At the recent three-day meeting of regional delegates, Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (c has announced its decision to an initiative to establish a Digital Free Trade Area (DFTA).The initiative is expected to create a $17.2 billion-worth market for member states and would include a number of digital instruments to support trade among member states, including an electronic certificate of origin, underpinned by blockchain technology and a mobile application for cross-border traders. Comesa Director of Trade and Customs, Francis Mangeni, said “Under this initiative, different digital systems that are used in member states will be linked so that all the processes will be completed at the click of a button,”.It is expected to enhance regional integration, reduce the cost of doing business and boost efficiency and effectiveness among regional traders.
Member states will be linked digitally. The trade portal, will be easily accessible to traders who can easily get business information. Due attention will be given to the rules of origin to ensure that local traders benefit from the deal
