Ghana is set to partner with Rwanda and Zambia to launch a pilot for a Continental Digital Trade Corridor, a move designed to deepen economic integration and streamline cross-border commerce.
This initiative was a central highlight at the 3i Africa Summit 2026, held in Accra under the theme of Innovation, Investment, and Impact.
The collaboration will focus on practical solutions to regional trade barriers, including mobile money interoperability, the mutual recognition of digital identities for cross-border “Know Your Customer” protocols, and the harmonisation of electronic invoicing systems.
Vice President Prof. Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, who joined global leaders and private sector actors at the summit hosted by the Bank of Ghana, emphasised that Africa’s future depends on how effectively the continent organises and builds at scale.
She noted that Ghana’s role as a gateway to the continent must be measured by the resilience of its institutions and its capacity to facilitate seamless trade.
The Vice President argued that modern economic sovereignty is now inextricably linked to digital integration, requiring secure payment systems and trusted infrastructure.
While acknowledging the progress made through mobile money and fintech across Africa, Prof. Opoku-Agyemang stressed that the current challenge lies in scaling these local gains across international borders.
She pointed to frameworks like the AfCFTA Digital Trade Protocol and the Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS) as essential tools for reducing transaction costs and eliminating frictions that have historically hindered intra-African trade.
The Vice President further highlighted that the systems established today will dictate Africa’s influence in the global digital economy.
She called for sustained investment in broadband infrastructure, cloud systems, and data sovereignty to ensure the continent participates in global growth on its own terms.
With Africa being the world’s youngest continent, the Vice President maintained that these digital foundations are vital for long-term economic transformation and continental unity.
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
