The African Center for Research in Artificial Intelligence (Caria) and Smart Africa launched a special workshop on March 27 in Brazzaville, with the support of the Ministry of Posts, Telecommunications, and Digital Economy, focusing on the initiative to support institutional frameworks for digital payments and policies for cross-border e-commerce.
Many e-commerce experts from various African countries are participating in the workshop, chaired by the Minister of Digital Economy, Léon Juste Ibombo. Over the course of two days, they will discuss the challenges of cross-border e-commerce, as well as strategies to effectively develop cross-border digital trade on the continent.
This initiative is part of the effort to boost online trade in Africa, in the context of implementing the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Opening the event, the Minister of Posts, Telecommunications, and Digital Economy stated that the workshop aims to enhance the competitiveness of African economies. According to him, it will focus on facilitating cross-border digital payments, strengthening cybersecurity, protecting digitized data, and stimulating technological innovation.
“The workshop we are hosting today addresses the issue of developing a seamless, secure, and inclusive digital trade, which is essential in the context of barrier-free cross-border trade, facilitating regional cooperation and regulatory alignment. The major measures, focusing on three main areas and implemented by the community zone, address the common challenges of enhancing the competitiveness of African economies,” said Léon Juste Ibombo.
Speaking about Congo’s position in this field, the Minister reminded the attendees that the country has great digital ambitions, extending beyond just being a connected nation. According to him, this vision aligns with the national digital transformation strategy, which is based on three fundamental pillars.
These include modernizing infrastructure to ensure equitable access to digital services, financial inclusion by facilitating access to digital payment solutions for youth and women entrepreneurs, and regional integration based on national policies and AfCFTA objectives.
Artificial Intelligence: An Unavoidable Strategic Lever
Referring to artificial intelligence, Léon Juste Ibombo highlighted that this field is increasingly becoming an indispensable strategic lever. AI, he emphasized, enables the automation and acceleration of digital payments, reducing processing times and ensuring the security of transactions. It strengthens the fight against fraud, facilitates cross-border logistics, improves the traceability of goods by optimizing distribution channels, and personalizes the customer experience by adapting offers to the specific needs of consumers on e-commerce platforms.
