Secretary-General of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), Wamkele Mene, says Africa’s digital economy has the potential to reach $700 billion by 2035, but only if the continent accelerates digitisation and equips itself with the necessary digital tools.

“Africa’s digital economy is projected to reach 700 billion dollars by 2035. But without the right tools and accelerated digitisation, it will remain just a projection,” he cautioned.

According to Mr. Mene, the AfCFTA Protocol on Digital Trade is central to transforming this potential into real economic growth, as it provides the framework needed to enable digital trade, boost innovation, and support cross-border commerce.

He also highlighted progress being made on the continent, noting that Africa’s private sector is beginning to respond positively to the opportunities created under the AfCFTA.

Mr. Mene pointed out that the 12% growth in intra-African trade recorded in 2024 shows that the AfCFTA market is becoming “real, tangible and valuable,” reflecting steady progress toward building a unified continental market.