Digital trade regulatory integration : country profile Zimbabwe

Abstract

This profile reflects the findings of research undertaken as part of a training course on digital trade conducted by the African Trade Policy Centre of the Economic Commission for Africa. The study focused on digital services trade restrictions modeled on the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development digital services trade restrictiveness index and measures relating to digital trade integration. It is hoped that the findings will assist member States in the negotiation and implementation processes of the African Continental Free Trade Area. They are also expected to feed into the digital services trade restrictiveness index and possibly help to add a digital trade component to the Africa Regional Integration Index, a joint endeavour of the African Union Commission, the African Development Bank and the Economic Commission for Africa. Africa has low Internet penetration and high broadband costs; it has not been totally left out. Studies show that most Internet penetration is through the mobile phone. This is also the case in Zimbabwe. Indeed, as a result of economic challenges, the economy of Zimbabwe has been virtually cashless for a decade and a half. Most transactions take place over the phone. Mobile Internet penetration has created a platform for digital trade, but as depict- ed in this study, digital trade regulation remains patchy and inadequate.