Ensuring Balanced Narratives in the Digital Field between the African Union and the European Union

The event is open to all interested parties, who can register here

"The digital agendas are critical to economic growth and sustainable development for Africa and Europe. Lessons can be learned from both the European and the African Union experience, not least in view of responsible management," said Rob Floyd, ACET Director for Innovation and Digital Policy. "Crowding in perspectives from African and European think tanks can help ensure that dialogue between the EU and AU is rooted in realism, with a clear understanding of the opportunities and the challenges."

The dialogue will focus on fostering an African digital single market (DSM) and on digital infrastructure. With regard to DSM, Agenda 2063 and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) constitute the African Union's master plan and aspirations for the continent. The AfCFTA will provide new opportunities for economic transformation on the continent. Complementing this, the AU Digital Transformation Strategy for Africa 2020-2030 (DTS) envisages the development of an African digital single market that ensures the free movement of persons, goods, services, and capital.

"A digital single market will have huge benefits to Africa, but also to Europe, as it will foster digital trade between both continents," said Melody Musoni, Policy Officer at ECDPM, a co-organiser of the event. "For the digital single markets to be effective, it is important to take into account the diversity of Member States, and also the trade relationships that are likely to emerge in the future."

A DSM would integrate the digital trade aspect of the AfCFTA, allowing seamless sharing of data and smooth e-commerce across the continent. It would also imply the harmonization of wider digital infrastructure and services, to ensure interoperability across Africa and with Europe. The policy challenges include issues such as harmonized spectrum licensing, interoperability of mobile networks, digital public infrastructure such as digital ID and e-governance services, and the development of digital financial services.

The dialogue event on June 7 will see contributions by senior diplomats from the European Union and African Union, followed by a panel discussion among Africans and Europeans. The event will conclude with policy recommendations that can further strengthen efforts by both Unions and advance a digital single market.

The event is part of a wider initiative funded by the European Union Delegation to the African Union.

For Press Inquiries

In Accra:

Belinda Ayamgha

Communications Manager, African Center for Economic Transformation

[email protected]

+233 26 818 2817

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