AfCFTA Secretariat engages Seychelles leadership on advancing digital trade and digital economy

By:  Nana Appiah Acquaye

Senior officials from the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat have held high-level discussions with government leaders in Seychelles to strengthen the country’s digital economy and advance the implementation of digital trade under the AfCFTA framework.

The meetings were led by the Secretary-General of the AfCFTA Secretariat, Wamkele Mene, who met with the Vice President and the Minister of Finance, Economic Planning, Trade and Investment of the Republic of Seychelles. The engagements focused on exploring opportunities to deepen cooperation in digital trade and enhance Seychelles’ role within Africa’s growing digital economy.

According to Talkmore Chidede, Senior Digital Trade Expert at the AfCFTA Secretariat, the discussions highlighted the strong commitment demonstrated by the Seychelles leadership toward implementing the AfCFTA Protocol on Digital Trade. The protocol is considered a key legal instrument aimed at accelerating the realization of the broader goals and benefits of the African Continental Free Trade Area.

During the meeting with the Vice President, both sides examined how investments in digital infrastructure, interoperable systems, and forward-looking policy frameworks could expand opportunities for businesses. Particular emphasis was placed on the potential benefits for micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), as well as women- and youth-led businesses, while positioning Seychelles as a competitive player in the global digital economy.

In a separate engagement with the Minister of Finance, Economic Planning, Trade and Investment, the discussions focused on building an inclusive and resilient digital trade ecosystem in Seychelles and across the African continent. The meeting also explored ways the island nation could strengthen its position as a dynamic hub for digital innovation and trade through collaboration, public-private partnerships, and technology-driven solutions.

The engagements form part of ongoing efforts by the AfCFTA Secretariat to support member states in implementing the digital trade protocol and leveraging digital technologies to expand intra-African trade and economic integration.