 days.
• The protocol includes provisions on market access and data governance, emphasizing the free flow of data and prohibiting requirements for source code access as a condition for market entry, though exceptions for national security and public policy are permitted. Some critics argue these rules may favor foreign big tech companies and hinder necessary technology transfers to Africa's emerging digital economy.
• There is a significant gap in the regulatory frameworks necessary for digital trust across Africa. According to UNCTAD, only 61% (33 of 54) of African countries have data protection laws, 72% (39 countries) have cybersecurity laws, and 52% (28 countries) have consumer protection laws applicable to online transactions.
• The PCN is noted for its innovative focus on digital inclusion, specifically targeting the digital divide for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), digital entrepreneurship, and skills development. It also institutionalizes technical assistance and capacity building, which is less common in other digital trade agreements.
• Successful implementation of the PCN faces three primary challenges: significant infrastructure deficits (limited internet access and high costs), the difficulty of harmonizing regulations across diverse states with varying development levels, and the need for substantial resources to develop digital skills and cybersecurity expertise.

APA

Kugler, K. (2024). Le protocole numérique de la ZLECAf vue d'ensemble. International Institute for Sustainable Development. https://www.iisd.org/fr/articles/policy-analysis/afcfta-digital-protocol

Chicago

Kugler, Kholofelo. Le protocole numérique de la ZLECAf vue d'ensemble. International Institute for Sustainable Development, 2024. https://www.iisd.org/fr/articles/policy-analysis/afcfta-digital-protocol.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |last1=Kugler |first1=Kholofelo |title=Le protocole numérique de la ZLECAf vue d'ensemble |publisher=International Institute for Sustainable Development |date=October 2024 |url=https://www.iisd.org/fr/articles/policy-analysis/afcfta-digital-protocol |access-date=17 August 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{kugler2024protocole, author = {Kugler, Kholofelo}, title = {{Le protocole numérique de la ZLECAf vue d'ensemble}}, institution = {International Institute for Sustainable Development}, year = {2024}, month = oct, url = {https://www.iisd.org/fr/articles/policy-analysis/afcfta-digital-protocol}, urldate = {2026-08-17}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }