Increased use of information and communications technology in transport and trade in Africa

Abstract

The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has demonstrated the critical need for smart digital technologies and solutions. Given the impact of lockdowns across the world, many public offices, businesses and academic institutions have strengthened their digital and technological capacities to facilitate telecommuting, online transactions, online shopping, online education and telemedicine. To encourage social distancing with a view to limiting the spread of COVID-19, governments around the globe have encouraged online purchasing as an alternative to physical shopping. Digitization affects African countries in different ways, and individual governments require policy space to regulate the digital economy effectively with a view to achieving legitimate public policy objectives. As digital technologies are key to economic recovery and resilience, the African Union and the regional economic communities should take a leading role in promoting digital trade at the continental level.