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and Africa investor ( Ai ) are joining forces to launch a digitally empowered eTrade initiative to enable the digitisation of five million micro , small and medium-sized enterprises ( SMEs ) in Africa .

Announced at the second Africa investor Global Trade Organization Leaders ’ Summit by ICC Secretary General John W . H . Denton AO and Hubert Danso , Chairman of Africa investor , the campaign will accelerate the digitisation and intra African and global market access for millions of African SMEs , in support of the African Continental Free Trade Area ( AfCFTA ).

ICC and Africa investor will mobilise a worldwide network of multi-national companies , African corporates , chambers of commerce , media organisations and academic institutions to provide market access , tools and training programmes to digitise SMEs in Africa .

ICC and Africa investor ( Ai ) will work with their global network of businesses and local chambers of commerce to roll out the initiative through AfricaPLC , as the initiative ’ s digitally enabled eTrade platform , to connect African SMEs with business opportunities in Africa .

In its initial phase , the platform will function as a directory for SMEs to harness the full potential of e-commerce under the African Continental Free Trade Area , which is set to begin in January 2021 .

The AfricaPLC platform will also establish the Digital Sustainable Procurement Champions Community ( DSPCC ) – a collection of leading multinational and African companies working on the African continent – to support and ensure the digitisation of SMEs within their supply chains .

Mr Denton said : “ We are extremely proud to announce ICC ’ s partnership with Africa investor ( Ai ) to digitise five million SMEs in Africa . In the face of the persisting economic consequences of COVID-19 , it ’ s critical

IT ’ S CRITICAL THAT AFRICAN GOVERNMENTS , BUSINESSES , CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE AND REGIONAL ORGANISATIONS UNITE TO MAXIMISE THE BENEFITS OF THE DIGITAL ECONOMY FOR ALL .

that African governments , businesses , chambers of commerce and regional organisations unite to maximise the benefits of the digital economy for all . From women and youth-led businesses to local startups and entrepreneurs , this campaign will enable all SMEs in Africa to grow sustainably , reach new markets and build back better from the pandemic .”

Working with African business and chambers leaders , the campaign will develop policy recommendations to assist governments , partners and policymakers make informed policy decisions to expand sustainable development , digital inclusion and eTrade opportunities in support of the AfCFTA .

The campaign will facilitate access to trade and supply chain finance , digital logistics , trade data , as well as capacity building and training tools for SMEs across Africa . �