UNCTAD eWeek 2023

Arguments

There is a clear political will in Mauritania to further develop e-commerce and transform the digital landscape.

Supporting facts:

• The assessment report identifies the underdeveloped state of e-commerce and digital trade in Mauritania. However, there are favourable conditions to advance in these fields due to political will.

Topics: E-commerce, Digital Infrastructure, Political Will

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Mauritania has a need for strengthening coordination between institutions, developing nationwide e-commerce strategy and facilitating official statistics on e-commerce.

Supporting facts:

• Mauritania’s national strategy needs a set of diagnostics to inventory the situation. Compilation of official statistics is to be improved with the National Statistics Office.

Topics: E-commerce Strategies, Institutional Coordination, Data Management

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The infrastructure of landlines and internet services needs to be improved.

Supporting facts:

• The penetration rates of both landlines and fiber-optic networks in Mauritania are lower than needed for widespread e-commerce.

Topics: Internet Services, Infrastructure, Telecommunications

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Urge to improve the quality of e-services, facilitate foreign trade operations electronically and develop a system for electronic logistic.

Supporting facts:

• Customs clearance program will be increasingly digitalized and investment in digitalisation in different aspects of trade are being planned.

Topics: E-services, Foreign Trade, Electronic Logistics

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Legal and regulatory framework needs to be updated to fit the requirements of an e-commerce environment.

Supporting facts:

• The current statute, a 2018-2022 law on e-commerce, needs revision and updates considering e-transactions and data protection.

Topics: Legal Framework, Regulations, E-commerce

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The financial system needs to diversify and expand to support the e-commerce industry.

Supporting facts:

• The current offering of financial products is limited and diversified financial vehicles like venture capital are needed. Also, credit guarantee funds need to be made operational for small and medium-sized businesses.

Topics: Finance, E-commerce, Startups

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Report

Mauritania has displayed a clear political will to advance e-commerce and digital trade, providing a promising foundation for development in these areas. The presence of favorable conditions, driven by political motivation, indicates a strong commitment to transforming the digital landscape of the country.

This positive sentiment is supported by the assessment report, which highlights the underdeveloped state of e-commerce and digital trade in Mauritania but also emphasizes the potential for growth and improvement. However, several key areas need to be addressed to facilitate the progress of e-commerce in Mauritania.

One of the main challenges is the need for improved coordination between institutions. Strengthening institutional coordination plays a critical role in ensuring the effective implementation of policies and strategies related to e-commerce. It enables different stakeholders to work together towards common goals, leading to a more cohesive and efficient digital trade ecosystem.

Another aspect that requires attention is the development of a nationwide e-commerce strategy. This strategy should encompass various elements, such as setting clear goals and objectives, identifying priority areas for intervention, and outlining specific actions to be taken. Implementing a comprehensive e-commerce strategy will provide a roadmap for progress, guiding stakeholders in their efforts to boost the digital trade sector.

In addition, it is crucial to enhance official statistics on e-commerce in Mauritania. The compilation of accurate and reliable data is paramount for monitoring progress, identifying trends, and informing evidence-based decision making. The National Statistics Office should take the lead in improving data collection methods and reporting mechanisms to provide a solid foundation for evidence-based policymaking.

Infrastructure is also a significant consideration in the advancement of e-commerce. The penetration rates of both landlines and fiber-optic networks in Mauritania are currently insufficient to support widespread digital trade activities. Therefore, there is a pressing need to invest in improving the infrastructure of landlines and internet services, ensuring reliable and accessible connectivity across the country.

This will enable businesses and individuals to engage in e-commerce more effectively and efficiently. Efforts to digitalize customs clearance processes and invest in digitalization for different aspects of trade operations are in progress. Implementing a digital customs clearance program and embracing electronic logistics systems will enhance the quality of e-services and facilitate foreign trade operations.

These initiatives will streamline processes, increase efficiency, and reduce the time and cost associated with trade activities. To create an enabling environment for e-commerce, the legal and regulatory framework must be updated. The current 2018-2022 law on e-commerce needs revision and updates to accommodate e-transactions and ensure robust data protection.

Strengthening the legal framework will provide clarity and legal certainty for businesses and consumers, fostering trust and confidence in the e-commerce ecosystem. Furthermore, the diversification and expansion of the financial system are essential to support the growth of the e-commerce industry in Mauritania.

Currently, the range of financial products available is limited, hindering the development of e-commerce startups and businesses. To address this, the establishment of diversified financial vehicles, such as venture capital, would provide much-needed support. Additionally, operational credit guarantee funds for small and medium-sized businesses would enhance access to financing, enabling them to seize e-commerce opportunities and contribute to the overall economic growth of the country.

In conclusion, while Mauritania’s political will to advance e-commerce and digital trade is commendable, there are critical areas that require attention and improvement. Strengthening coordination between institutions, developing a nationwide e-commerce strategy, and enhancing official statistics on e-commerce are necessary steps towards creating a conducive environment for digital trade.

Moreover, investing in infrastructure, updating the legal and regulatory framework, and diversifying the financial system are all crucial aspects for supporting the growth and success of the e-commerce industry in Mauritania.

Arguments

Mauritania is keen on developing inclusive, reliable and high-performance digital transformation to improve the lifestyles and living conditions of citizens

Supporting facts:

• Mauritania is investing in digital infrastructures

• Fiber-optic network is now spreading across Mauritania with hundreds of millions of dollars investment

Topics: Digital Transformation, Citizen Welfare

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The government is striving to create an environment that favors e-commerce and digital entrepreneurship

Supporting facts:

• Mauritania has allocated $3 million to e-commerce development

• $4.5 million is allocated to facilitate e-payment systems

• Started a start-up project involving training and coaching in e-commerce

Topics: E-commerce, Digital Entrepreneurship, Economic Growth

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Report

Mauritania is demonstrating a strong commitment to digital transformation and e-commerce, with significant investments aimed at improving the lives of its citizens. The government is prioritising the development of inclusive, reliable, and high-performance digital infrastructures to foster economic growth and sustainable development.

One of the key investments in digital transformation is the expansion of the fiber-optic network across the country. Mauritania has allocated hundreds of millions of dollars to this endeavor, ensuring that fast and reliable internet connectivity reaches more areas. This investment will enable individuals, businesses, and institutions to access digital services and participate in the digital economy.

In parallel, the government has also earmarked funds for e-commerce development. Specifically, $3 million has been allocated to support the growth of e-commerce in Mauritania. This investment aims to create an environment that encourages entrepreneurship and innovation in digital business ventures.

Additionally, $4.5 million has been set aside for the implementation of efficient e-payment systems, streamlining financial transactions and facilitating online commerce. Recognising the importance of nurturing the ecosystem for e-commerce startups, the government has launched training and coaching programs. These initiatives aim to equip aspiring digital entrepreneurs with the necessary skills and knowledge to succeed in the e-commerce sector.

By fostering a supportive environment for startups, Mauritania seeks to capitalise on the growing potential of the digital economy, while also creating job opportunities and contributing to economic growth. Furthermore, Mauritania highlights the need for international cooperation and investment in digital transformation and e-commerce.

In this regard, the country is actively seeking more investors to participate in the development of e-commerce infrastructure. By inviting foreign investment, Mauritania hopes to leverage external expertise and resources to accelerate the growth of the digital sector. This emphasis on international cooperation is aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities) and SDG 17 (Partnership for the Goals), which underscore the significance of global collaboration for inclusive and sustainable development.

In conclusion, Mauritania’s strategic investments in digital transformation and e-commerce demonstrate a proactive approach towards enhancing the lives of its citizens and promoting economic development. The expansion of the fiber-optic network, allocation of funds for e-commerce development, support for startups, and emphasis on international cooperation all contribute to creating an enabling environment for the digital economy to flourish.

These initiatives reflect the government’s commitment to harnessing the potential of technology and digital innovation to build a more inclusive and prosperous future for Mauritania.

Arguments

The Mauritanian government, through the Ministry of Digital Transformation, Innovation and Modernization of the Administration, has demonstrated ambition by taking bold measures to fully integrate the digital economy and electronic commerce.

Supporting facts:

• The Ministry of Digital Transformation, Innovation and Modernization of the Administration of Mauritania has taken bold measures to integrate the digital economy and electronic commerce

• The E-Trade Readiness Assessment aims to comprehensively analyze the challenges and opportunities in the field of e-commerce.

Topics: Digital Transformation, Electronic Commerce

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The objective of the e-Trade Ready Assessment is to formulate strategic recommendations so that Mauritania can thrive in this ever-evolving environment.

Supporting facts:

• The E-Trade Readiness Assessment was conducted by ANCTAD with the financial support of GIZ mandated by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development.

• It aims to comprehensively analyse the challenges and opportunities in the field of e-commerce.

Topics: e-Trade Ready Assessment, Digital Transformation

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Report

The Mauritanian government, specifically the Ministry of Digital Transformation, Innovation and Modernisation of the Administration, has shown ambition and commitment towards integrating the digital economy and electronic commerce into the country’s development. They have taken bold measures in this regard.

To comprehensively analyse the challenges and opportunities in the field of e-commerce, the E-Trade Readiness Assessment was conducted by UNCTAD (United Nations Conference on Trade and Development) with the financial support of GIZ (German Society for International Cooperation). This assessment aims to provide strategic recommendations for Mauritania to thrive in the ever-evolving environment of e-commerce.

Hamza Ould Bakar, a prominent figure, actively supports and encourages the implementation of the strategic recommendations formulated by the E-Trade Readiness Assessment. He emphasises the importance of engagement by technical and financial partners to effectively implement these recommendations. GIZ Mauritania, on its part, is dedicated to collaborating with UNCTAD to contribute to the implementation of the E-Trade Readiness Assessment Recommendations.

Overall, the Mauritanian government’s commitment to integrating the digital economy and electronic commerce, along with the support from influential individuals like Hamza Ould Bakar, indicates their recognition of the significant potential these sectors hold for the country’s growth and development.

By embracing these technologies and incorporating strategic recommendations, Mauritania can position itself to seize the opportunities presented by the digital economy.

Arguments

Implementation of effective addressing system is a priority

Supporting facts:

• UPU has knowledge and experience in modern addressing systems.

• Efficiency of overall government service requires a modern addressing system

Topics: Postal services, E-commerce, Government service

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Initiative for the collaboration, coordination with another ministry, mainly customs procedures

Supporting facts:

• Internal coordination of ministries is essential for improving service efficiency.

• Simplifying customs processes will facilitate both domestic and international trade.

Topics: International trade, Postal services, Government collaboration

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Improve financial services and collaboration with other financial institutions

Supporting facts:

• Collaboration with other financial institutions is essential

• This can provide services especially for underserved communities or rural areas.

Topics: Financial services, Postal financial services, Interinstitutional Collaboration

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Invest in training and capacity building.

Supporting facts:

• Reactivating training centers and organizing programs are important

• Capacity building is essential for improving services.

Topics: Capacity Building, Training, Postal services

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Report

The experts in the field have strongly emphasized the need for an effective addressing system to be prioritised in order to improve the overall efficiency of government services. This is because the Universal Postal Union (UPU) possesses extensive knowledge and experience with modern addressing systems, which can greatly contribute to enhancing the efficiency of government services as a whole.

The implementation of an effective addressing system is considered essential to ensure that government services operate smoothly and efficiently. Furthermore, the importance of collaboration and coordination with other ministries, especially in relation to customs procedures, has been highlighted. Internal coordination within ministries is essential for improving service efficiency, and streamlining customs processes can significantly facilitate both domestic and international trade.

The experts argue that initiatives should be taken to foster collaboration and coordination with other ministries, specifically in the context of customs procedures, in order to further enhance trade facilitation. Improving financial services and collaborating with other financial institutions have also been identified as key areas of focus.

Collaborating with other financial institutions is deemed crucial in order to provide financial services, particularly for underserved communities and rural areas. By improving access to financial services in these areas, it is believed that it can contribute to reducing poverty and promote economic growth, aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of eradicating poverty (SDG 1) and promoting decent work and economic growth (SDG 8).

Investing in training and capacity building has also been highlighted as essential for the improvement of postal services. Reactivating training centres and organising programmes are seen as important steps towards capacity building, which can lead to enhancements in service quality.

By investing in training and capacity building, postal services can better meet the needs of the public and provide improved service delivery. In addition to these points, the experts have emphasised the need for a regulatory framework in the postal services sector.

Clear guidelines on pricing, quality standards, and consumer protection are necessary to ensure efficient service provision. The UPU has been acknowledged as having the capacity to cooperate in these areas, highlighting the importance of its role in establishing a regulatory framework for postal services.

In conclusion, the experts have identified several key priorities and arguments for the improvement of postal services and government service efficiency. These include implementing an effective addressing system, fostering collaboration and coordination with other ministries, improving financial services and collaborating with other financial institutions, investing in training and capacity building, and establishing a regulatory framework for postal services.

By addressing these priorities, it is believed that postal services can be enhanced, resulting in improved overall service delivery and public satisfaction.

Arguments

Fintech companies play critical role in fostering financial inclusion

Supporting facts:

• Fintech companies historically have always sought more financial inclusion especially on the African continent.

• Fintech services have to be further simplified and made available to a larger audience.

Topics: Fintech, Financial Inclusion

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There is a need for more simplification and democratization of financial services

Supporting facts:

• Historically more efforts are needed on what is called the democratization of financial services.

• These services must be made available to a wider public, a wider audience.

Topics: Financial Services, Democratization

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Regulatory framework and resources impact fintech development and scaling

Supporting facts:

• Mauritania is bound by government regulations which sometimes hinder the full potential of fintech development.

• Resource deployment is needed along with the right infrastructures.

Topics: Regulatory Framework, Resources, Fintech Development

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Report

Fintech companies play a critical role in fostering financial inclusion, particularly in Africa. These companies have always sought to increase financial access on the African continent. However, there is a need to simplify and expand fintech services to reach a larger audience.

This is essential to ensure that a wider range of individuals can benefit from the convenience and innovation offered by fintech solutions. Furthermore, there is a need for greater simplification and democratization of financial services to make them accessible to a broader public.

Historically, efforts to democratize financial services have been inadequate. By widening the availability of financial services, a larger number of people can participate in and benefit from the financial system. However, regulatory frameworks and resource deployment can pose challenges for fintech development and scaling.

In Mauritania, for example, government regulations sometimes hinder the full potential of fintech development. Overcoming these barriers requires proper resource deployment and the development of appropriate infrastructures. Despite these challenges, there has been a notable increase in the audience base for fintech services, indicating growth and acceptance.

For instance, in Mauritania, the number of fintech users has grown from around 10,000 to approximately 200,000. This significant increase demonstrates the growing popularity and adoption of e-service financial solutions. In conclusion, fintech companies play a crucial role in driving financial inclusion, and it is necessary to simplify and make their services accessible to a wider audience.

Efforts to democratize financial services and overcome regulatory and resource challenges are also essential for fintech development. The substantial increase in the audience base indicates the growth and acceptance of fintech solutions, underscoring their potential to transform the financial landscape.

Arguments

E-Trade Readiness Assessment of Mauritania is a significant milestone

Supporting facts:

• Mauritania’s assessment marks the 36th conducted by UNCTAD since 2017

• In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, online trade has witnessed unprecedented growth

Topics: Digital Economy, E-Trade

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Report

The E-Trade Readiness Assessment of Mauritania is hailed as a significant milestone in UNCTAD’s ongoing efforts to promote digital trade readiness worldwide. This assessment, which is the 36th conducted by UNCTAD since 2017, demonstrates their dedication to advancing e-trade readiness on a global scale.

Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the unprecedented growth of online trade has underscored the importance of assessing and improving e-trade readiness, particularly in countries like Mauritania. The positive sentiment surrounding this assessment reflects its recognition and relevance in the current global economic climate.

One notable aspect of the E-Trade for All initiative is its collaborative approach. In the case of Mauritania’s assessment, UNCTAD worked closely with the government, the Universal Postal Union (UPU), the International Trade Centre (ITC), and the US Institute for Trade and Logistics (USITRAL).

This collaborative effort demonstrates the commitment and dedication of multiple stakeholders towards enhancing e-trade readiness in Mauritania. The involvement of the UPU is particularly noteworthy as they support the implementation of a national addressing system in Mauritania, which aims to enhance the country’s logistics and delivery services, thus facilitating e-commerce and trade.

Additionally, the ITC’s contribution of support to Mauritanian small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) underscores the importance of prioritising and strengthening the capabilities of SMEs in the digital economy. This aligns with SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth. The assessment also shed light on the challenges that Mauritania faces in achieving e-trade readiness.

These challenges include the need to improve financial inclusion, enhance SME capabilities, establish a robust national addressing system, facilitate access to finance for e-commerce SMEs, and digitalise foreign trade procedures. Addressing these challenges is crucial for creating an environment that enables businesses to fully harness the potential of e-trade.

The donors who supported the E-Trade Readiness Assessment of Mauritania were also acknowledged and appreciated. The German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development, through the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), provided financial and technical support. The involvement of multiple donors, including the UPU, ITC, and USITRAL, further highlights the importance of partnerships in achieving the SDGs, specifically SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals.

In conclusion, the E-Trade Readiness Assessment of Mauritania represents a significant step in UNCTAD’s efforts to promote digital trade readiness globally. The collaborative approach, involvement of various stakeholders, acknowledgement of challenges, and support from donors emphasise the importance of addressing these issues to leverage opportunities in the digital economy.

The assessment offers valuable insights and recommendations for enhancing e-trade readiness, thus contributing to the achievement of the SDGs.

Arguments

Shamika N. Sirimanne expresses pleasure being the moderator for the session in the E-Trade Readiness Assessment of Mauritania

Supporting facts:

• The assessment is organized by ANGTAR in cooperation with the Ministry of Digital Transformation, Innovation and Modernization of Mauritania

• It is supported by the financial contribution from GIZ on behalf of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development

Topics: E-Trade Readiness Assessment, Mauritania

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Shamika N. Sirimanne underlines the importance of the session as the launch as well as the beginning of the implementation process

Supporting facts:

• The session will include the presentation of the main findings of the ET Readiness Assessment

• The Minister for Digital Transformation is already onto the implementation phase

Topics: E-Trade Readiness Assessment, Implementation

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Shamika N. Sirimanne appreciates unrelenting efforts in digital transformation by Mauritania

Supporting facts:

• Mention of inclusive digital transformation effort

• Development must be youth-centered

• Implementations of steps and investments on infrastructure and payment system

Topics: Digital transformation, E-commerce, Cooperation

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Shamika N. Sirimanne acknowledges efforts of particular individuals in this collaboration

Supporting facts:

• Mentions the efforts of Mr. Machia and Ms. Bakar specifically

Topics: Partnership, Efforts

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Report

Shamika N. Sirimanne, the moderator for the E-Trade Readiness Assessment of Mauritania, expresses pleasure at being part of the session. The assessment is being organized by ANGTAR in cooperation with the Ministry of Digital Transformation, Innovation, and Modernization of Mauritania.

This initiative is supported by GIZ, with financial contributions on behalf of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development. The Minister for Digital Transformation plays a crucial role in driving the digital transformation journey in Mauritania. Shamika N.

Sirimanne holds the Minister in high regard and appreciates his dynamism in pushing forward the digital agenda. The session involves the presentation of the main findings from the E-Trade Readiness Assessment, which marks the launch and the beginning of the implementation process.

This underlines the importance of the session, as it sets the stage for the practical steps needed to foster e-trade readiness in Mauritania. Additionally, the Minister for Digital Transformation is already spearheading the implementation phase, exemplifying the commitment towards achieving the goals set forth.

Shamika N. Sirimanne commends the participation and contributions of ANGTAR, UPU (Universal Postal Union), and GIZ. UPU has been a staunch supporter of the E-Trade for All partnership and has taken significant collaborative actions. Their involvement highlights the significance of partnerships and cooperative efforts in realizing SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure.

The discussions also emphasize the inclusive nature of digital transformation efforts, with a particular focus on youth-centered development. It is mentioned that steps and investments in infrastructure and payment systems are being made to support the implementation of digital transformation in Mauritania.

Shamika N. Sirimanne acknowledges the relentless efforts in digital transformation by Mauritania. This recognition reinforces the importance of sustainable development and the need for continuous improvement in e-commerce and digital transformation practices. Furthermore, Shamika N. Sirimanne supports the collaboration between Mauritania and other nations, highlighting the significance of international cooperation and public-private partnerships.

The acknowledgement of collaboration between Mauritania and other entities underscores the collective effort required in realizing SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals. In addition to the main points, it is worth noting that Shamika N. Sirimanne also expresses appreciation for the efforts of specific individuals involved in this collaboration.

Specifically, Mr. Machia and Ms. Bakar are mentioned as key contributors to this partnership. Their dedication and contributions serve as an inspiration for others working towards the same objectives. Overall, the expanded summary highlights the positive sentiment expressed by Shamika N.

Sirimanne regarding the E-Trade Readiness Assessment in Mauritania. The emphasis on collaboration, inclusivity, and partnership underscores the crucial role of collective action in achieving sustainable development and fostering digital transformation.

Arguments

There must be clear rules for e-commerce to ensure consumer’s rights

Supporting facts:

• People in Peru often distrust online marketplaces

• Legal frameworks from other jurisdictions can guide online marketplace regulations

Topics: E-commerce, Consumer Rights, Regulations

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Support to small and medium enterprises for digitalization is crucial

Supporting facts:

• Mercado Libre’s experience of 20 years can be used to help SMEs in their digitalization journey

Topics: Digitalization, Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), E-commerce

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Institution promoting the development of e-commerce and digital payments is important

Supporting facts:

• Legal regulations for digital economy are being worked on in Colombia, Peru and Chile

Topics: E-commerce, Digital Payments, Digital Economy

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Fintech is key in enhancing financial inclusion and trust in digital transactions

Supporting facts:

• There has been a surge of fintech in Peru leading to greater financial inclusion for those outside the banking system

Topics: Fintech, Financial Inclusion, Digital Payments

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Report

The speakers in the given text highlight several key points regarding e-commerce, digitalization, and the development of the digital economy. They emphasize the need for clear rules and regulations in e-commerce to protect consumer rights. They argue that having well-defined guidelines helps establish trust and confidence among consumers.

The speakers also note that in Peru, there is often a lack of trust in online marketplaces, making it crucial to establish legal frameworks that can guide online marketplace regulations. This indicates that the speakers recognize the importance of consumer protection and aim to establish a reliable and secure environment for e-commerce.

Moving on, the speakers discuss the significance of supporting small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in their digitalization journey. They specifically mention the experience of Mercado Libre, a well-established e-commerce platform with 20 years of experience. The speakers suggest that Mercado Libre’s knowledge and expertise can be used to assist SMEs in their transition to digital platforms.

This shows an appreciation for the potential benefits of digitalization for SMEs, such as increased market reach and improved efficiency. By providing support to SMEs, the speakers argue that the digitalization of businesses can be promoted, leading to overall economic growth and development.

In addition, the speakers highlight the importance of legal regulations and institutions in promoting the development of e-commerce and digital payments. They mention ongoing efforts in countries like Colombia, Peru, and Chile to establish legal frameworks for the digital economy.

This demonstrates an understanding of the need for a supportive regulatory environment to foster the growth of e-commerce and digital transactions. By having clear and well-defined regulations, the speakers argue that the development of e-commerce and digital payments can be facilitated, leading to reduced inequalities and improved economic growth.

Another point raised by the speakers is the role of fintech in enhancing financial inclusion and trust in digital transactions. They note that there has been a surge of fintech in Peru, which has contributed to greater financial inclusion for individuals outside the traditional banking system.

This suggests that the speakers recognize the transformative potential of fintech in expanding access to financial services and bridging the gap between the banked and unbanked populations. By enabling secure and efficient digital transactions, fintech can help build trust and confidence among consumers, further promoting the growth of the digital economy.

Lastly, the speakers stress the need for collaboration between the public and private sectors to educate the population and encourage the adoption of internet-based transactions. They cite the example of significant progress made in Mexico through collaborations that have led to the digitization of small and medium enterprises.

This underscores the importance of cooperation between different stakeholders to drive the digitization of the economy. The speakers argue that by working together, both the public and private sectors can play a significant role in educating the population about the benefits of internet-based transactions and supporting the necessary infrastructure for digitalization.

Overall, the speakers present a comprehensive perspective on various aspects of e-commerce, digitalization, and the development of the digital economy. They advocate for clear rules and regulations to protect consumer rights, emphasize the support needed for SMEs in their digitalization journey, highlight the importance of legal frameworks and institutions, recognize the role of fintech in enhancing financial inclusion, and stress the need for collaboration to promote the adoption of internet-based transactions.

Their arguments are supported by evidence from different countries, indicating a broad understanding of the challenges, opportunities, and potential benefits associated with the digital economy.

Arguments

Peru considers the readiness assessment for electronic commerce of great importance

Supporting facts:

• The readiness assessment for e-commerce is the first in the LATAM region and Caribbean

• The assessment was supported by various institutions including ANTAC, SECU, Swiss Confederation and CEPAL

Topics: readiness assessment for electronic commerce, LATAM region, Caribbean

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Report

Peru recognises the significance of the readiness assessment for electronic commerce in the LATAM region and the Caribbean. This assessment, which is the first of its kind in the region, received support from various institutions including ANTAC, SECU, the Swiss Confederation, and CEPAL.

The report has been instrumental in evaluating Peru’s preparedness for e-commerce and has highlighted areas for improvement. The process of creating the report involved coordinating multiple institutions within the government of Peru. This collaboration has resulted in the efficient utilisation of resources and the development of synergies.

By pooling their expertise and resources, these institutions have produced a comprehensive and insightful assessment of Peru’s readiness for electronic commerce. Peru is committed to implementing the recommendations outlined in the report. These recommendations cover a wide range of areas, including enhancing internet usage, ensuring access to it, improving entrepreneurial capacities, and strengthening the legal framework surrounding e-commerce.

Peru also hopes for support from its partners to aid in the successful implementation of these recommendations. Furthermore, Peru recognises the potential of e-commerce to drive sustainable and inclusive development. It sees e-commerce as a crucial element in the country’s overall growth and development.

The emphasis is placed on the positive impact that e-commerce can have on both men and women, highlighting the importance of inclusivity in Peru’s economic progress. In conclusion, Peru views the readiness assessment for electronic commerce as a vital tool for evaluating its preparedness in the LATAM region and the Caribbean.

Through collaboration and coordination among various institutions, Peru aims to implement the recommended measures to further enhance its e-commerce capabilities. By promoting e-commerce, Peru intends to foster sustainable and inclusive development, ensuring that the benefits of this sector are accessible to all.

Arguments

UNCTAD has conducted an E-Trade Readiness Assessment for Peru.

Supporting facts:

• The report was launched a couple of weeks ago in Lima at a ceremony attended by significant dignitaries

• This is the first E-Trade Readiness Assessment undertaken in Latin America by UNCTAD

Topics: UNCTAD, E-Trade Readiness Assessment, Peru

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The E-Trade Readiness Assessment provided a comprehensive analysis of Peru’s e-commerce ecosystem

Supporting facts:

• The assessment highlights improvements in Peru’s digital connectivity infrastructure and its legal and regulatory frameworks for e-commerce

• Peru recently adopted the National Digital Transformation Policy and the National Digital Talent Strategy aiming to advance digital talent development and women’s participation in technology

Topics: UNCTAD, E-Trade Readiness Assessment, Peru, e-commerce ecosystem

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Despite progress, challenges remain, particularly those linked to digital disparities in terms of access to financing and the rural-urban divide in connectivity.

Supporting facts:

• Intrabank transfers through digital wallets represented 60% of total transactions in March 2023

• According to the National Institute of Statistics and Informatics, approximately 86% of Peru’sbusiness was informal in 2021

Topics: digital disparities, connectivity, access to financing, rural-urban divide

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Swiss State Secretary for Economic Affairs has been partnering with UNCTAD on promoting digital tools, digital instruments, and digital analysis

Supporting facts:

• Peru is a priority country of the Swiss Development Corporation

• Swiss Corporation is interested to support cross-border transactions and e-commerce

Topics: unctad, digital tools, promotion, economic affairs

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Peru has a clear gap in terms of its human development index, economic potential, and digitalization level

Supporting facts:

• Peru is a priority country of the Swiss Development Corporation

Topics: Peru, digitalization, economic potential

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Readiness assessment is a very important tool for Peru

Supporting facts:

• Peru is willing to go OECD membership road

• Readiness assessment could be used to feed into the OECD membership agenda of Peru

Topics: Peru, READINESS ASSESSMENT, OECD membership, digitalization

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Peru needs to work on access to finance and skills development

Supporting facts:

• Access to finance as one of the main problems in order to make economic actors participate in trade

• Senco and the Swiss corporation is interested to support cross-border transactions and e-commerce

Topics: Peru, financing, skills development, trade, economic activities

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Peru considers very important the activity of assessment and report about its readiness for electronic commerce

Supporting facts:

• Peru’s readiness for electronic commerce is the first in the LATAM region and Caribbean

• The report goes into detail about the challenges, opportunities, and potential of Peru in e-commerce

• The process of making the report has already positively impacted due to the internal coordination of various Peruvian government institutions

• The recommendations will include improving internet usage, the legal framework, and business capacities in e-commerce

Topics: Electronic commerce, Readiness assessment

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E-Trade for All is the base of UNCTAD’s work in e-commerce readiness assessments

Supporting facts:

• Between 2012 and 2022, there was a speed up of about 16 times in e-commerce in Peru

• Most of the enterprises selling online are in Lima, representing about 80% of turnover

Topics: E-commerce, UNCTAD, E-Trade

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There needs to be further investment in ITC services in Peru to achieve international standards

Supporting facts:

• $28 billion and $106 billion required as of 2038

Topics: Investment, ITC services, International standards

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There is a necessity to enhance consumer rights and data protection in e-commerce

Supporting facts:

• 40% of consumers don’t know about any institution protecting their rights

• 60% of consumers don’t know about any law protecting their personal data

Topics: Consumer rights, Data protection, E-commerce

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Local and foreign investment needs to be improved in Peru’s entrepreneurial ecosystem for e-commerce

Supporting facts:

• The amount invested in Peru’s entrepreneurial ecosystem is not reaching the expected levels

• 67% concentration of these activities still in Lima

Topics: Investment, Entrepreneurial ecosystem, E-commerce

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Peru’s e-commerce has a high growth potential, especially in the cross-border dimension.

Supporting facts:

• Peru accounted for 2% of total visitor traffic to marketplaces in Latin America and the Caribbean, making it the sixth largest market in the region.

• With 6% of e-commerce sales, Peru is the sixth largest market in the context of Latin America and the Caribbean.

• Only 5% of all the visits to the marketplaces in Peru originate from people abroad.

Topics: Peru, e-commerce, cross-border trade

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Peru needs to adopt the Uncitrao model law on e-commerce and e-transport records to enhance its cross-border e-commerce.

Supporting facts:

• None of the marketplaces in Peru currently allows for a foreign consumer to buy a product on a Peruvian marketplace and have it shipped abroad.

• Regulations in Peru are more restrictive than other Latin American countries, affecting its digital trade.

Topics: Peru, e-commerce, Uncitrao model law, cross-border trade

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Providing support to small and medium enterprises for digitalization

Supporting facts:

• For the past 20 years, they have developed their experience in this effort

• These tools can strengthen their digital payments

• Having clear rules for the games in the e-commerce is vital for consumers

Topics: Digitalization, E-commerce, E-payments

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The importance of building consumer trust in e-commerce

Supporting facts:

• One of the main obstacles in e-commerce in Peru is that people aren’t sure if these online sellers are trustworthy

• A legal framework could be established to give assurance to consumers

Topics: E-commerce, Cybersecurity

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The need for a legal framework to support e-commerce

Supporting facts:

• States can analyze how legal frameworks have worked in other jurisdictions using the available benchmarks

• This framework will ensure that the use of the internet and inclusion of other partners are for the development of marketplaces

Topics: Legal Framework, E-commerce, Internet

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The potential of e-commerce as an additional sales channel for micro and small enterprises

Supporting facts:

• In Mexico, there has been significant advancement and development of small and medium enterprises,

Topics: E-commerce, Micro and small enterprises

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Report

The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) recently conducted the first E-Trade Readiness Assessment for Peru in Latin America. The assessment revealed positive developments in Peru’s digital connectivity infrastructure and its legal and regulatory frameworks for e-commerce. Peru has also adopted the National Digital Transformation Policy and the National Digital Talent Strategy to advance digital talent development and women’s participation in technology.

Despite progress, challenges remain, particularly in terms of digital disparities and access to financing. Intrabank transfers through digital wallets accounted for 60% of total transactions in Peru in March 2023. Additionally, around 86% of Peru’s business was informal in 2021, affecting the creation of an inclusive e-commerce ecosystem.

UNCTAD is committed to supporting Peru’s digital transformation and plans to assist in capacity-building initiatives, knowledge exchange, and stakeholder engagement activities. The Swiss State Secretary for Economic Affairs is partnering with UNCTAD to promote digital tools, instruments, and analysis for cross-border transactions and e-commerce.

The assessment highlighted the importance of improving internet usage, the legal framework, and business capacities in e-commerce. Peru is dedicated to implementing the assessment’s recommendations and actions to promote e-commerce. Further investment in ICT services and enhancement of consumer rights and data protection are also necessary for the growth of Peru’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Peru’s e-commerce sector has shown promise, accounting for a significant portion of visitor traffic and sales in Latin America and the Caribbean. However, there is untapped potential for cross-border trade, and adopting the UNCITRAL Model Law on Electronic Commerce and Electronic Transport Records would facilitate its growth.

Peru also faces challenges in adopting electronic payment methods due to informality, account maintenance costs, and lack of trust in the financial system. Building consumer trust and establishing a legal framework are essential for the success of e-commerce. In conclusion, the E-Trade Readiness Assessment is a valuable tool for Peru’s e-commerce development.

Addressing challenges in digital disparities, access to financing, and regulatory frameworks will be crucial. UNCTAD’s support and collaboration with the Swiss Development Corporation will contribute to Peru’s digital transformation. The implementation of assessment recommendations, improvement of the entrepreneurial ecosystem, and enhancement of consumer trust are essential for the growth of e-commerce in Peru.

Arguments

Swiss State Secretary for Economic Affairs has been working with UNCTAD to promote digital tools and analysis

Supporting facts:

• They have financed for the first time the analysis of digitalization in Peru

• Peru is a priority country of the Swiss Development Corporation

• Peru is a very dynamic country

Topics: UNCTAD, Digital tools, Partnership

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Digitalization is a potential source for growth and it should be a part of every intervention in Peru

Supporting facts:

• Peru has a clear gap between its human development index, economic potential and the level of digitalization

• Digitalization can bridge the geographical divide between Lima and the rest of the country

Topics: Digitalization, Growth, Economic development

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The real innovation comes from the private sector

Supporting facts:

• The private sector has the potential to leapfrog some of the challenges

Topics: Private sector, Innovation

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Report

The Swiss State Secretary for Economic Affairs has been collaborating closely with the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) to promote the use of digital tools and analysis in Peru. Peru is considered a priority country for the Swiss Development Corporation, and this partnership marks the first instance of financial support and analysis for digitalization in Peru.

Peru is known for its dynamism and exhibits a clear gap between its human development index, economic potential, and the level of digitalization. Hence, digitalization is seen as a potential catalyst for growth and development in the country. It is believed that digital tools can bridge the geographical divide between the capital city, Lima, and the rest of Peru.

Moreover, digitalization plays a crucial role in Peru’s agenda to join the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). However, attaining OECD membership is regarded as a challenging endeavor, necessitating the investment of efforts into digitalization initiatives. Recognizing the private sector as a prime driver of innovation, it is acknowledged that they possess the potential to overcome certain challenges in the digitalization process.

Consequently, it is recommended to involve the private sector more extensively in the development and implementation of digital tools. Overall, there is a positive sentiment towards digitalization and its potential benefits for Peru’s development. The collaboration between the Swiss State Secretary for Economic Affairs and UNCTAD underscores the significance of digital tools and analysis in bridging the gap between Peru’s current situation and its economic potential.

It also emphasizes the importance of engaging the private sector in the digitalization process. As Peru continues to strive for growth and development, digitalization remains a key aspect of its agenda.

Arguments

Peru has potential to improve in e-commerce market

Supporting facts:

• Peru accounted for about 2% of total visitor traffic to B2C platforms making it the 6th largest market in Latin America and the Caribbean

• Peru accounts for about 6% of e-commerce sales in Latin America

• Peru is more restrictive than other Latin American countries in terms of digital trade regulations

Topics: E-commerce, Marketplace growth, Cross-border e-commerce

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Report

According to the analysis, Peru is emerging as a significant player in the e-commerce market within Latin America, accounting for approximately 6% of sales in the region. However, the country faces challenges due to its relatively restrictive regulations compared to other Latin American nations.

One noteworthy observation is that Peru’s digital trade regulations are more stringent than those of its counterparts. This creates obstacles for cross-border e-commerce, as only 5% of visits to Peruvian marketplaces originate from abroad. Additionally, none of the Peruvian marketplaces currently support international shipping for foreign consumers.

These limitations significantly limit the country’s potential for expanding its e-commerce presence on a global scale. The analysis suggests that Peru needs to adjust its regulations to be more aligned with its trading partners. By doing so, Peru can facilitate cross-border e-commerce and tap into its full potential in the global market.

This alignment could involve harmonizing regulations with other Latin American countries, easing restrictions on international shipping, and fostering partnerships that promote seamless cross-border transactions. Improving cross-border e-commerce has far-reaching implications for Peru’s economy and its progress towards sustainable development goals.

By enhancing its e-commerce capabilities, Peru can contribute to SDG 8, which seeks to promote decent work and economic growth. It can also support SDG 9, aimed at fostering industry, innovation, and infrastructure. In conclusion, while Peru shows promise in the e-commerce market, its restrictive regulations hinder its ability to fully tap into the potential of cross-border e-commerce.

Adjusting its regulations to align with trading partners and facilitating international shipping for foreign consumers are crucial steps towards improving Peru’s cross-border e-commerce landscape. By doing so, Peru can boost its position in the global market, contributing to economic growth and sustainable development.

Arguments

Peru has significantly progressed in e-commerce before the pandemic, but there are areas for improvement

Supporting facts:

• E-commerce in Peru has sped up about 16 times between 2012 and 2022.

• Most of the enterprises selling online are located in Lima, accounting for about 80% of the turnover.

Topics: e-commerce, Peru, digital transformation

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There are gaps in the legal and regulatory framework relating to e-commerce in Peru, with many consumers unaware of their rights.

Supporting facts:

• 60% of consumers do not know about any law protecting their personal data.

• 40% of consumers are unaware of any institution protecting their rights.

Topics: Peru, e-commerce, consumer protection, legal rights

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Report

Peru has made significant progress in the field of e-commerce, experiencing a remarkable 16-fold increase between 2012 and 2022. This growth is particularly concentrated in Lima, the capital city, where approximately 80% of the turnover from online sales takes place. Despite these positive developments, there are still areas that require attention and improvement.

Recommendations for advancing e-commerce in Peru include enhancing the national policy on e-commerce and digital transformation. This could involve updating the existing policies to align with the rapidly evolving nature of the digital marketplace and therefore create a more conducive environment for online businesses.

Additionally, establishing a national technical committee for electronic commerce, involving both public and private institutions, would contribute to the efficient development and regulation of e-commerce in the country. Expanding the telecommunications infrastructure is also crucial for further growth of e-commerce in Peru.

Investing in aligning access to infrastructure with international standards would enable businesses to operate more efficiently and effectively, benefiting both sellers and consumers. A significant concern lies in the existing legal and regulatory framework surrounding e-commerce in Peru. Many consumers are unaware of their rights, with 60% unaware of any laws protecting their personal data and 40% unaware of any institutions safeguarding their consumer rights.

Addressing these gaps and creating awareness among consumers about their legal protections is essential for promoting a trustworthy and secure e-commerce environment. To additionally develop e-commerce, there is a need to emphasize the development of digital skills and competencies. Currently, 65% of businesses in Peru do not invest in digital advertising, which hinders their ability to effectively reach their target audience in the online sphere.

Moreover, the level of investment in Peru’s entrepreneurial ecosystem does not meet the anticipated levels, limiting the growth potential of e-commerce in the country. To overcome these challenges, greater focus on nurturing local entrepreneurship and providing opportunities for digital skill development is necessary.

In conclusion, while Peru has made significant strides in the field of e-commerce, there are still areas that require attention and improvement. By enhancing the national policy on e-commerce, establishing a national technical committee, expanding telecommunications infrastructure, strengthening the legal and regulatory framework, and prioritising digital skills development and investment in the entrepreneurial ecosystem, Peru can unlock the full potential of e-commerce and harness its benefits for economic growth and societal development.

Arguments

It’s critical to move beyond diagnostic analysis

Supporting facts:

• UNCTAD has conducted over 35 assessments so far

• Peru is actively working towards OECD membership and strengthening its ties with partners in the Pacific Alliance

Topics: e-Commerce, Digital Economy, Capacity-building, ET-Ready

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There is a need to broaden the involvement of all stakeholders in the digital economy

Supporting facts:

• Inter-ministerial cooperation, a whole-of-government approach to digital transformation will be key to the success

• The report was launched at the Government Palace in Lima in a ceremony attended by the Secretary General of the Presidency of the Council of Ministers and the Vice Minister of Foreign Trade

Topics: Digital Transformation, e-Commerce, Stakeholder Engagement

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Report

The analysis emphasises the importance of moving beyond diagnostic analysis and involving all stakeholders in the digital economy to address rural-urban digital disparities. Peru is actively working towards OECD membership and strengthening its ties with partners in the Pacific Alliance.

These efforts demonstrate Peru’s commitment to economic growth and international collaboration. However, the analysis reveals significant challenges. There are notable inequalities in access to financing, which hinder the growth and development of businesses in Peru. The informal sector constitutes a large portion of Peru’s business landscape, with approximately 86% of businesses being informal.

This informality poses barriers to accessing credit and limits the formalisation of businesses. To bridge the rural-urban digital disparities and overcome these challenges, several actions are necessary. Inter-ministerial cooperation and a whole-of-government approach to digital transformation are crucial. This approach ensures that all relevant government departments work together towards a common goal, leveraging their expertise and resources.

By involving all stakeholders, including government agencies, private sector businesses, civil society organisations, and communities, a comprehensive and inclusive digital economy can be built. The findings underscore the importance of achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) related to industry, innovation, and infrastructure, as well as reducing inequalities.

Bridging the digital divide between rural and urban areas is essential for ensuring equal access to opportunities and resources. It is crucial to address the disparities in access to financing, as it directly impacts the ability of businesses to grow and thrive.

Furthermore, informal businesses need support and incentives to transition into the formal sector and benefit from the opportunities offered by the digital economy. In conclusion, the analysis highlights the need for proactive measures to move beyond diagnostic analysis and involve all stakeholders in the digital economy.

Peru’s efforts towards OECD membership and strengthening ties with the Pacific Alliance demonstrate the country’s commitment to economic growth and collaboration. Overcoming rural-urban digital disparities, addressing inequalities in access to financing, and formalising the informal sector are essential steps towards achieving sustainable development.

Inter-ministerial cooperation and a comprehensive approach are key factors in successfully navigating the digital transformation journey.

Arguments

TV5plus, a francophone platform aims at increasing discoverability of francophone content

Supporting facts:

• TV5 plus was launched in 2010 and contains audiovisual content from Canada, France, and other European countries and African countries

Topics: TV5plus, Francophone Content, Media platform

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David Gueye is able to connect and promote the TV5plus as a viable Francophone Netflix

Topics: Netflix, TV5plus, David Gueye, Francophone Content

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Report

TV5plus, a francophone platform, was launched in 2010 with the aim of increasing the discoverability of francophone content. This platform offers a diverse range of audiovisual content from Canada, France, other European countries, and African countries, ensuring a rich viewing experience for users.

One of the main strengths of TV5plus is its positive sentiment, reflected in its goal to evoke more emotion and reveal captivating stories for viewers. The platform’s advertising campaign emphasizes the promise of “more emotion” and “more revelation,” showcasing its dedication to providing compelling and immersive content.

TV5plus also benefits from the support and promotion of David Gueye, who connects and promotes the platform as a viable Francophone alternative to Netflix. Gueye’s influence and connections help raise awareness of TV5plus and its unique offering of francophone content, giving it a competitive edge.

In conclusion, TV5plus is a francophone platform that has successfully established itself as a hub for diverse and engaging francophone content. Its extensive collection of audiovisual material, commitment to evoking emotion and revealing narratives, and the support of individuals like David Gueye contribute to its growing popularity.

For viewers seeking captivating francophone content, TV5plus presents itself as an attractive alternative to mainstream streaming platforms.

Arguments

The situation of language and opinion accessibility is worse than depicted

Supporting facts:

• Limited content can reach the public

• Majority of languages are kept out of access

Topics: Accessibility, Content Dissemination

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The rise of artificial intelligence poses potential threats to content accessibility and diversity

Supporting facts:

• AI usage may lead to further marginalization of certain content and opinions

• Artificial intelligence is at a critical crossroads

Topics: Artificial Intelligence, Content Dissemination

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The speaker understands the troubles the music industries face due to the same experience with MP3

Supporting facts:

• Speaker was a musician and actor

• Met the person who invented MP3

Topics: Music Industry, Digital Revolution

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Francophone content is underrepresented on major platforms despite a significant number of French-speaking people.

Supporting facts:

• Francophones counts 300 million but only have 4 to 5% of internet content

• Major platforms like TikTok, YouTube have very little content in French

Topics: Internet content, Francophone, Digital media

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Developing countries have diverse generations of professionals with different digital maturities and cultural content appetites.

Supporting facts:

• There are about five generations of professionals converging in developing countries

Topics: Developing countries, Digital maturity, Cultural content

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Lack of African presence in statistical data and discoverability

Supporting facts:

• The speaker is the Chief of Digital Transformation in a bank from Congo-Brazzaville

• The speaker notes the absence of an African presence in statistical data and discoverability metrics

Topics: Digital Transformation, Diversity, African Content

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New trends emerging from Africa mixing local languages and culture

Supporting facts:

• Musicians are mixing French with local and cultural languages creating a new trend in music

• The speaker uses music as an example to illustrate the point

Topics: Culture, Music, African Content

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Improving the promotion and understanding of IT in the digital world

Topics: Digital literacy, IT Education

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Report

The speakers in the discussion tackled various crucial issues concerning language and content accessibility in the digital world. They brought attention to the limited reach of content to the public and the exclusion of the majority of languages. It was noted that a significant amount of content fails to reach the public due to various reasons, resulting in restricted access to information and ideas.

Additionally, it was highlighted that many languages are kept out of access, further exacerbating the problem of limited content availability and hindering inclusivity. The rise of artificial intelligence (AI) was identified as a potential threat to content diversity and accessibility.

The use of AI in content dissemination can lead to further marginalisation of certain content and opinions. This poses a concern as it can contribute to the homogenisation of ideas and perspectives, leading to a lack of diversity and inclusivity in the digital sphere.

The speakers emphasised the need for responsible and transparent implementation of AI to ensure fair content access and prevent further inequalities. The discussion also addressed the underrepresentation of Francophone content on major platforms, despite a significant number of French-speaking individuals.

It was highlighted that Francophone content constitutes a small percentage of internet content, and platforms such as TikTok and YouTube have very little content available in French. This underrepresentation limits access to information and cultural expression for French-speaking individuals, perpetuating inequalities in the digital space.

The importance of prioritising and enhancing the visibility and accessibility of data was underscored during the discussion. It was suggested that intervention is needed to bring data from the back shop to the front window for better visibility. This approach would allow for a more comprehensive understanding of different perspectives and facilitate improved access to information.

In the context of developing countries, the speakers noted that there are diverse generations of professionals with varying levels of digital maturity and cultural content preferences. This observation highlights the need for tailored strategies and approaches to address the specific needs and interests of different groups within developing countries.

It was emphasised that a one-size-fits-all approach is not suitable in these contexts. The discussion also focused on the absence of an African presence in statistical data and discoverability metrics. This lack of representation hinders the recognition and visibility of African content and limits its reach to broader audiences.

However, the speakers also celebrated emerging trends from Africa, such as the mixing of local languages and culture in music. These trends showcase the richness and diversity of African culture and highlight the potential for unique and innovative content creation.

Lastly, improving the promotion and understanding of IT in the digital world was identified as an area for improvement. It was suggested that enhancing digital literacy and IT education can contribute to bridging the digital divide and improving accessibility to digital resources.

In conclusion, the discussion drew attention to several significant issues regarding language and content accessibility in the digital world. The speakers addressed the limited reach of content, the underrepresentation of various languages, the potential threats posed by artificial intelligence, and the need for responsible implementation.

They also highlighted the importance of prioritising data visibility, considering the specific needs of different groups, and addressing the absence of African presence in statistical data. The promotion and understanding of IT were identified as key areas for improvement in fostering inclusivity and access to digital resources.

Arguments

Discoverability of francophone content has been part of TV5 Monde’s objective

Supporting facts:

• TV5 Monde’s objective has always been to broadcast francophone content internationally

Topics: Francophone content, TV5 Monde, Content discoverability

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The digital world presents new challenges and hegemony of anglo-saxon platforms

Supporting facts:

• The majority of the market is owned by Netflix, Amazon, Disney and perhaps Paramount

Topics: Digital world, Diversity

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The issue of discoverability is not only about preserving cultural diversity but also about development

Supporting facts:

• Accessing and promoting global south content can help producers and artists make a living

Topics: Content discoverability, Cultural diversity, Development

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Promoting diversity and content from Global South countries is crucial

Supporting facts:

• Netflix can access and promote high quality productions from Anglophone Africa but not Francophone Africa

Topics: Cultural diversity, Global south, Content production

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The mandate for TV5 plus platform came from governments and donors at the Francophonie Summit held in Harrigan with the goal to become the Francophone Netflix

Supporting facts:

• The platform was launched in 2010

• It contains content from Canada, France, other European countries and African countries

Topics: TV5 plus platform, Francophonie Summit, Francophone Netflix

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TV5 plus platform promotes cultural diversity and values content from all Francophone regions.

Supporting facts:

• The platform offers a variety of content from across the Francophone world.

• Editorial strategy pushes forward equitably distributed content.

Topics: TV5 plus, cultural diversity, Francophone

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TV5 plus has plans to improve the platform’s accessibility to make it accessible for people with disabilities.

Supporting facts:

• In 2024, the platform intends to focus on improving accessibility for disabled individuals.

Topics: TV5 plus, accessibility, disabilities

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Investment in platforms where there are people, including paid ones

Supporting facts:

• They are compelled to promote content on platforms like TikTok, Google, Facebook etc because these are the platforms where the audience is

Topics: Digital Marketing, Social Media

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Francophonie should not just be limited to French content

Supporting facts:

• They consider that having francophone content that can be mixed with local languages

• They believe in promoting francophonie as a plural concept, not limited to French language only

Topics: Multilingualism, Diversity, Inclusion

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Report

TV5 Monde has always had the objective of international broadcasting of francophone content, and making such content discoverable is a key focus for the network. However, the digital world presents new challenges, with dominant platforms such as Netflix and Amazon leading to the potential hegemony of Anglo-Saxon platforms.

This dominance by a few major players may limit the discoverability of diverse content. Accessing and promoting content from the global South is not just about preserving cultural diversity but also about fostering economic growth. Producers and artists from these regions can make a living if their content is more accessible and promoted internationally.

Currently, Netflix has the ability to showcase high-quality content from Anglophone Africa but not from Francophone Africa, highlighting the importance of promoting diversity and content from Global South countries. David Gueye emphasises the significance of content discoverability, particularly from Francophone African countries, in facilitating further development.

One notable issue in these regions is the difficulty of organising film production in areas where electricity is not readily available. Improving the discoverability of their content would provide opportunities for both artistic growth and economic progress. To address these challenges and promote francophone content, the TV5 plus platform was launched in 2010.

Its aim is to become the Francophone equivalent of Netflix, offering a wide range of content from Canada, France, Europe, and various African countries. The platform’s editorial strategy is focused on equitably distributing content from all Francophone regions, thereby championing cultural diversity.

However, the TV5 plus platform also faces competition and struggles to improve its notoriety and discoverability. While the content is well-referenced in Google search results, more research and efforts need to be directed towards making the content easily discoverable to the target audience.

Additionally, there are external factors beyond the platform’s control that impact discoverability. In terms of accessibility, TV5 plus plans to improve its platform by 2024 to ensure it is accessible for people with disabilities. This commitment to inclusivity reflects their belief in promoting multilingualism and diversity within the francophone world.

They advocate for a broader understanding of francophonie that accommodates not only the French language but also other local languages. Investing in platforms where the audience is, such as TikTok, Google, and Facebook, is deemed essential for effective content promotion.

To reach a wider audience and increase discoverability, it is important to utilize these popular platforms. In conclusion, TV5 Monde and the TV5 plus platform have been dedicated to broadcasting and promoting francophone content internationally. They recognize the challenges posed by the dominance of Anglo-Saxon platforms in the digital world and the need to improve the discoverability of diverse content.

By showcasing content from the global South and ensuring accessibility, they not only promote cultural diversity but also contribute to economic growth. The TV5 plus platform’s objective is to become a Francophone equivalent of Netflix, underscoring the importance of inclusive and equitable content distribution.

However, efforts are necessary to enhance the discoverability and notoriety of the platform to fully realize its potential.

Arguments

Discoverability refers to the online availability of content and its ability to be seen by a vast audience

Supporting facts:

• The Quebec office for the French language in 2016 has defined it as the potential of the content to be discovered

Topics: Discoverability, Content, Online Availability

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Discoverability is related to the issue of the primacy of English content online and a trend towards linguistic uniformization

Supporting facts:

• There is a concern about the lack of diversity in what is being consumed online due to the dominance of English content

Topics: Linguistic Uniformization, English Dominance, Content Diversity

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The exponential increase in available online content is not reflected in the diversity of what is being consumed

Supporting facts:

• The issue is not so much the availability of diverse content, but the mechanisms and processes that do not allow for equal access to this diversity

Topics: Online Content, Content Diversity, Consumption Patterns

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The existence of numerous digital distribution spaces does not necessarily mean access to diverse content

Supporting facts:

• In 2018-2020 study, diversity was asked to predate access to information for content

• Francophone content remained embryonic in comparison to other languages in terms of proportion of recommended content online

• On the world’s 10 million most visited websites, only 3% offer content in French compared to 60% in English.

Topics: Content Discoverability, Digital Distribution, Internet

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Only 1% of a standard catalog of on-demand video is based on strategy or promotion strategy

Supporting facts:

• Only 1% of a typical on-demand video catalog utilizes strategy, promotion strategy, or value strategy

Topics: Video On-demand, Promotion Strategy

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There is a lack of Francophone and non-English, non-Francophone minority content

Supporting facts:

• Out of the 1% of strategically promoted content, there is very limited Francophone content and other non-English, non-Francophone minority content

Topics: Francophone Content, Diversity in Content, On-demand Video

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Users should have the power to discover and explore the majority of the content available on the catalog

Supporting facts:

• Presents the idea of users being able to ignore platform biases and explore 90% of the content catalog that is not typically recommended

Topics: User Empowerment, Content Discovery, On-demand Video

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Current research proposal aims to test a new model on TV5 that allows users to create their own discoverability pathway

Supporting facts:

• New research proposal titled ‘Discover Otherwise’ aims to test a model of content discoverability on TV5 where end users have more control

Topics: TV5, User Empowerment, Research Proposal

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The necessity to make artificial intelligence (AI) and algorithms more explainable to regulate the ‘black box’

Supporting facts:

• AI and automated translations currently suffer from opacity

• The future of linguistic diversity depends on the ability to use technology for diverse contents, formats and supports

• Some institutions and international businesses are already compelling accountability and responsibility in AI usage

Topics: Artificial Intelligence, Algorithm Transparency, Digital Literacy

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Importance of considering diverse opinions amid prevailing opinion polarization

Topics: Diversity, Opinions

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Automatic learning comprises more data in English versus other languages, resulting in disproportionate research findings

Topics: Automatic Learning, Language Diversity

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Report

Discoverability refers to the online availability of content and its ability to reach a wide audience. However, there is growing concern about the lack of diversity in the content being consumed online, primarily due to the dominance of English content.

This issue highlights the need for improving the mechanisms and processes that hinder equal access to diverse content. Algorithms play a crucial role in determining the visibility of content based on individual preferences, taste, or habits. They grant value to the content and recommend it as relevant or not, which can contribute to the lack of diversity in the content being consumed.

This has implications for linguistic uniformisation, as the online landscape becomes skewed towards English content, marginalising other languages. Access to diverse content is limited, particularly for Francophone and non-English, non-Francophone minority content. A study found that on the world’s 10 million most visited websites, only 3% offered content in French, compared to 60% in English.

This lack of representation underscores the need for political action and regulatory frameworks to promote the discoverability and accessibility of Francophone content. This may involve adapting the regulatory framework to include quotas for national content on platforms like Netflix and advocating for the discovery of local content through diplomatic and influential channels.

The limited discoverability of Francophone and non-English, non-Francophone minority content is also reflected in the limited strategic promotion of such content in on-demand video catalogs. Only 1% of a typical on-demand video catalog is based on strategy or promotion, further perpetuating the lack of diversity in consumed content.

To address these challenges, it is important to empower users to discover and explore the majority of the content available in catalogs. Users should have the power to overcome platform biases and access the 90% of content that is typically not recommended to them.

A research proposal titled “Discover Otherwise” aims to test a new model on TV5 that allows end users to create their own discoverability pathways. This would enhance user empowerment and ensure a more diverse range of content is accessible. Additionally, there is a need for greater transparency and explainability in artificial intelligence (AI) and algorithms.

Currently, AI and automated translations suffer from opacity, and there is a growing demand for accountability and responsibility in their usage. AI and algorithm literacy become crucial for both the general public and policymakers to understand the potential impact and abuses of these technologies.

Language diversity is also a significant concern in the field of automatic learning. There is a disproportionate focus on English data, leading to biased research findings and limiting the construction of diverse knowledge. Advocating for greater language diversity in automatic learning can help overcome these limitations and promote a more inclusive and comprehensive understanding of various languages and cultures.

In conclusion, discoverability plays a crucial role in ensuring equal access to diverse content online. The dominance of English content and the lack of representation for non-English, non-Francophone minority content are pressing issues that need to be addressed. Political action, regulatory frameworks, user empowerment, and promoting language diversity are key strategies in achieving a more diverse and inclusive online landscape.

Transparency and literacy in AI and algorithms also play a crucial role in promoting accountable and responsible usage.

Arguments

Discoverability is an underexplored and fundamental issue in the digital age

Supporting facts:

• Discoverability is defined as the capacity of content to be found

• Discoverability has political stakes as certain content may be prioritised or hidden by operators

• An example of discoverability issue would be relevant local content hidden by international platforms

Topics: discoverability, digital age, content creation, content accessibility

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Discoverability has implications for digital exclusion and language accessibility

Supporting facts:

• Digital exclusion may occur when certain content is not discovered as readily as others

• Language accessibility is impacted by the discoverability of content produced in certain languages

Topics: discoverability, digital exclusion, language accessibility

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Less than 6% of all languages are virtually represented on the internet

Supporting facts:

• Only 400 languages out of 7000 have web presence

Topics: Cultural diversity, Multilingualism, Language representation

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There’s a disproportionate power game in the digital content market

Supporting facts:

• 90% of the value-added of digital content is held by three countries, 67% by the USA, more than 20% by China and the rest of the world is sharing the remainder

• There are very few platforms that do concentrate the maximum value

Topics: Digital content market, Global digital compact

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Report

Discoverability is an often overlooked yet crucial issue in the digital age. It refers to the ability of content to be found by users. However, concerns arise regarding how certain content may be prioritised or hidden by operators, leading to political implications.

For instance, relevant local content might be concealed by international platforms, resulting in limited discoverability. This disparity in access and visibility of different types of content calls for better understanding and regulation of discoverability in the digital sector. Currently, only a select number of individuals fully comprehend the complexities of discoverability, creating conflicts between local and international content.

To ensure fair practices, it is important to prioritise diverse, high-quality content, regardless of its origin. Additionally, discoverability affects digital exclusion and language accessibility. When specific content is not easily discovered, it can lead to digital exclusion, preventing certain individuals or communities from accessing or engaging with it.

Furthermore, language accessibility is impacted when content in certain languages is less discoverable. This raises concerns about the representation of lesser-known languages on the internet, as only 400 out of 7,000 languages have a web presence. This lack of language representation hinders cultural diversity and the preservation of different languages and cultures.

Moreover, the digital content market exhibits a disproportionate concentration of power. The majority of the value-added in this market is held by a few countries, mainly the USA and China, while the rest of the world shares the remainder. This concentration raises concerns about fairness and equal opportunities for content creators and consumers globally.

To address these issues, there is a call for regulations and rules in the design and development of global digital content. The suggestion of a global digital compact has been made to establish guidelines and standards that promote fairness and equitable access.

This will create an equal playing field, allowing diverse voices to be heard and ensuring meaningful representation of different cultures and languages online. In conclusion, discoverability is a crucial issue that needs further attention. It affects political stakes, digital exclusion, language accessibility, cultural diversity, and the digital content market.

To create a fair and inclusive digital environment, understanding, regulation, and rules for discoverability are essential. Promoting diverse, high-quality content, equal language representation, and a balanced distribution of power in the global digital content market are integral to this process.

Arguments

Discoverability allows content in languages other than English to also be discovered and promoted.

Supporting facts:

• Language is also a perspective of the world.

• If we have knowledge only in English, we will arrive at visions of the world that will be uniform.

• Without discoverability, non-English cultural and creative industries will not be consumed and thus find it difficult to survive.

Topics: Discoverability, Cultural Diversity, Digital Access

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To promote discoverability, there needs to be support for content production in other languages and addressing the digital divide.

Supporting facts:

• Technologies are needed to support discoverability.

• Support for local cultural production and creative industry is vital.

• If there’s no internet access, one cannot access Francophone content.

Topics: Content Production, Digital Divide, Cultural Diversity

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Local production of cultural content being supported by Federation Wallonie-Brussels via grants towards cultural and creative industry and via co-productions

Supporting facts:

• The Federation, while in Brussels, is active in granting support to cinematographic, musical, and cultural production

Topics: Cultural Diversity, Digital Content Regulation, Creative Industry Support

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Federation Wallonie-Brussels is not acting alone, they follow rules and regulations at the EU level

Supporting facts:

• There are legislations in the EU framework

• Federation Wallonie-Brussels has taken advantage of EU’s levearage to impose rules on existing platforms

Topics: International Cooperation, EU Regulations

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Small players in the international territory need international solidarity and cooperation

Supporting facts:

• Federation Wallonie-Brussels is known for encouraging co-productions with Switzerland, France, Canada

Topics: Co-production, Cultural Diversity

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Investing in promoting content in minority languages on platforms like Spotify can value diversity.

Supporting facts:

• Valony-Brussels Federation creates playlists that give value to the people of Brussels, featuring music in various languages, not just French.

Topics: Diversity, Music Industry, Minority Languages

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Translation tools can be an aid in multilingual content, making it more accessible and discoverable for minor languages.

Supporting facts:

• Simultaneous translation of some content, if well used, can boost the discoverability of minor languages content.

Topics: Translation, Multilingualism, Language Preservation

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Report

The analysis of the speakers’ viewpoints emphasized the crucial role of discoverability in promoting content in languages other than English. They argued that if knowledge is limited to just English, it will lead to a uniform and narrow worldview. Without discoverability, non-English cultural and creative industries will struggle to survive.

To address this issue, support for content production in other languages and bridging the digital divide is essential. The Federation Wallonie-Brussels was mentioned as an example of an organization that supports local cultural production. Through grants and co-productions, they actively encourage and promote the creation of cultural content.

They also take advantage of EU regulations to enforce rules on existing platforms. Furthermore, they foster international solidarity and cooperation by facilitating co-productions with countries like Switzerland, France, and Canada. The speakers highlighted the significant impact that platforms have in contributing to local cultural production.

They noted that the Federation Wallonie-Brussels has imposed a 2.2% rate on non-linear platforms broadcasting in their territory, which contributes to the creation of local content. There are plans to increase this rate in the future. Additionally, the use of human editors plays a significant role in shaping the produced content.

User accessibility of content was another topic of discussion. The RTBF and other organizations collaborate to develop algorithms that enhance content discoverability. They are also planning to create a user-specific unique code to offer a personalized experience to users. Promoting content in minority languages on platforms like Spotify was cited as a means of valuing diversity.

The Federation Wallonie-Brussels creates playlists that highlight music in various languages, not just French, thus celebrating linguistic diversity. Translation tools were also mentioned as aids in making multilingual content more accessible and discoverable. It was suggested that well-utilized simultaneous translation of content could boost the discoverability of minor languages.

The overall sentiment of the speakers was positive, expressing optimism about leveraging technology and promoting cultural diversity. They recognized the importance of discoverability in fostering economic development, cultural diversity, and the survival of diversity as a whole. The analysis revealed a focus on the role of language, the need for international cooperation, and the potential of technology to bridge gaps and ensure equitable access to cultural content.

Arguments

AI generated content is not controlled by humans and carries risk of plagiarism, confidentiality and bias

Supporting facts:

• ChatGBT’s user base grew from 100 million to 104 million in a few months

• ChatGBT is used a billion times per week

• AI lacks transparency and explicability

Topics: Artificial Intelligence, Data Privacy, Algorithmic Bias

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Use of AI can lead to propagation of harmful and discriminatory content

Supporting facts:

• AI often reproduces the biases present in its training data

• Generative AI can spread misinformation, racism, and hate messages

Topics: Artificial Intelligence, Discrimination, Hate Speech

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Only 400 out of 7000 languages are on the internet

Supporting facts:

• According to UNESCO’s global atlas, there are only 400 languages on the internet out of 7000.

Topics: Internet, Languages

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UNESCO is committed on promoting content and diverse content in cyberspace

Supporting facts:

• UNESCO’s program, Information for All, aims at constructing inclusive and sustainable societies of knowledge

• The goal is to enable universal access to trustable information and diversified content as a catalyst for human rights, peace, and sustainable development

Topics: UNESCO, Internet, Content Diversity

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UNESCO’s Information for All program focuses on six sectors

Supporting facts:

• The six sectors are: information at the service for development, information literacy, preservation of information, info ethics, access to information and multilingualism

• The program offers a international platform for political dialogue and cooperation

Topics: UNESCO, Information for All Program, Multilingualism

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UNESCO’s program works to reduce digital gaps and promote multilingualism

Supporting facts:

• Tackling the principles of multilingualism in the National Development Plans and promoting universal access to information are key objectives

• The program works on preserving the documentary patrimony that exists in indigenous languages

Topics: UNESCO, Digital Gap, Multilingualism

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UNESCO has sustained several national-level projects to reinforce capacity

Supporting facts:

• In Jamaica, UNESCO supported the radio station broadcasting in indigenous language Abang

• The program also contributed to the improvement and preservation of documentary preservation of the local Maroon language

Topics: UNESCO, National Projects, Capacity Building

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The issue of black box in AI is not just technical but also a policy issue

Supporting facts:

• The problem is likened to media and digital platforms requiring transparency

• UNESCO promotes transparency of AI algorithms

Topics: Artificial Intelligence, Policy

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AI regulations on business enterprises should be in place and their codes must be open

Supporting facts:

• Regulations could potentially help businesses

• Regulations could address issue of discoverability

Topics: AI Regulation, Business Enterprises

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The concentration of digital platforms poses a problem

Supporting facts:

• Five digital platforms dominate the world and are held by two countries

• Traditional media and channels had similar problems

Topics: Digital Platforms, Anti-monopoly Principles

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There is a need for the implementation of existing ethical principles on a global scale

Supporting facts:

• UNESCO already has a consensus on the ethical values

• Implementation through laws, national policy, legislation

Topics: Ethical Principles, AI Regulations

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Innovation and regulation are not contradictory.

Supporting facts:

• We need a very good, efficient, ethical regulation to ensure the innovation are being driven in a good direction to lead to the humanity development.

Topics: technology regulation, innovation

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Bad regulations can destroy the potential of innovation.

Supporting facts:

• Bad regulations are very much focused on the commercialization, monetization of the technology and they destroy the innovation’s value.

Topics: technology regulation, innovation

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A policy process must involve all stakeholders for inclusive growth

Supporting facts:

• Xianhong Hu emphasized on the involvement of all actors and government, academia, private sector in policy process.

Topics: Policy making, Inclusive growth, Multi-stakeholder participation

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Report

The analysis provided information on various arguments related to artificial intelligence (AI), internet languages, and the role of UNESCO in promoting content diversity and multilingualism. One of the concerns raised was the potential risks associated with AI-generated content, such as plagiarism, confidentiality issues, and bias.

It was emphasized that AI lacks transparency and explicability, which could lead to these risks. Furthermore, AI was seen as a source of harmful and discriminatory content. There is a growing concern that AI often reproduces the biases present in its training data, which can perpetuate misinformation, racism, and hate speech.

To address these issues, there was a call for multilateral regulation of the AI industry, as self-regulation was considered insufficient. The concentration of digital platforms and the AI industry was also highlighted as a concern because it can centralize wealth and limit the potential of AI in benefiting diverse communities.

It was suggested that regulations should be put in place to ensure transparency and openness in AI algorithms. Additionally, it was pointed out that AI regulations on business enterprises should be established, with their codes being open to scrutiny. The analysis also shed light on the limited representation of languages on the internet.

Only 400 out of 7000 languages were reported to be present online according to UNESCO’s global atlas. This raises concerns about the digital divide and the potential exclusion of certain language communities from online spaces. Amidst these challenges, UNESCO was recognized for its positive efforts in promoting content diversity and multilingualism.

UNESCO’s Information for All programme aims to construct inclusive and sustainable societies of knowledge, providing universal access to trustworthy information and diversified content to catalyze human rights, peace, and sustainable development. They focus on six sectors, including information for development, information literacy, preservation of information, info ethics, access to information, and multilingualism.

UNESCO’s work includes reducing digital gaps, preserving indigenous languages, reinforcing capacity through national projects, and contributing to the improvement and preservation of local languages. The analysis also highlighted the importance of implementing ethical principles and existing consensuses on a global scale.

UNESCO’s commitment to transparency and promoting ethical values in AI was lauded. It was noted that innovation and regulation are not contradictory; instead, efficient and ethical regulations must be in place to guide innovation towards benefiting humanity. On the other hand, it was warned that bad regulations focusing solely on commercialization and monetization can undermine the value of innovation.

In terms of policy-making, inclusive growth and multi-stakeholder participation were championed. It was emphasized that all actors, including the government, academia, and the private sector, must be involved in the policy process to ensure inclusive growth. Additionally, it was argued that every individual, not just the government, bears responsibility in policy-making, highlighting the need for commitment from all stakeholders.

In conclusion, the analysis provided insight into various arguments and concerns surrounding AI, internet languages, and UNESCO’s role in promoting content diversity and multilingualism. From the risks associated with AI-generated content to the need for multilateral regulation and inclusive policy-making, the analysis highlighted the importance of transparency, ethical principles, and addressing digital gaps.

The role of UNESCO in driving positive change and promoting diverse knowledge societies was acknowledged.

Arguments

The government of Mongolia attaches great importance to the development of e-commerce as a way to diversify the economy

Supporting facts:

• The government of Mongolia, in collaboration with UNCTAD, conducted an e-trade readiness assessment

• The assessment was conducted from 2022 to 2023 with results and recommendations anticipated during the launch event

Topics: e-commerce, Mongolia, economic diversification

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Gerelmaa Davaasuren asks about the role of the United Nations resident coordinator’s office in coordinating all activity to help Mongolia become a digital nation and develop the e-commerce ecosystem.

Supporting facts:

• Dapa Mishra is a friend of Mongolia, knows everything in Mongolia, and is very supportive for Mongolia.

• Dapa Mishra has close contact with the government officials and all the stakeholders, including the civil society.

• Dapa Mishra coordinates all activity of the United Nations and other international organizations in Mongolia.

Topics: Digital Nation, E-commerce Ecosystem, Mongolia, United Nations

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Report

The government of Mongolia, in collaboration with the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), has placed significant importance on the development of e-commerce as a means to diversify the economy. An e-trade readiness assessment was conducted from 2022 to 2023 to evaluate the country’s preparedness for e-commerce.

The assessment, supported by UNCTAD, aims to provide valuable insights and recommendations to further enhance e-commerce development in Mongolia. The results and recommendations from the assessment are expected to be unveiled at an upcoming launch event. Mongolia, being a landlocked developing country situated between two larger neighbors, faced substantial trade challenges, which were exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic and border closures.

These difficulties had a negative impact on the economy, prompting Mongolia to explore e-commerce as a potential solution to achieve economic stability. By embracing e-commerce, Mongolia aims to overcome trade obstacles and build greater resilience. The United Nations resident coordinator’s office plays a crucial role in coordinating all activities related to assisting Mongolia in its journey towards becoming a digital nation and developing an e-commerce ecosystem.

Led by Dapa Mishra, the office maintains close contact with government officials and stakeholders, including civil society, to drive collaboration. Through these coordinated efforts, the United Nations, along with other international organizations, aims to support Mongolia’s digital transformation and foster the growth of e-commerce.

In conclusion, the government of Mongolia and UNCTAD have undertaken an e-trade readiness assessment to explore the potential of e-commerce for economic diversification. Despite facing challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic and border closures, Mongolia recognizes the importance of e-commerce in stabilizing the economy.

The United Nations resident coordinator’s office plays a vital role in coordinating efforts to assist Mongolia in becoming a digital nation and fostering the development of the e-commerce ecosystem. This collaborative approach seeks to create a more resilient and dynamic economy for Mongolia’s future prosperity.

Arguments

Mongolia is committed to implement e-trade readiness

Supporting facts:

• More than half of Mongolians have access to the Internet

• e-Solutions program is aimed at equipping the population with digital skills

• Recent enactments like e-Signature Law and Law on National Payment System

Topics: e-trade, digital infrastructure, digital literacy, legal readiness

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Report

Mongolia is making significant progress towards e-trade readiness and promoting a tech-inclusive economy. With over half of the population now having access to the Internet, the country is actively implementing programs to ensure that its citizens have the necessary digital skills.

This emphasis on enhancing digital literacy will play a crucial role in enabling individuals to participate in the digital economy. Recent legislative actions, such as the e-Signature Law and the Law on the National Payment System, demonstrate Mongolia’s commitment to building a strong digital infrastructure.

These enactments provide a legal framework to support e-trade operations and facilitate secure online transactions. By enacting these laws, Mongolia is actively working towards establishing an environment where electronic transactions can be conducted safely and with confidence. Mongolia’s dedication to e-trade readiness is further highlighted by its ongoing efforts to develop an IT service export strategy in collaboration with the International Trade Center.

This strategy aims to facilitate the export of Mongolian IT services, creating opportunities for economic growth and entrepreneurship. Additionally, the country is exploring innovative solutions such as enhanced transportation networks and drone deliveries, which will not only improve efficiency but also enhance the overall e-trade ecosystem.

Mongolia’s Vision 2050 underpins its commitment to a tech-inclusive economy. This long-term vision serves as a roadmap for advancing technology adoption and ensuring that no one is left behind in the digital transformation. By embracing technology, Mongolia aims to drive economic prosperity, foster innovation, and create a society that fully embraces the benefits of the digital era.

Overall, there is a positive sentiment towards the advancement of e-trade and the digital economy in Mongolia. The country’s efforts in expanding digital infrastructure, promoting digital literacy, enacting relevant laws, and forging partnerships are crucial steps in creating an enabling environment for e-trade.

With its commitment to a tech-inclusive economy, Mongolia is poised to unlock the economic potential of the digital age and create opportunities for its citizens to thrive in the global marketplace.

Arguments

In Mongolia, majority of e-commerce activities are domestic and centered in the capital. E-commerce hasn’t picked up on the cross-border yet

Supporting facts:

• Most online shopping in Mongolia occurs in the capital, with usage of domestic and international third-party marketplaces. Around 500 responses were collected during the study period of e-trade readiness

Topics: Mongolia, E-commerce, Cross-border e-commerce

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ICT infrastructure in Mongolia is a national priority but requires significant improvements

Supporting facts:

• ICT infrastructure investments are increasing but not specifically encouraged. Connectivity is insufficient, especially in rural areas and cost is a major barrier. Despite 3G, 4G and possibly impending 5G deployment, they are likely to be limited to the capital

Topics: Mongolia, ICT infrastructure, E-commerce

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The need for increased financial literacy and diversifying investment options for e-commerce in Mongolia

Supporting facts:

• Most Mongolian SME’s engaged in e-commerce activities are self-financed. This lack of financial backing leads to a short lifespan (less than 3 years) of these startups. Despite existing financing options, the awareness is low

Topics: Mongolia, Investment, E-commerce

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Report

The e-commerce sector in Mongolia faces numerous challenges, according to a study. The majority of online shopping activities in the country are domestic and primarily centred in the capital city. Cross-border e-commerce has not yet gained momentum in Mongolia. One of the major issues highlighted by the study is the lack of a comprehensive vision or roadmap for the development of e-commerce.

While the country has various strategies and policies related to e-commerce, there is a clear absence of a well-defined plan to advance this sector. High-level political support is identified as a crucial factor for the development of e-commerce in Mongolia.

Despite the presence of strategies and policies, the study points out that there is a need for clear political backing to drive the growth of the sector. Another significant challenge faced by Mongolia is the inadequacy of its ICT infrastructure, particularly in rural areas.

Despite increasing investments in ICT infrastructure, connectivity remains insufficient in remote regions. The high cost of connectivity is also identified as a major barrier to the development of e-commerce. Although 3G, 4G, and possibly impending 5G deployments are expected, their availability is likely to be limited to the capital city.

Trade logistics and facilitation present significant hurdles for the e-commerce sector in Mongolia. The vast geography of the country and laborious customs clearance processes make cross-border e-commerce particularly challenging. Additionally, the presence of multiple ununified addressing systems further complicates deliveries.

The study also highlights the financial challenges faced by Mongolian SMEs engaged in e-commerce activities. Most of these SMEs are self-financed, resulting in a short lifespan for startups, typically less than three years. Despite existing financing options, there is a lack of awareness about them, further hindering the growth of e-commerce.

Furthermore, there is a larger issue of public awareness regarding the laws regulating e-commerce in Mongolia. According to the study, around 90% of Mongolians are unaware of the laws applicable to e-commerce, indicating a significant lack of trust in the sector.

This lack of awareness raises concerns about consumer protection and highlights the need for improving transparency and education in this regard. In conclusion, the e-commerce sector in Mongolia faces several challenges. The lack of a comprehensive vision or roadmap, inadequate ICT infrastructure, trade logistics and facilitation hurdles, financial constraints, and limited public awareness about e-commerce laws are the key areas that need to be addressed to foster the growth of this sector in Mongolia.

Increased financial literacy, diversification of investment options, and the provision of political support are crucial in overcoming these challenges and unlocking the full potential of e-commerce in the country.

Arguments

EBRD is committed to support Mongolia in realizing its Vision 2050 via digitalization and has identified fixed-line broadband infrastructure and access to finance as major bottlenecks

Supporting facts:

• EBRD has invested 2.3 billion euros, 75% of it to the private sector in Mongolia since 2006

• They have signed an MOU with the Ministry of Digital Development and Communication to formalize this commitment

• Only 11% of Mongolia’s population is connected via fixed lines while mobile has high penetration

• A third of the businesses cite inadequate infrastructure as a key reason not to invest in e-commerce solutions

• EBRD offers direct finance, credit lines and advisory services through SME local currency program

Topics: Digital Transformation, EBRD, Broadband Infrastructure, Access to Finance, Vision 2050

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Report

The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) has been a significant investor in Mongolia since 2006, having contributed €2.3 billion to the country’s development. The bank has focused on supporting the private sector, with 75% of their investments directed towards this sector.

To solidify their commitment to digitalization, the EBRD has recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Ministry of Digital Development and Communication in Mongolia. One of the major challenges that Mongolia faces is low connectivity rates, with only 11% of the population having access to fixed lines.

In contrast, mobile penetration is significantly higher. This limited connectivity is seen as an obstacle for businesses looking to invest in e-commerce solutions. In fact, a third of businesses in Mongolia cite inadequate infrastructure as a key reason for not pursuing e-commerce opportunities.

Recognising this bottleneck, the EBRD has identified fixed-line broadband infrastructure as a major area where support is needed. To address these challenges, the EBRD offers several avenues of support. Through their SME local currency programme, they provide direct finance, credit lines, and advisory services to businesses in Mongolia.

This programme is part of the bank’s broader efforts to foster economic growth and innovation in the country. Julia Anderson, a prominent advocate, fully supports the EBRD’s initiatives in Mongolia. She specifically highlights the importance of extending the bank’s investments to young innovative companies.

Additionally, she emphasises the need for expanding broadband rollout throughout the country. Given the EBRD’s track record in investing in broadband infrastructure internationally, Anderson believes that the bank is well-positioned to help Mongolia overcome its connectivity challenges. In conclusion, the EBRD’s commitment to supporting Mongolia in realising its Vision 2050 through digitalisation is commendable.

Recognising the barriers posed by inadequate fixed-line infrastructure and limited access to finance, the EBRD offers direct support to businesses in Mongolia through their SME local currency programme. Julia Anderson’s endorsement further emphasises the importance of investing in young innovative companies and expanding broadband rollout to drive economic growth and foster innovation in Mongolia.

Arguments

The national export strategy for Mongolia is primarily focused on the non-mining sectors. E-commerce is a natural opportunity for small businesses looking to engage in international trade, improving their operational efficiency and generating new market linkages. Despite the constraints and challenges, approximately 30% of small businesses in Mongolia are already using e-commerce, especially within emerging sectors such as IT services.

Supporting facts:

• 60% of small businesses in Mongolia have between 1 and 9 employees

• Approximately 30% of small businesses are already engaged in e-commerce

• E-commerce can improve operational efficiency like inventory management and addressing new customer needs

• New emerging sectors such as IT services can utilize e-commerce to build new market linkages.

Topics: National Export Strategy, E-commerce, Small Businesses, IT services

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Report

The national export strategy of Mongolia primarily focuses on non-mining sectors and acknowledges the potential of e-commerce for small businesses in engaging in international trade. Approximately 30% of small businesses in Mongolia are already utilizing e-commerce, particularly in emerging sectors like IT services.

This adoption of e-commerce is driven by the recognition that it can improve operational efficiency and create new market linkages. However, small businesses in Mongolia face constraints and challenges when it comes to embracing e-commerce. These include logistical issues, difficulties in trade facilitation, and a lack of necessary skills.

Solutions can be found to overcome these obstacles, such as the development of digital public goods that provide specific knowledge on e-commerce practices and international trade. To address the limited capacities of small businesses, it is crucial to focus on skills development.

Data from the Mongolian Chamber of Commerce highlights the prevalence of microenterprises among small businesses, emphasizing the need to support them in acquiring the skills necessary for successful engagement in e-commerce and international trades. The concept of digital public goods as a solution becomes significant in bridging the skills gap of small businesses.

By offering accessible and tailored resources, digital public goods empower small businesses to overcome trade-related challenges and fully leverage the benefits of e-commerce and international trade. It is important to note that there is a mixed sentiment regarding the current state of e-commerce adoption among small businesses in Mongolia.

While some businesses have embraced e-commerce, others still face difficulties due to various constraints. Continued efforts and support are necessary to foster a broader adoption of e-commerce practices among small businesses in Mongolia. In conclusion, the national export strategy of Mongolia recognizes the potential of e-commerce in non-mining sectors, particularly for small businesses.

Approximately 30% of small businesses already engage in e-commerce, but challenges such as logistical issues, trade facilitation problems, and skills development needs persist. Strategies such as the development of digital public goods can help overcome these obstacles and promote broader adoption of e-commerce practices.

Continued support is crucial to enable small businesses in Mongolia to fully benefit from e-commerce and international trade opportunities.

Arguments

UNCTAD is committed to supporting Mongolia in its journey towards digital transformation and embracing digital era

Supporting facts:

• Mongolia has internet accessibility of 84.3% and 4.8 million mobile connections, mostly in urban areas

• A UN joint program on digital transformation has been submitted under the SDG Fund for Mongolia

• Mongolia is developing a national e-commerce strategy

Topics: digital transformation, e-trade readiness, digital strategy development

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Mongolia needs to tackle challenges like rural connectivity, internet awareness and literacy, and last mile access

Topics: rural connectivity, digital literacy, digital divide

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Report

Mongolia is actively pursuing digital transformation and e-commerce development, with a particular focus on improving internet accessibility and increasing mobile connections in urban areas. Currently, Mongolia has an internet accessibility rate of 84.3% and 4.8 million mobile connections, primarily concentrated in urban areas.

This indicates a strong foundation for the country to build on in its digital journey. To support Mongolia’s digital transformation, a joint program on digital transformation has been submitted under the SDG Fund. This is a positive step towards securing the necessary resources and expertise to drive the country’s digital agenda forward.

The commitment of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) in assisting Mongolia with its digital transformation signifies the global recognition of the importance of embracing the digital era. Efforts to achieve e-commerce development in Mongolia are being carried out in collaboration with multiple stakeholders.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Digital Development and Communications have joined forces to assess e-trade readiness in the country. This assessment involves the active participation of key national stakeholders from both the public and private sectors, ensuring a comprehensive and inclusive approach.

Additionally, international organizations have come together to contribute to this project, highlighting the importance of cross-cutting cooperation and multi-stakeholder conversations in achieving digital transformation and e-commerce development. This collaborative approach acknowledges that the involvement of various stakeholders will be crucial in successfully implementing digital initiatives and strategies.

However, there are still challenges that need to be addressed. Mongolia faces issues such as rural connectivity, internet literacy, and last-mile access. These challenges are essential to tackle to ensure that everyone, regardless of their location or level of digital literacy, can benefit from the country’s digital advancements.

Bridging the digital divide and promoting internet awareness and literacy will be key in ensuring that the benefits of digital transformation are accessible to all. Furthermore, embracing a digital economy has the potential to help Mongolia diversify from its commodity-based economy.

By harnessing the opportunities presented by digital transformation, Mongolia can promote economic growth and generate new avenues for employment. The E-Trade Readiness Assessment can play a vital role in providing policy recommendations and guidance to accelerate Mongolia’s digital transformation, enabling the country to leverage its digital potential effectively.

In conclusion, Mongolia is making notable progress towards digital transformation and e-commerce development. With a focus on improving internet accessibility, involving multiple stakeholders, and addressing challenges such as rural connectivity and the digital divide, the country is positioning itself to embrace the digital era.

The shift towards a digital economy also presents an opportunity for Mongolia to diversify its economy and drive economic growth. The support and commitment from UNCTAD, along with the involvement of various stakeholders, will be crucial in ensuring the success of Mongolia’s digital journey.

Arguments

Digitalization is recognized as a cross-cutting enabler for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals

Supporting facts:

• Almost all governments, United Nations agencies and development partners are developing and implementing projects and programs in digitalization.

Topics: Digitalization, Sustainable Development Goals

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Efforts in digitalization are bringing limited impacts due to lack of digital cooperation and coordination.

Supporting facts:

• Entities are implementing their work in silos, leading to a high chance of duplication of efforts and a lost opportunity for building synergy.

Topics: Digitalization, Cooperation, Coordination

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United Nations resident coordinators and their offices play a key role in coordinating digital transformation.

Supporting facts:

• As the United Nations resident coordinator in Mongolia, Tapan Mishra coordinated the cooperation between the Ministry, UNTAD, and the UN Mongolia to build synergy by jointly organizing series of digitalization activities, including the launch of Mongolia ET Ready Assessment Report, the 2023 Global Digital Dialogue.

Topics: United Nations, Digital Transformation, Coordination

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Report

Digitalisation is widely recognised as a crucial factor in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Governments, United Nations agencies, and development partners across the globe are actively engaged in developing and implementing projects and programmes in digitalisation. It is understood that digitalisation has the potential to act as a cross-cutting enabler for the successful attainment of the SDGs.

However, despite the efforts in digitalisation, there is a notable limitation in the impact being achieved. This limitation can be attributed to a lack of digital cooperation and coordination among different entities. Many organisations are working independently, resulting in duplicated efforts and missed opportunities for collaboration.

This siloed approach hampers the potential synergy that can be created through effective digital cooperation and coordination. To address this issue, it is crucial to enhance digital cooperation and coordination among all relevant stakeholders. United Nations resident coordinators and their offices play a significant role in this regard.

In the case of Mongolia, for example, Tapan Mishra, the United Nations resident coordinator, successfully coordinated cooperation between the Ministry, UNTAD, and the UN Mongolia. This collaboration led to the organisation of various digitalisation activities, including the launch of the Mongolia ET Ready Assessment Report and the 2023 Global Digital Dialogue.

Such joint efforts demonstrate the importance of United Nations resident coordinators in coordinating digital transformation and fostering synergy amongst different entities. Furthermore, proactive engagement with all relevant players in the field of digitalisation is essential. Regular meetings with relevant ministries can help address emerging issues and unlock potential opportunities for cooperation.

This proactive approach ensures that all stakeholders are involved and that collaborative efforts are maximised, leading to more significant and effective outcomes in digitalisation. In conclusion, digitalisation is widely recognised as a critical enabler for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.

However, the limited impact being achieved in digitalisation is largely due to a lack of digital cooperation and coordination. United Nations resident coordinators and proactive engagement with relevant players are essential in coordinating digital transformation, fostering collaboration, and ultimately achieving substantial progress towards the SDGs.

Arguments

The project review and implementation process takes too long and aspects may become irrelevant due to technological advancements in the digitalization sector.

Supporting facts:

• Takes around two years to prepare, assess, and then start the implementation

• Several digital projects in Tajikistan are implemented in collaboration with COICA and the Korean government

Topics: Digitalization, Project Review, Project Implementation, International Cooperation

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Korean government has possibly developed API integration standards to facilitate business integration.

Topics: API integration standards, Digitalization, Korean government, business integration

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There is a lack of coordination and harmonization among different governmental departments when it comes to digital policies.

Topics: Digital Economy, E-Procurement, Content Moderation, Competition, Data Privacy

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The audience wants to know if the Korean government is concerned about AI replacing people or if they view it as a chance

Topics: Korean Government, AI, Job displacement

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Report

The project review and implementation process in the digitalization sector has been criticised for being slow, which may lead to potential irrelevance due to rapid technological advancements. It typically takes around two years to prepare, assess, and start implementing digital projects, compromising their effectiveness in the fast-paced digital world.

Collaborative efforts between Tajikistan, the Coalition of International Cooperation for Afghanistan (COICA), and the Korean government have resulted in the implementation of various digital projects. However, there are concerns that other donors are able to fund and execute similar projects more quickly.

The Korean government, renowned for its expertise in the digitalization sector, has possibly developed API integration standards to facilitate business integration. Ruth Baitsepi, the head of the Digitalization and Innovation Hub at the Bank of Botswana, is interested in the prospect of the Korean government sharing these standards with other jurisdictions, such as Botswana, to enhance business integration and foster economic growth.

However, there is a worrying lack of coordination and harmonization among different governmental departments when it comes to digital policies. This lack of coordination hampers the effective implementation and enforcement of digital regulations. Countries like Korea and India are creating their own laws to regulate various aspects of the digital economy; however, they face challenges in harmonising these laws across departments.

This lack of coordination may undermine the effectiveness of digital policies and hinder the growth and development of the digital economy. The audience is curious about the Korean government’s stance on artificial intelligence (AI) and its potential impact on employment.

It is unclear whether the Korean government views AI as a potential threat, leading to job displacement, or if they perceive it as an opportunity for economic growth and the creation of new job roles. In summary, there is a need to address the slow project review and implementation process in the digitalization sector to prevent potential irrelevance due to technological advancements.

Greater coordination and harmonization among different governmental departments are necessary to ensure the effectiveness of digital policies and regulations. Furthermore, there is a need for clarity on the Korean government’s perspective regarding AI and its potential impact on employment.

Arguments

MyData in the public sector provides citizens’ administrative information held by administrative public institutions

Supporting facts:

• The service adheres to Article 20 of the EU GDPR, the right to data portability

• The Civil Partitions Treatment Act and Electronic Government Act protect citizens’ rights to transfer their data

Topics: Data Management, Digital Government

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The number of services utilizing APIs for MyData in the public sector is rapidly increasing

Supporting facts:

• As of now, there are 101 types of services that use the APIs

• The services are mainly in administrative, public, and financial institutions

Topics: APIs, Data Transfer

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MyData in the public sector is contributing to innovation and new data-driven industries

Supporting facts:

• Automating service providers’ processing of tasks allows room for innovation

• It helps to increase activities and contributes to new industries using data

Topics: Data-Driven Innovation, Digital Economy

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Mr. Yang plans to increase services that use public MyData by conducting demand surveys on administrative agencies, public institutions, and private sector entities.

Supporting facts:

• Public MyData is in its initial stage

• Expansion of personal information is being considered

Topics: Public MyData, Demand Surveys, Digital Services

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AI could be a threat or an opportunity depending on how it’s used

Topics: Artificial Intelligence, Employment

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Report

The implementation of MyData in the public sector has been widely regarded as a positive move. This digital service aims to provide citizens with control over their data held by administrative public institutions. It adheres to Article 20 of the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), ensuring citizens’ right to data portability.

Legislation, such as the Civil Partitions Treatment Act and the Electronic Government Act, safeguards citizens’ rights to transfer their data. One of the key benefits of MyData in the public sector is the increase in convenience and efficiency for citizens.

It allows individuals to have secure control over their own data and enhances the convenience of using various services. This streamlines processes and reduces bureaucratic hurdles. The automatic processing rate has shown a significant 11% increase, leading to accelerated task processing.

Furthermore, the implementation of MyData in the public sector fosters innovation and drives the development of new data-driven industries. Automating service providers’ processing tasks creates room for innovation, increases activities, and supports the emergence of new industries that thrive on data.

APIs play a crucial role in MyData, with 101 types of services utilizing them. These services are mainly offered by administrative, public, and financial institutions. The increasing adoption of APIs reflects the rapid expansion and integration of MyData into various sectors, supporting the development of a data-driven society.

Regarding public MyData, expansion plans are underway to amplify the scope and reach of the initiative. Demand surveys targeting administrative agencies, public institutions, and private sector entities are being conducted to expand personal information and ensure that more individuals can benefit from secure data access and management.

Shifting focus to Artificial Intelligence (AI), a neutral stance is observed. The way AI is utilized can determine whether it becomes a threat or an opportunity. While acknowledging its potential to enhance productivity and drive innovation, concerns exist regarding its impact on employment and societal well-being.

Responsible use of AI is essential to harness its full potential while mitigating negative consequences. In conclusion, the implementation of MyData in the public sector has proven to be a positive development. It offers citizens control over their data, enhances convenience, and aligns with privacy and data protection principles.

Additionally, MyData contributes to innovation by enabling automation and generating new opportunities in data-driven industries. As adoption continues to expand, further advancements in the public sector and a more efficient and citizen-centric digital society are expected.

Arguments

CONAPS is an effective tool for countermeasure against collusion and corruption, saving 8 trillion won a year by shifting to electronic procurement

Supporting facts:

• CONAPS stands for Korea Online E-Procurement System

• CONAPS started operating in 2002

• CONAPS has been counted as an effective tool against collusion and corruption, through transparent and accountable procedures for public procurement

• CONAPS has developed its functionality to become a non-contact and paperless procurement platform

Topics: CONAPS, E-procurement

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Next generation CONAPS focuses on enhancing user experiences of procurement officials and suppliers

Supporting facts:

• CONAPS provides a personalized dashboard, consolidating user tasks and automatically generating to-do lists

• CONAPS will provide the same experiences with mobile devices to minimize unnecessary meetings in person

Topics: CONAPS, User Experience

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One of the NextConnex’s biggest challenges is the integration of 25 different procurement systems

Supporting facts:

• There are 25 procurement systems in Korea, maintained by different public organisations and government-owned companies

• The Public Procurement Service believes that digitization of public procurement will be definitely finalised at the same level of the NextConnex

Topics: CONAPS, E-procurement, Integration

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Becoming data hub in public procurement is another ambitious goal of the development phase

Supporting facts:

• Accessibility of public procurement data will be dramatically enhanced by integrating isolated e-procurement systems and databases

• Benefit of having a data hub would be the fact that full potential of procurement data to assist in purchasing decisions and procurement policies

Topics: Data Hub, Public Procurement

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Integration of decentralized procurement systems takes a considerable amount of time and effort

Supporting facts:

• Spent few years to make stakeholders understand the need for integration

• Endless trials and reports were key to progress

Topics: public procurement system, integration, decentralized procurement systems

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Communication with stakeholders is essential for successful integration

Supporting facts:

• Setting a practical goal is the first step

• Required support from government, inter-government, and broader government organizations

Topics: public procurement system, integration, stakeholder communication

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Standardizing information from other agencies has been a difficult task in public procurement systems.

Supporting facts:

• They have been operating the data hub system for a decade.

• Effort is made to persuade Congress to make a law to provide a regulations to gather other agencies’ data.

• Investment is needed to build their system to technically collect the data and provide set of standards.

Topics: Public Procurement System, Data Collection, Data Standardization

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Report

The CONAPS, also known as the Korea Online E-Procurement System, is an effective tool for combating collusion and corruption in public procurement. By shifting to electronic procurement, it has managed to save a staggering 8 trillion won annually. The system has been in operation since 2002 and has continuously evolved to become a non-contact and paperless platform.

The next generation of CONAPS focuses on enhancing user experiences for procurement officials and suppliers. It provides a personalized dashboard that consolidates user tasks and generates to-do lists. Additionally, it aims to offer the same user experiences on mobile devices, minimizing the need for in-person meetings.

However, integrating 25 different procurement systems is a significant challenge for CONAPS. In Korea, multiple public organizations and government-owned companies maintain these systems. The Public Procurement Service believes that digitizing public procurement will eventually lead to the integration of these systems, reaching the same level of functionality as the NextConnex.

Integrating these systems brings significant benefits, including improved accessibility to public procurement data. By combining isolated systems and databases, a data hub can be created. This data hub optimizes procurement decisions and policies by leveraging the full potential of procurement data.

The development phase of CONAPS emphasizes the use of emerging technologies like AI and Blockchain. These technologies offer innovative solutions for public procurement, with AI models like ChatGPT and BART enhancing efficiency and accuracy. Blockchain technology provides stronger protection against forgery and alteration of important contract documents.

While integrating decentralized procurement systems is essential, it is a time-consuming and challenging process. Stakeholders need to understand the need for integration, and various trials and reports are necessary. Despite the difficulties, stakeholders continue to advocate for integration due to the potential benefits it brings.

Another significant challenge in public procurement systems is the standardization of information from other agencies. This requires legislative and technical efforts, including persuading Congress to pass laws to gather data and developing a data hub system. To summarize, CONAPS has effectively combated collusion and corruption in public procurement.

Shifting to electronic procurement has resulted in substantial savings, while the system continues to evolve for better user experiences. The integration of procurement systems and the standardization of information are ongoing challenges, but they bring potential benefits. The use of emerging technologies further enhances the capabilities of the system.

Arguments

Unipass is an e-clearance system developed by KCS

Supporting facts:

• Unipass has been in operation for over 50 years, since 1974

• Unipass operates 24 hours a day, all year round

• Unipass manages comprehensive rate on companies, cargo tax, foreign exchange, passengers, and e-commerce

Topics: e-Customs Clearance System, Korean Customs Service, Unipass

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KCS is looking forward to incorporating new technologies like AI and big data into Unipass

Supporting facts:

• KCS aims to develop an AI-powered automatic risk selectivity system and an AI-powered X-ray imaging interpretation system

• KCS has trained 115 customs officials to become data scientists since 2017

Topics: Korean Customs Service, AI, Big data, Unipass

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Adapting new technologies in systems like Unipass requires three key aspects

Supporting facts:

• Unipass has a long history of about 50 years

• Unipass functionalities range from customs clearance to tax collection

• Unipass is used by foreign agencies

Topics: Unipass, Technology Adaptation, Success Tips

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It takes a long time to export the Unipass and other systems to other countries, which makes it challenging to adjust to new emerging technologies

Supporting facts:

• The ODA project process is lengthy and usually takes about two years

• The adoption of new systems is challenging due to the constant development of IT technologies

• A process is in place to design the system based on the specific needs and conditions of the recipient countries

Topics: Unipass system, technology adoption, ODA project

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The Korean government is developing a standard for API by types of services for internal use.

Supporting facts:

• The API is implemented in various services

• The government does not publicize it because the API standard varies greatly by service

Topics: API, Korean Government, Development

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Importance of laws in building digital government

Supporting facts:

• Each ministry has their own law

• Digital government articles need to be included in these laws or a new unified law needs to be created

Topics: Digital government, Law making, Inter-ministerial coordination

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Report

Unipass, an e-clearance system developed by the Korean Customs Service (KCS), has been in operation since 1974, providing round-the-clock services to facilitate customs processes. It manages tasks such as customs clearance, tax collection, foreign exchange, passengers, and e-commerce. The implementation of Unipass has significantly improved efficiency, reducing customs clearance time from 9.6 to 1.3 days.

KCS is looking to incorporate AI and big data into Unipass, leading to further enhancements. Unipass has also proven successful in increasing revenue for implementing countries, with examples such as Ghana experiencing a 33% growth and Tanzania reducing average clearance time from 31 to 15 days.

However, adapting new technologies like Unipass requires careful planning and an outstanding leader who can adapt to IT trends. Exporting Unipass and other systems can be a lengthy process, presenting challenges in adjusting to emerging technologies. The Korean government is working towards establishing a unified API standard for internal use, but is currently facing challenges due to the variety of services.

Additionally, the importance of laws and regulations in building a digital government is emphasized, as ministries are more likely to comply with digital government directives when supported by appropriate laws. Overall, Unipass serves as a testament to the benefits and challenges of incorporating innovative technologies into customs operations.

Arguments

Improvement of digital government services is a key priority

Supporting facts:

• Four Korean Government speakers presenting on Public MyData, Opening Digital Services, Electronic Customs Clearance System, Electronic Procurement System

Topics: Digital Services, Private and Public Collaboration, Digital Government

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Chang-Young Yang is the first speaker

Supporting facts:

• He is the Senior Deputy Director of the Public AI Policy Division from the Ministry of the Interior and Safety. He leads Public MyData and electronic certificate projects.

Topics: Chang-Young Yang, Public MyData

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Sung-Tae Kim is the second speaker

Supporting facts:

• Deputy Director of the Ministry of the Interior and Safety, he manages policy and operation of opening digital services

• Serves in the Public Service Innovation Division

Topics: Sung-Tae Kim, Digital Services

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Kidong Kim is the third speaker

Supporting facts:

• Director of the ICT and Data Planning Division at the Korea Customs Service

Topics: Kidong Kim, Customs Service Digitalization, ICT

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Heon-Woo Lee is the fourth speaker

Supporting facts:

• Works as a second-D in ICT’s TMI section, Former Senior Deputy Director of the ICT and Data Planning Division in the PPS

Topics: Heon-Woo Lee, Procurement System Digitalization, ICT

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Plans to increase services that use public MyData

Supporting facts:

• The expansion will be conducted via demand surveys on administrative agencies, public institutions, and other entities

• Relevant services would be identified independently

Topics: Public Data Use, Service Expansion

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Sunkyung Kim finds it interesting to conduct demand surveys directly with other agencies for service development

Supporting facts:

• Sunkyung Kim appreciates the initiative of conducting demand surveys with administrative agencies, public institutions, and other entities

• The strategy also involves developing independent surveys

Topics: Public Data Use, Survey Conduct

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Unipass, South Korea’s digital service, has a long history and offers many functions including customs clearance and tax collection.

Supporting facts:

• Unipass has a history of about 50 years.

• Unipass is used both domestically and by foreign agencies.

Topics: Unipass, digital service, South Korea, customs clearance, tax collection

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Integration of decentralized procurement systems

Supporting facts:

• Mentioned on page number 10

• These organizations such as local government and government operating enterprises follow the initiative of integrating procurement systems

Topics: Public Procurement System, Decentralized Systems, Local Government

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Report

During a presentation by Korean government speakers, the key priority of improving digital government services was highlighted. Chang-Young Yang, the first speaker, leads projects related to Public MyData and electronic certificates, aiming to enhance access to and utilization of public data.

Sung-Tae Kim, the second speaker, manages the policy and operation of opening digital services to ensure their accessibility and benefit to the public. Kidong Kim, the Director of the ICT and Data Planning Division at the Korea Customs Service, specializes in the digitalization of customs services, including electronic customs clearance.

Heon-Woo Lee, the fourth speaker, has valuable insights into the digitalization of government procurement processes from his experience in the ICT and Data Planning Division. These speakers collectively promote private-public collaboration in digitalization, indicative of a coordinated approach within the Korean government.

The Korean government plans to increase services using public MyData and conducts demand surveys with administrative agencies and public institutions to identify specific services that can effectively leverage public data. Sunkyung Kim appreciates the strategy of conducting demand surveys directly with other agencies, fostering collaboration and gathering insights for service development.

The Korean government aims to expand the digital services spectrum, exploring the introduction of flight booking services similar to high-speed train booking. One noteworthy digital service in South Korea is Unipass, which has a long history spanning over 50 years. Unipass offers various functions, including customs clearance and tax collection, and is used domestically and by foreign agencies.

Sunkyung Kim seeks advice on managing and improving the Unipass system beyond national boundaries. Addressing challenges associated with operating Unipass and other digital systems requires successful management strategies. In addition to digital services, there is an initiative to integrate decentralized procurement systems, with local government and government operating enterprises following this approach.

This alignment aims to streamline procurement processes and improve efficiency. The Korean government’s digitalization efforts prioritize enhancing digital government services through private-public collaboration, expanding services using public MyData, and addressing challenges in digital systems like Unipass. These efforts contribute to creating a more efficient and accessible digital landscape in Korea.

Arguments

The Korean government announces the new vision of digital platform government

Supporting facts:

• The Korean government has been working with the private sectors to foster an ecosystem for digital innovations

• It is one of the key projects on the digital platform government action to action plan jointly formulated with the digital platform government committee

Topics: Public Service Innovation Division, Korean digital service

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Private sector platforms allow users to access various service with a single tap

Supporting facts:

• The old vaccination booking system had various issues with connection failures due to a massive number of simultaneous users

Topics: Public-private digital service integration, APIs

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Citizens will have better lives with proactive and personalized service

Supporting facts:

• In the future, the government plans to offer over 220 digital services through private service

• The aim is to improve the efficiency of public service, and allow people to access service they need anywhere, anytime

Topics: Digital service platform, Citizen satisfaction

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Flight booking is a service provided by a private sector business in South Korea

Topics: flight booking, private sector, digital services, South Korea

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The opening of a digital service is aimed at leaving private sector service to the market and opening public service to private sector business to create new opportunities for them.

Topics: digital services, private sector, public service, market, new opportunities

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Report

The Korean government recently announced a new vision for a digital platform government, aiming to enhance accessibility and satisfaction with services. Working collaboratively with private sectors, they are determined to foster an ecosystem for digital innovations. This collaborative effort is a crucial part of the government’s digital platform government action plan, formulated jointly with the digital platform government committee.

One of the main objectives of this new vision is to improve convenience for users by allowing them to access various services with just a single tap. The previous vaccination booking system, for instance, faced numerous issues due to connection failures caused by the overwhelming number of simultaneous users.

However, with the opening of digital services to private sector platforms, users now have the benefit of accessing services through familiar and user-friendly apps and websites. This improves convenience and enhances stability and reliability. Furthermore, the opening of digital services is not limited to benefiting users alone.

Businesses can also take advantage of this opportunity to link their services with open digital platforms, creating a synergistic effect that fosters integrated service provision. This opens up new and innovative business opportunities for enterprises, ultimately contributing to economic growth and the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal 8 (SDG 8).

Another significant outcome of this new vision is the increased accessibility and satisfaction with services provided by each agent involved. By leveraging open digital service platforms, the government can ensure that citizens have easy access to the services they need, anywhere and anytime.

This improved accessibility and satisfaction, in turn, contribute to creating a more transparent and open government, aligning with the objectives of Sustainable Development Goal 16 (SDG 16). Looking towards the future, the government has plans to offer over 220 digital services through private platforms.

This initiative is expected to significantly improve the efficiency of public services while also providing citizens with proactive and personalised services. This move aligns with the objectives of Sustainable Development Goals 3 (SDG 3) and 11 (SDG 11), which aim to promote well-being and sustainable cities and communities.

It is noteworthy that the opening of digital services also encompasses the airline industry in South Korea. Flight booking services, for instance, are provided by private sector businesses. This demonstrates the government’s commitment to leaving private sector services to the market while opening up public services to private sector businesses, creating new opportunities for them.

This approach aligns with the objectives of Sustainable Development Goals 8 (SDG 8) and 9 (SDG 9), which focus on economic growth, industry, innovation, and infrastructure. In conclusion, the Korean government’s new vision for a digital platform government is set to revolutionise the accessibility and satisfaction of services.

Through collaboration with private sectors, they aim to foster an ecosystem for digital innovations, enhancing convenience and stability for users. Businesses, too, stand to benefit from this initiative through the creation of new opportunities for integrated service provision. With a positive sentiment towards the opening of digital services, citizens can look forward to improved efficiency and proactive, personalised services that contribute to their overall well-being.

Arguments

Ghana has demonstrated a strong commitment towards digital economy and e-commerce development. However, it still lacks a national e-commerce strategy.

Supporting facts:

• Ghana’s Ministry of Communication has established the goal of making Ghana a leader in Africa’s digital economy by 2028.

• Despite technological advances, there’s no coordinated national strategy for e-commerce.

Topics: Digital Economy, E-commerce, National Strategy

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Improvement is needed in Ghana’s ICT and digital infrastructure to ensure universal access and use.

Supporting facts:

• National average access to electricity in Ghana was 85% in 2021.

• Ghana’s internet penetration was at 76% by 2023, but 4G access is still limited at around 10%.

Topics: ICT Services, Internet Connectivity, Digital Infrastructure

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The logistics and delivery services in Ghana present a key challenge for the development of e-commerce.

Supporting facts:

• Delivery and logistics are identified as bigger challenges for e-commerce than even connectivity.

• Ghana Post GPS’ digital addressing system received mixed reviews from private operators.

Topics: Trade Logistics, E-commerce, Delivery

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There’s a need to increase digital skill development and access to financing for entrepreneurs in Ghana.

Supporting facts:

• Incubation programs have shown results in skill development for entrepreneurs.

• However, commercial banks in Ghana have a limited role in financing the local economy with an aggregated ratio of loans to deposits of more than 50%.

Topics: Digital Skills, Financing, Entrepreneurship

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Report

Ghana has demonstrated a strong commitment towards developing its digital economy and e-commerce sector. The Ministry of Communication in Ghana has set a goal to make the country a leader in Africa’s digital economy by 2028. However, one major challenge that Ghana faces is the lack of a coordinated national strategy for e-commerce.

Without a comprehensive plan, the growth of the e-commerce sector is hindered. In terms of ICT and digital infrastructure, Ghana still has room for improvement to ensure universal access and usage. While the national average access to electricity reached 85% in 2021, there are still regions with limited electricity infrastructure.

Limited access to electricity hampers the ability of individuals and businesses to benefit from digital technologies. Additionally, while Ghana’s internet penetration reached 76% by 2023, 4G access remains limited at around 10%. This indicates the need for better internet connectivity to support the growth of digital services and bridge the digital divide.

The logistics and delivery services in Ghana present a key challenge for the development of e-commerce. Delivery and logistics are identified as bigger challenges for e-commerce than connectivity. Ghana Post GPS’ digital addressing system has received mixed reviews from private operators, suggesting the need for further improvements in this area.

Digital skill development and access to financing are crucial for the growth of entrepreneurs in Ghana. Incubation programs have shown positive results in developing digital skills, but the role of commercial banks in financing the local economy is limited. Enhanced access to financing options and support for entrepreneurs are needed to promote sustainable economic growth and job creation.

Despite improvements, achieving universal internet access in Ghana still faces significant barriers. High costs of internet packages, a digital divide between urban and rural areas, and the lack of electricity infrastructure in some regions contribute to this challenge. Overall, while Ghana has shown commitment towards developing its digital economy and e-commerce sector, there are challenges that need to be addressed.

These include the lack of a national e-commerce strategy, the need for improvements in ICT and digital infrastructure, challenges in logistics and delivery services, and the importance of digital skill development and access to financing for entrepreneurs. By addressing these challenges, Ghana can unlock the full potential of its digital economy, drive economic growth, and enhance the well-being of its citizens.

Arguments

The government of Ghana prioritizes digitalization as a tool for social and economic empowerment and a vehicle for economic growth

Supporting facts:

• Ghana’s 2008 digital agenda has resulted in various successful programs and initiatives

• The Ghana 2019-2024 Payment System Strategy, GoDigital, opened opportunities in the financial sector and facilitated financial inclusion

Topics: Digitalization, Economic growth, Social empowerment

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Ghana is committed to expanding its digital economy and improving its ICT infrastructure and public sector digital platforms

Supporting facts:

• Ghana has embarked on the process of conducting an e-Trade Readiness Assessment with the assistance of UNCTAD

• Ghana established a National Steering Committee on e-commerce and digital trade to support technical assistance coordination, information sharing and inter-governmental coordination

Topics: ICT Infrastructure, Public sector digital platforms

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E-commerce has the potential to advance Ghana’s economy and improve competitiveness of SMEs

Supporting facts:

• E-commerce can provide market exposure, facilitate absorption of new digital skills, and introduce business efficiency and resilience

Topics: E-commerce, Economy, SMEs

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Report

The government of Ghana places a high level of importance on digitalisation as a tool to promote social and economic empowerment, with the ultimate goal of achieving economic growth. The nation has implemented various successful programmes and initiatives to support this agenda.

For instance, the Ghana 2019-2024 Payment System Strategy, known as GoDigital, has opened up new opportunities in the financial sector and facilitated financial inclusion. This initiative has played a crucial role in bringing previously unbanked individuals into the formal financial system, empowering them to access and participate in the economy.

Ghana is committed to expanding its digital economy and improving its information and communication technology (ICT) infrastructure and public sector digital platforms. In this regard, the country has embarked on the process of conducting an e-Trade Readiness Assessment, with the assistance of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD).

The purpose of this assessment is to evaluate Ghana’s preparedness to engage in e-commerce and digital trade. By focusing on improving its technological capabilities and creating a conducive environment for online business activities, Ghana aims to enhance its presence in the digital economy and boost economic growth.

It is evident that e-commerce plays a significant role in advancing Ghana’s economy and improving the competitiveness of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). E-commerce offers numerous benefits, including market exposure, the facilitation of new digital skills, and the introduction of business efficiency and resilience.

By embracing e-commerce, Ghana seeks to leverage these advantages to drive economic development and increase the opportunities available to SMEs. Furthermore, Ghana’s support for the E-Trade Readiness Assessment demonstrates its endorsement of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) e-commerce strategy.

This endorsement signifies Ghana’s commitment to implementing and operationalising the ECOWAS e-commerce strategy across the sub-region. By actively participating in the readiness assessment and coordinating technical assistance, information sharing, and inter-governmental cooperation through the establishment of the National Steering Committee on e-commerce and digital trade, Ghana aims to contribute to the overall success of the ECOWAS e-commerce agenda.

In conclusion, the Ghanaian government recognises the potential of digitalisation and e-commerce to drive social and economic empowerment and foster economic growth. The country has implemented several successful initiatives, such as the GoDigital payment system strategy, in order to promote financial inclusion.

Ghana is also actively working towards expanding its digital economy and improving its ICT infrastructure and public sector digital platforms through the ongoing e-Trade Readiness Assessment. Additionally, e-commerce is viewed as a vital tool for advancing Ghana’s economy and enhancing the competitiveness of SMEs.

Ghana’s support for the E-Trade Readiness Assessment reflects its commitment to the operationalisation of the ECOWAS e-commerce strategy. Overall, these efforts demonstrate Ghana’s dedication to harnessing the benefits of digitalisation for sustainable development.

Arguments

Access to finance for e-commerce startups in Ghana depends on access to verifiable data

Supporting facts:

• A digitization of the retail sector has led to an influx of verifiable data that can be used to credit score SMEs

• Credit scoring allows banks to confidently offer loans, knowing they’ll be able to recover them

Topics: e-Commerce, Startups, Finance, Access to Information, Commerce

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Ghana should leverage its position as the host of the AFCTA Secretariat to drive innovation for the entire African continent

Supporting facts:

• Ghana hosts the AFCTA Secretariat, placing it in a strong position to drive pan-African innovation

• Kingsley’s company thinks of creating a platform not just for Ghana, but for all of Africa

Topics: Ghana, Innovation, E-commerce, Africa

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Innovation comes from the private sector, hence their involvement is crucial

Supporting facts:

• Monica Rubiolo emphasizes the need for collaboration between private and public sector and highlights how innovation is driven by the private sector

Topics: Innovation, Private sector

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Aim for large scale thinking over pilot programs, to drive regional growth

Supporting facts:

• Monica Rubiolo suggests to focus on scale instead of pilots and work region-wise so that a solution implemented in one place can be replicated in another place

Topics: Regional Growth, Large scale projects

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Issues of data ownership and data security when working with small producers.

Supporting facts:

• MSMEs understand that data is critical to their businesses, hence it should be protected and at the same time can be shared responsibly with banks, fintechs or tax authorities to grow their businesses

Topics: Data ownership, Data security

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Ghana is at a critical stage in its data infrastructure and regional cohesion

Supporting facts:

• Ghana and Africa as a whole have improved in their data infrastructure

• They have also improved in regional cohesion with AFCTE and Pan-African payment system

Topics: Data Infrastructure, Regional Cohesion, AFCTE, PAPS

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Inclusion of other policies such as AFCTE and PAPS in building e-commerce agenda

Supporting facts:

• AFCTE creates one zone for trade

• Pan-African payment system helps in trading across borders without currency conversion

Topics: E-commerce, Trade, Policy inclusion, AFCTE, PAPS

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Emphasizing on the role of MSMEs for the country’s economy

Supporting facts:

• MSMEs run the retail, not the big corporates

• Ghana is run by retailers in the deep markets

Topics: MSMEs, Economy, Retailers

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Report

Access to finance for e-commerce startups in Ghana is closely tied to the availability of verifiable data. The digitisation of the retail sector has resulted in a significant influx of data, which can now be used for credit scoring purposes.

This has enabled banks to offer loans with confidence, knowing that they will be able to recover them. By leveraging this verifiable data, e-commerce startups in Ghana can improve their access to finance and grow their businesses. Furthermore, Ghana’s position as the host of the AFCTA Secretariat presents a unique opportunity to drive innovation for the entire African continent.

The AFCTA Secretariat gives Ghana a strong platform to influence and shape the future of pan-African innovation. By taking advantage of this position, Ghana can drive collaborative efforts and foster innovation across Africa, ultimately benefiting the entire region. The private sector plays a crucial role in driving innovation.

The private sector, with its understanding of retailers’ needs and desires, has been at the forefront of innovation in Ghana. This understanding has led to successful initiatives such as mobile money, which has revolutionised digital payments in the country. Therefore, collaboration between the private and public sectors is vital to drive innovation and achieve economic growth.

It is important to emphasise large-scale thinking over pilot programs to drive regional growth. By focusing on scalable solutions and implementing them region-wise, successful initiatives can be replicated in other areas. This approach ensures that the benefits of these initiatives can reach a wider audience, contributing to regional economic growth and development.

When working with small producers, issues of data ownership and data security become important considerations. Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) recognise the critical role that data plays in their businesses and understand the need to protect it. Simultaneously, they also see the potential benefits of responsibly sharing their data with banks, fintechs, or tax authorities to facilitate business growth.

Striking a balance between data ownership, data security, and responsible data sharing is crucial for supporting the growth of MSMEs. Education about data sharing is essential in helping MSMEs understand how it can benefit them. By providing them with the necessary knowledge and tools, MSMEs can make informed decisions about sharing their data.

This understanding can lead to reduced taxation and enable them to grow their businesses effectively. Ghana is currently at a critical stage in its data infrastructure and regional cohesion. The improvement of data infrastructure and the establishment of mechanisms such as the AFCTA and the Pan-African payment system demonstrate Ghana’s commitment to enhancing regional connectivity and cooperation.

These advancements pave the way for increased trade and e-commerce opportunities within Africa. Inclusion of policies such as the AFCTA and the Pan-African payment system in building the e-commerce agenda can enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of cross-border trade. The AFCTA creates a unified trading zone, while the Pan-African payment system facilitates seamless transactions without the need for currency conversion.

By integrating these policies into the e-commerce agenda, Ghana can further promote economic growth and development in the region. Emphasising the role of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) is vital for Ghana’s economy. It is the MSMEs, rather than big corporations, that run the retail sector in Ghana, especially in the deep markets.

Recognising and supporting the contributions of MSMEs is essential for a thriving and inclusive economy. In conclusion, access to verifiable data is crucial for e-commerce startups in Ghana to secure finance. Ghana’s position as the host of the AFCTA Secretariat provides an opportunity to drive innovation across Africa.

Collaboration between the private and public sectors is necessary for driving innovation, and large-scale thinking can lead to regional growth. Issues of data ownership and security must be addressed when working with small producers. Education about data sharing can benefit MSMEs.

Additionally, Ghana is at a critical stage in its data infrastructure and regional cohesion, and policies such as the AFCTA and the Pan-African payment system can support the e-commerce agenda. Emphasising the role of MSMEs is vital for Ghana’s economy and overall development.

Arguments

The importance of private sector-driven innovation and digitization of commerce in Africa

Supporting facts:

• Access to verifiable data is vital for digitizing commerce, which can be achieved through digitizing retailers’ record-keeping methods.

• Ghana’s fintech infrastructure has made progress in facilitating the collection of capital by financial institutions.

Topics: Digital transformation, Access to data, Private sector development, E-commerce

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Cécile Barayre supports the idea of doing e-readiness assessment at a regional level

Supporting facts:

• Such an assessment has been done for the ECOWAS

• They are looking at other regions depending on the interest

Topics: e-readiness assessment, cross-border ecosystem, e-commerce

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Cécile Barayre thanks the team involved in the year’s work

Supporting facts:

• Specifically mentioned team members: Martine, Tefa, Ina

• She also recognized the focal points of other e-readies: Mauritania, Madagascar, and Tunisia

Topics: team recognition

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Report

Access to verifiable data is crucial for the digital transformation of commerce in Africa. This can be achieved by digitising retailers’ record-keeping methods, ensuring accurate and reliable data is available for analysis and decision-making. Ghana’s fintech infrastructure has made significant progress in facilitating the collection of capital by financial institutions, contributing to the growth and development of the private sector.

Private sector-driven innovation and digitisation of commerce play key roles in Africa’s economic progress. By embracing digital technologies and leveraging innovation, businesses can improve efficiency and expand their reach in local and international markets. It is vital to create an enabling environment that supports the digitisation of commerce, allowing African merchants to thrive in a digital economy.

One crucial aspect is the creation of a platform enabling every African merchant to have a digitised e-commerce storefront, connected to all payment gateways. This promotes accessibility and inclusivity, empowering merchants to tap into a wider customer base and transact securely.

Ghana’s position as the host of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat provides a unique opportunity to drive innovation not only within the country but also across the entire continent. Its regional leadership enhances its potential to shape commerce and digital infrastructure in Africa.

Furthermore, Cécile Barayre supports the idea of conducting e-readiness assessments at a regional level. Assessments have already been done for the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), with interest in expanding this approach to other regions. This improves understanding of the digital readiness of different regions and facilitates targeted interventions to enhance their digital capabilities.

In conclusion, access to verifiable data and the digitisation of commerce are paramount for Africa’s economic growth. Through private sector-driven innovation and the establishment of digital infrastructure, African countries can unlock significant economic opportunities for businesses and communities. Ghana’s fintech progress and its hosting of the AfCFTA Secretariat position it as a catalyst for innovation and progress on the continent.

Regional e-readiness assessments provide valuable insights for strategic planning and implementation. The collaborative efforts of individuals like Cécile Barayre and dedicated teams contribute to the ongoing work towards a digitally empowered Africa.

Arguments

Switzerland provides support to Ghana through its Economic Development Cooperation in the important area of digitalization.

Supporting facts:

• Ghana is a priority country for Switzerland’s Economic Development Cooperation.

Topics: Economic Development Cooperation of Switzerland, Digitalization

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The E-Readiness Assessment findings highlight the transversal dimension of digitalization for Ghana’s development.

Supporting facts:

• Assessment highlights the importance of strengthening the government systems such as fintech, digital systems related to taxpayers, etc.

Topics: E-Readiness Assessment, Digitalization

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Current macroeconomic environment in Ghana makes it difficult to make the necessary investments for digitalization.

Topics: Macroeconomic environment, Investment, Digitalization

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Private-public sector collaboration is crucial for innovation

Supporting facts:

• Innovation comes from the private sector

• Private sector needs to be a part of the conversation

Topics: Digitalization, Innovation, Private-public collaboration

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Need to think beyond pilots and scale up

Supporting facts:

• What works in Ghana can be replicated in Tanzania, Mozambique, etc.

• There are challenges with cross-border and trade facilitation

Topics: Regional cooperation, Scale, Trade facilitation

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Data ownership and security are crucial issues when dealing with smallholders and producers

Topics: Data ownership, Data security, Transparency

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Monica Rubiolo agreed with Kingsley Abrokwah’s statement by expressing that she supports integrating other policies across the ecosystem besides building an e-commerce for Ghana.

Supporting facts:

• Kingsley Abrokwah highlighted the importance of including different strategies while building e-commerce for Ghana and focusing on MSMEs and retailers.

Topics: E-commerce agenda in Ghana, AFC, FTA

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Monica Rubiolo proposes to conduct similar assessment at a regional level to identify obstacles in cross-border collaborations.

Topics: Regional cross-border collaborations, E-readiness assessment

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Report

Switzerland is providing support to Ghana through its Economic Development Cooperation, specifically in the area of digitalization. This assistance aims to promote the adoption of digital technologies and capabilities in Ghana’s development. The E-Readiness Assessment findings reinforce the importance of digitalization for Ghana and highlight the need to strengthen government systems in areas such as fintech and digital systems related to taxpayers.

However, the current macroeconomic environment in Ghana presents challenges for investing in digitalization. Financial constraints and economic instability may hinder Ghana’s ability to fully embrace digital technologies and infrastructure. On a positive note, the government is establishing coordination mechanisms between the public and private sectors.

This collaborative approach allows for the synchronization of efforts and resources, facilitating a more comprehensive and effective implementation of digitalization initiatives. Inter-ministerial coordination is identified as a priority in the E-Readiness Assessment for developing a digitalization strategy. This emphasizes the importance of streamlining efforts across different government departments to ensure a cohesive and integrated approach to digital transformation.

Private-public sector collaboration is crucial for fostering innovation. Involving the private sector in discussions and decision-making processes related to digitalization allows for the exchange of expertise, resources, and ideas, leading to more innovative solutions. Regional cooperation and scaling up digitalization initiatives are also significant factors.

Replicating successful practices from Ghana in countries like Tanzania and Mozambique is possible, but challenges with cross-border and trade facilitation need to be addressed. Data ownership and security are crucial, especially for smallholders and producers. Ensuring transparency and safeguarding data are essential for building trust and facilitating effective digitalization processes.

Monica Rubiolo, a key advocate, emphasizes the importance of regional solutions, private-public collaboration, and addressing data ownership and security. Scaling up digitalization efforts and integrating other policies alongside building e-commerce for Ghana are encouraged to create a holistic and sustainable ecosystem.

Rubiolo proposes conducting a regional-level assessment to identify obstacles in cross-border collaborations. This approach would facilitate a better understanding of challenges and enable the formulation of targeted strategies to enhance regional cooperation. In conclusion, Switzerland’s support, along with the recommendations from the E-Readiness Assessment and advocates like Rubiolo, highlights the need for comprehensive strategies, collaboration, and addressing financial and economic constraints.

By implementing these measures, Ghana can achieve significant progress in digitalization and drive socio-economic development.

Arguments

Ghana has demonstrated commitment towards e-commerce and the digital economy

Supporting facts:

• Ghana’s e-trade readiness assessment reflects the government’s committed efforts.

• Significant investments have been made in infrastructure, payment solutions, and digital addressing systems in Ghana.

Topics: E-commerce, Digital economy, Ghana

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Ghana needs to develop a national e-commerce strategy to capitalize on its potential.

Supporting facts:

• A National Steering Committee on E-Commerce and Digital Trade was created.

• The strategy should align with the capabilities and needs of the Ghanaian people, including the private sector.

Topics: E-commerce, Digital economy, Ghana

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Report

Ghana has shown a strong commitment to e-commerce and the digital economy, with significant investments in infrastructure, payment solutions, and digital addressing systems. These efforts demonstrate the government’s dedication to creating an environment conducive to e-commerce development in the country.

The launch of Ghana’s e-trade readiness assessment is an important step in this process. However, it should be noted that this assessment is just the beginning, not the end. The next immediate step is the development of a national e-commerce strategy, as recommended in the assessment.

This strategy will provide a roadmap to guide Ghana’s efforts and maximize its potential in e-commerce. Continued partnership with the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) and the e-trade for all partnership group is encouraged. These partnerships can offer valuable expertise and resources to support Ghana’s e-commerce development initiatives.

When developing the national e-commerce strategy, it is essential to ensure that it aligns with the capabilities and needs of the Ghanaian people, including the private sector. By engaging with the private sector, the strategy can be designed to encourage their active participation and leverage their expertise.

This collaboration will enable Ghana to create an environment that promotes innovation and drives economic growth through e-commerce. Overall, Ghana’s commitment to e-commerce and the digital economy is evident through its investments in infrastructure and the launch of the e-trade readiness assessment.

By developing a comprehensive national e-commerce strategy and leveraging partnerships with organizations like UNCTAD, Ghana can establish itself as a leader in e-commerce and fully capitalize on the opportunities it offers.

Arguments

Private sector can drive African digital economy and digital infrastructure.

Supporting facts:

• Understanding from conversations at the WTO in September that it is the private sector that would drive the Africa agenda

• Examples spotlighted from Stephen Akitayo’s presentation regarding digital infrastructure and real estate

Topics: Digital Transformation Strategy, Digital Infrastructure

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Bottlenecks in enabling environment across Africa

Supporting facts:

• Delays and challenges in free movement across Africa for entrepreneurs

• Network connectivity issues reported

• Energy as a crucial enabler for entrepreneurship and digitalization not being discussed

Topics: Free movement, Network connectivity, Energy

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Report

The analysis of the speeches highlighted key points about the digital economy and infrastructure in Africa. It was noted that the private sector could drive the African digital economy and digital infrastructure. This understanding came from discussions at the WTO, where it was recognised that the private sector would play a crucial role in shaping the Africa agenda.

Examples from Stephen Akitayo’s presentation were used to support this argument, specifically focusing on digital infrastructure and real estate. These examples demonstrated the potential and importance of the private sector in driving the growth and development of the African digital economy.

However, there are significant challenges and delays in creating an enabling environment for digital advancement across Africa. One issue raised was the bottlenecks in free movement, which hinder entrepreneurs looking to operate and expand their businesses across different African countries.

Additionally, network connectivity issues were reported, further hindering the widespread adoption of digital technologies and the development of robust digital infrastructure on the continent. The importance of energy as a crucial enabler for entrepreneurship and digitalisation was also noted, but it was highlighted that this aspect was not being adequately discussed.

Another observation from the analysis is the inconsistency between proposals and implementation of digital advancement in African countries. While many promises have been made regarding technological progress, there has been limited significant progress. The analysis highlighted issues with cross-border transactions and a delay since 2018 in implementing an ECOWAS agreement related to building a verification ecosystem.

These inconsistencies and delays highlight the challenges in effectively implementing policies and initiatives aimed at driving the digital economy in Africa. Lastly, the analysis emphasised the need for intergenerational linkages to drive digital entrepreneurship. There is a push to involve the youth in the digital economy, recognising their potential to contribute to growth and innovation.

It was also highlighted that inclusivity is crucial in achieving the sustainable development goals, ensuring that no group is left behind. This underscores the importance of considering diverse demographics and interests of different generations. Overall, the analysis provides valuable insights into the state of the digital economy and infrastructure in Africa.

While the private sector has the potential to drive growth, challenges and delays exist in creating an enabling environment. Inconsistent implementation of policies and initiatives was also noted, and the importance of intergenerational linkages and inclusivity in driving digital entrepreneurship and achieving sustainable development goals was highlighted.

These findings shed light on the areas that require attention and action to foster the growth and development of the digital economy in Africa.

Arguments

ITC supports operationalization of the African Continental Free Trade Area to create jobs by improving the competitiveness of micro, small and medium-sized companies as well as women and youth entrepreneurs

Supporting facts:

• The International Trade Center is a joint technical cooperation agency of the United Nations and the World Trade Organizations

• The Center works with governments and private sector to improve economic competitiveness

Topics: African Continental Free Trade Area, Youth Entrepreneurship, Job Creation

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Access to finance and market intelligence is a major challenge for youth entrepreneurs

Supporting facts:

• In countries like The Gambia, ITC has trained youth on how to promote their products online and connect with potential buyers

• ITC also helps entrepreneurs craft business plans and advocates with commercial banks for financing

Topics: Youth Entrepreneurship, Access to Finance, Market Intelligence

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ITC helps business support organizations and private sector associations to advocate for specific topics

Supporting facts:

• ITC has a section working on advocacy

• Business Support Organizations are connecting with the AFCFTA National Coordination Task Force to convey their messages

Topics: Advocacy, Support Organizations, Private Sector

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Implementation of the Africa industrialization agenda is needed to deal with the problem of energy

Supporting facts:

• Energy is an obstacle in closing the digital divide

• Africa industrialization agenda was adopted in Niamey, aiming to help Africa to build solid infrastructure

Topics: Energy, Infrastructure, Industrialization in Africa

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Aissatou Diallo commits to inform senior management about the initiative and offer technical support

Supporting facts:

• International Trade Centre is a technical cooperation agency

• They can facilitate connections between dynamic impact, the AFC, FTA Secretariat, the AUC

Topics: International Trade Centre, technical support, initiative promotion

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Invitation to attend ITC Africa Day and the World Export Development Forum

Supporting facts:

• A number of champions and high-level guests will attend the ITC Africa Day

• World Export Development Forum is a platform to showcase key initiatives to improve business ecosystem and promote trade

Topics: ITC Africa Day, World Export Development Forum, Trade promotion

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Aissatou Diallo is grateful for the invitation to join the panel and the audience’s presence.

Topics: Panel Participation, Audience appreciation

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Aissatou Diallo is interested in supporting lab work and entrepreneurship in Africa.

Topics: Entrepreneurship, Africa, Lab Work

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Report

The International Trade Centre (ITC) is a joint technical cooperation agency of the United Nations and the World Trade Organization. It is actively supporting the operationalisation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AFCFTA) with the aim of creating job opportunities.

The ITC aims to improve the competitiveness of micro, small, and medium-sized companies, as well as youth and women entrepreneurs. The ITC believes that the AFCFTA, through its protocol, will significantly improve the business ecosystem and facilitate business growth. The protocol covers areas such as e-commerce, data protection, consumer protection, payment systems, and intellectual property rights.

By addressing these aspects, the AFCFTA aims to create a more enabling environment for businesses in Africa. However, despite the potential benefits brought about by the AFCFTA, there are still challenges that need to be addressed. Access to finance and market intelligence remains a major obstacle for youth entrepreneurs.

To tackle this issue, the ITC provides training to young entrepreneurs in countries such as The Gambia on how to promote their products online and connect with potential buyers. Furthermore, the ITC helps entrepreneurs create business plans and advocates with commercial banks for financing opportunities.

The ITC recognises the importance of strong public-private partnerships in driving digital innovation. It has formed partnerships with organisations such as Microsoft, Visa, the MasterCard Foundation, DHL, and Facebook to promote innovation in the digital trade sector. The ITC also highlights the actions of Nigeria’s ICT head, Bosun Tijani, as a positive example of promoting digital innovation through public-private partnerships.

In addition to working with private sector associations, the ITC supports business support organisations in advocating for specific topics. This collaboration aims to amplify the voices and concerns of these organisations within the context of the AFCFTA. By connecting with the AFCFTA National Coordination Task Force, these organisations can effectively convey their messages and contribute to policy discussions.

The ITC emphasises the need for the implementation of the Africa industrialisation agenda, as it is crucial in addressing energy-related challenges and closing the digital divide. It recognises that energy is a significant obstacle in closing the digital divide and highlights that the Africa industrialisation agenda, adopted in Niamey, aims to build solid infrastructure to help Africa overcome these obstacles.

As a technical cooperation agency, the ITC plays a crucial role in facilitating connections and providing technical support. It collaborates with various stakeholders such as the AFCFTA Secretariat and the African Union Commission to ensure the smooth operationalisation of the AFCFTA.

The ITC also organises events such as the ITC Africa Day and the World Export Development Forum. These events serve as platforms to showcase key initiatives, improve the business ecosystem, and promote trade. The presence of champions and high-level guests at these events further attests to the ITC’s dedication to advancing its goals.

In conclusion, the ITC’s support for the operationalisation of the AFCFTA is focused on creating job opportunities and enhancing the competitiveness of businesses in Africa. Through its various initiatives, partnerships, and events, the ITC aims to address challenges such as access to finance, market intelligence, and energy-related obstacles.

By advocating for specific topics, promoting digital innovation, and facilitating connections, the ITC plays a crucial role in promoting economic growth and sustainable development in Africa.

Arguments

Africa is ripe for explosive innovation in the digital economy.

Supporting facts:

• Improvement in smartphone penetration, improved access to internet and better policy framework across the continent.

• Young tech-savvy population is a big potential for digital growth.

• An estimate of a 283.3% growth in the contribution to the GDP via the digital economy over the past decade.

• A projected increase in the contribution of the digital economy to the GDP rising to 5.2%($180 billion) by 2025 and 8.5% ($712 billion) by 2050.

Topics: Africa, Digital Economy, Innovation

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Gaps and potentials in Africa’s digital economy needs to be identified and addressed for successful growth.

Supporting facts:

• 33% of Africa’s population has access to internet, indicating huge potential for digital growth.

• Only a smaller portion of this population has high-speed broadband connection, showing a gap that needs to be filled to achieve successful digital transformation.

• A 10% increase in mobile broadband penetration in low-income economies results in a 2% increase in GDP, while in sub-Saharan Africa a similar increase will likely yield a 2.5% increase in GDP.

Topics: Digital Economy, Growth, Development

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Digital transformation in Africa needs investment, commitment and concrete action plans, which will be supported by the African Digital Prosperity Fund.

Supporting facts:

• The African Digital Prosperity Fund will finance the future of African digital economy by investing in digital entrepreneurship.

• The fund is dedicated to active ecosystem builders and forward-thinking organizations across the continent.

• The need for investment in the digital economy was highlighted by stakeholders during the UNCTAD eWeek 2023.

Topics: Digital Transformation, Investment, Commitment, African Digital Prosperity Fund

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Gbemisola Osadua stresses the importance of creating an enabling environment for digital innovation

Supporting facts:

• An enabling environment should consist of effective policies and regulations

• ‘Cross-conversation across different sectors’ is necessary

• Everyone has a role to play for digital transformation, irrespective of their sector

Topics: Digital Innovation, Policy and Regulation, African Digital Transformation

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Gbemisola Osadua acknowledges the practical examples provided by Mr. Olawuye

Supporting facts:

• Mr. Olawuye shared practical examples of driving digital innovation

• Highlighted the importance of digital education

Topics: Digital Education, Entrepreneurship, African Digital Economy

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The private sector is crucial to drive the African digital economy

Supporting facts:

• Discussion at the World Trade Organization public forum emphasized the role of the private sector in driving Africa trade and digital issues.

• Private sector needs to know about the African continental free trade agreements.

• The digital infrastructure and real estate are vital sectors in African digital transformation strategy.

Topics: Private sector involvement, African digital economy, Regulatory issues, Infrastructure, Pro-tech

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The ASEALE AFTA project is focused on the realization of AFTA through African digital economies transformation by innovation from youth

Supporting facts:

• The project intends to engage 1,000 talented African youth in problem framing and ideating technology solutions to problems on the continent

Topics: African digital transformation, Innovation, Youth engagement

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There is a target for a $500 million African Digital Prosperity Fund for the ASEALE AFTA project

Supporting facts:

• The proposed breakdown of the fund includes a Digital Entrepreneurship Fund with $300 million, and a Rural Digital Infrastructure Fund with $100 million

Topics: ASEALE AFTA project, African Digital Prosperity Fund, Investment

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Report

Africa is ripe for explosive innovation in the digital economy due to factors such as increased smartphone penetration, improved internet access, and better policy frameworks. The continent’s young and tech-savvy population presents a significant opportunity for digital growth. The contribution of the digital economy to Africa’s GDP has seen significant growth of 283.3% over the past decade, with projections indicating further growth to 5.2% ($180 billion) by 2025 and 8.5% ($712 billion) by 2050.

Addressing gaps and potentials in Africa’s digital economy is crucial for successful growth. While 33% of the population has internet access, there is a need to bridge the gap in high-speed broadband connections. Studies show that increasing mobile broadband penetration can have a positive impact on GDP, with a 10% increase resulting in a 2% increase in low-income economies and a likely 2.5% increase in sub-Saharan Africa.

Investment, commitment, and concrete action plans are essential for digital transformation in Africa. The African Digital Prosperity Fund has been established to support digital entrepreneurship and invest in the future of the African digital economy. Creating an enabling environment for digital innovation through effective policies, regulations, and cross-sectoral collaboration is crucial.

Private sector involvement plays a vital role in driving Africa’s digital economy, and sectors like digital infrastructure and real estate are key in the continent’s transformation. The ASEALE AFTA project aims to drive Africa’s digital economies’ transformation through innovation and youth engagement.

The project involves 1,000 talented African youths in problem framing and developing technology solutions to address challenges. Encouraging stakeholders to be part of the project and emphasizing practical outcomes from multilateral conversations are important for achieving digital transformation in Africa. In summary, Africa’s digital economy has enormous potential for growth and innovation.

Investment, commitment, and concrete action plans, supported by initiatives like the African Digital Prosperity Fund, are essential. An enabling environment, cross-sectoral collaboration, and private sector involvement are crucial for successful digital transformation. The ASEALE AFTA project provides a platform to drive Africa’s digital agenda and engage youth in innovation.

Arguments

A change in mindsets is required to harness digital opportunities and transformation.

Supporting facts:

• Innovative companies and creations are often initiated by youth.

Topics: Digital Transformation, Innovation

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Harnessing youth potential is key for driving digital innovation and entrepreneurship.

Supporting facts:

• Successful companies like Google and Facebook were started by young, creative individuals.

Topics: Digital Economy, Youth participation, Innovation

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Education, especially in STEM fields, is crucial for fostering innovation.

Supporting facts:

• Google was created by two PhD students, implying the role of quality education in the birth of innovation.

Topics: Education, Innovation, STEM

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Investment in research ecosystem is key to innovation.

Topics: Research, Innovation

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The African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) could help drive economic growth.

Supporting facts:

• The AfCFTA provides an opportunity to enhance intra-Africa trade.

Topics: Digital Economy, Trade, AfCFTA

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Mohammadou Kah commits to the ASEALE AFTA project

Supporting facts:

• Pledges to provide his support and goodwill to the initiative

• Offers to serve in a mentorship role for the project

• Expresses willingness to contribute his intellectual resources to the lab

Topics: ASEALE AFTA, African digital transformation, innovation, mentorship

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Projects need to be convincingly prepared and have trusted mechanisms for implementations targeting important areas

Supporting facts:

• The challenge is to have projects that are convincing enough and have the trust mechanisms to implement and deploy them on areas that are important

• AFCFTA has a good network of actors and agents

Topics: AFCFTA, innovation lab, SDGs

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Creative industry, IP and development for SMEs and MSEs, and indigenous knowledge are vital for trade and digital economy

Supporting facts:

• The WIPO is pushing the centrality of IP and development for SMEs and MSEs as well as the creatives

• Creatives around the music industry provide huge content for trade and for the digital economy

• Indigenous knowledge contributes significantly to health and food security

Topics: AFCFTA, WIPO, digital economy, trade, IP

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Report

The analysis highlights several key points regarding digital transformation and innovation. Firstly, it emphasises the need for a change in mindsets to successfully harness digital opportunities and transformation. This entails a shift in thinking and embracing new technologies and digital processes.

The argument is supported by the observation that innovative companies and creations are often initiated by youth, emphasizing their crucial role in driving digital innovation. Furthermore, the analysis underscores the significance of youth potential in driving digital innovation and entrepreneurship.

Successful companies like Google and Facebook were started by young, creative individuals. This highlights the importance of harnessing and nurturing the talents of young people to foster digital innovation and drive economic growth. The argument is further reinforced by the observation that quality education, particularly in STEM fields, plays a critical role in the birth of innovation.

Google, for instance, was created by two PhD students, indicating the role of quality education in fostering innovative ideas and solutions. The analysis also emphasises that government alone cannot drive digital transformation. While governments play a vital role in creating policies and providing an enabling environment, the private sector and young people also contribute significantly to driving digitalisation.

This highlights the importance of partnerships and collaboration between different stakeholders for the successful implementation of digital transformation initiatives. The sentiment expressed towards this point is positive. Investment in the research ecosystem is considered key to fostering innovation. By investing in research and development, new ideas and technologies can be developed, leading to breakthrough innovations.

While no specific evidence is provided in the analysis, the concept of research as a driver of innovation is universally accepted. The African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) is seen as an opportunity to enhance intra-Africa trade and drive economic growth.

This agreement has the potential to facilitate increased trade between African countries, leading to economic development and prosperity. However, no specific evidence is provided to support this argument. Digital infrastructure and data governance are highlighted as vital components for a successful digital economy.

It is argued that digital transformation cannot be achieved without a robust digital infrastructure and effective data governance policies. The observation is made that Artificial Intelligence (AI) is meaningless without quality data. The sentiment expressed towards this point is positive.

The analysis further highlights the importance of action in digital transformation projects. It is argued that digital transformation is all about doing, trying, failing, and moving forward. Too much talk and excessive presentations are considered to be hindrances to digital advancements.

The sentiment expressed towards this point is positive. The creative industry, intellectual property (IP), and development for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) and Micro-sized Enterprises (MSEs) are considered essential for trade and the digital economy. The analysis emphasises that the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) is pushing the centrality of IP and development for SMEs and MSEs, as well as the creatives.

It is also noted that indigenous knowledge contributes significantly to health and food security. These aspects are seen as important for trade and the growth of the digital economy. Finally, the analysis points out that while there are abundant resources available to support projects for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the challenge lies in drafting projects convincingly and creating trusted mechanisms to support them.

This implies that there is a need for robust project planning and implementation strategies to effectively utilise the available resources for achieving the SDGs. In conclusion, the analysis highlights the need for a change in mindsets to harness digital opportunities and transformation.

It emphasises the importance of youth potential and quality education in driving digital innovation. Additionally, partnerships between government, the private sector, and young people are vital for successful digital transformation. Investment in research, digital infrastructure, and data governance are also essential for fostering innovation and a thriving digital economy.

The analysis further emphasises the significance of action, the creative industry, intellectual property, and development for SMEs and MSEs in trade and the digital economy. However, it also acknowledges the challenges of convincingly preparing projects and creating trusted mechanisms for implementation.

These insights provide valuable considerations for policymakers and other stakeholders involved in digital transformation and innovation initiatives.

Arguments

Policies and environment play crucial role in fostering entrepreneurship and innovation

Supporting facts:

• The story of a Tanzanian porter who was trained in computer-aided design by an American businessman

• Interactions and participation in different editions of the Inter-African Trade Fair, which are sponsored by AfriExim Bank and the EU Secretariat

Topics: Entrepreneurship, Innovation, Government Policies

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Leveraging Diaspora can aid Africa’s digital economy and innovation

Supporting facts:

• Speaker himself is an example being based in Switzerland and partnering with techies and tech lawyers in Africa to develop the iClass.Africa platform

Topics: Digital Economy, Diaspora

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African Continental Free Trade Zone Agreement needs to address land use and ownership

Supporting facts:

• The speaker tried to start real estate companies in Tanzania and Kenya but faced issues due to land ownership regulations

• Real Estate is fundamental to economic growth as it supports healthcare, education, etc

Topics: African Continental Free Trade Zone Agreement, PropTech, Contech, Real Estate

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Digital technologies can ease movement, transactions and innovation facilitation across African countries

Supporting facts:

• The speaker’s initial business was a digital marketing agency

Topics: Digital Economy, E-Visa, Banking, FinTech

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Wealth creation is key to solving racism and reducing poverty among black people

Supporting facts:

• The speaker personally helped over 10,000 kids to get education using his wealth

• The speaker believes in wealth creation through legitimate means

Topics: Racism, Poverty, Wealth Creation, African Economy

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Concern around the delay of PAPSA and its capacity to address cross-border payment issues

Supporting facts:

• PAPSA was launched with high hopes of addressing cross-border payment issues

Topics: PAPSA, Cross-border payments, Digital Infrastructure

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Advocates for individual and private sector resilience in coping with infrastructure challenges

Supporting facts:

• He highlights the innovation of individuals seeking sustainable energy solutions, such as using solar and inverter. He also mentions possible fintech alternative solutions by private sector like an API from WhatsApp

Topics: Private Sector, Digital Infrastructure, Resilience

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Calls for more government investment in infrastructure

Supporting facts:

• He cited examples where government investment has led to stable light, advocating that model to be shared around

Topics: Government investment, Infrastructure

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Believes Africa will reach a point of stable infrastructure

Topics: Digital Infrastructure, Future outlook

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Speaker 1 is interested and supportive of the dynamic impact and the AFC, FTA Secretariat, and the AUC

Supporting facts:

• Speaker 1 shows enthusiasm towards initiative and wants to involve more people for support

• He mentions his vast experience in the private sector and contacts in 24 African countries which could be beneficial to the project.

Topics: Trade, African development, International collaboration

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Great things are expected to happen in Africa

Supporting facts:

• Investments worth billions are being made in Africa’s digital infrastructure.

• Africa is being wired with hundreds of thousands of submarine and terrestrial fiber cables.

Topics: Digital infrastructure, Africa development

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Report

The speakers in the discussion highlighted several important points regarding entrepreneurship, innovation, and economic growth in Africa. They emphasized that policies and the business environment play a crucial role in fostering entrepreneurship and innovation. It was argued that by creating a conducive environment, African countries can attract and nurture entrepreneurial talent, leading to economic growth and job creation.

The example of a Tanzanian porter who was trained in computer-aided design by an American businessman was cited as evidence of the positive impact that support and training can have on individuals and communities. The discussion also focused on the potential of leveraging the African diaspora to fuel the digital economy and drive innovation.

It was argued that the diaspora holds substantial funds for development in Africa, and by leveraging their skills, knowledge, and financial resources, the continent can propel its digital economy forward. The speakers highlighted the importance of partnerships and collaborations between Africans in the diaspora and those on the continent, citing examples of successful partnerships between individuals based in Switzerland and tech experts in Africa.

Direct exposure to global opportunities and the implementation of strategic thinking were identified as vital factors for the success of digital entrepreneurship in Africa. The speakers, who themselves actively participate in global platforms like the World Trade Organization and Inter-African Trade Fairs, emphasized the need for African entrepreneurs to have exposure to global markets, networks, and best practices to drive innovation and growth within the digital sector.

The opening of borders in Africa was also seen as a significant step towards attracting talent and boosting economic prosperity. Examples of countries like Rwanda and Kenya, which have begun to open their borders, were cited as evidence of the potential benefits of increased mobility and trade across African nations.

However, challenges related to land ownership regulations were raised, highlighting the need for the African Continental Free Trade Zone Agreement to address issues related to land use and ownership. It was argued that land ownership regulations can hinder entrepreneurship and economic growth, particularly in sectors such as real estate, which are fundamental to economic development.

The potential of digital technologies in facilitating movement, transactions, and innovation within and across African countries was emphasized. The ability of digital technologies to ease barriers to trade and enable cross-border transactions was seen as crucial for driving economic growth and facilitating innovation in different sectors.

The speakers also addressed the importance of wealth creation for addressing issues of racism and poverty among black people. They highlighted examples of personal efforts in wealth creation, such as supporting education for thousands of children, and stressed the need for individuals and communities to generate wealth through legitimate means to combat racism and reduce poverty.

The discussion also highlighted the significant contributions that Africans in the diaspora can make to the African economy. The substantial funds held by the diaspora and their investments in real estate ventures were mentioned as evidence of their potential to contribute to economic growth and development in Africa.

Concerns were raised about the delay and capacity of the Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSA) in addressing cross-border payment issues. It was noted that while the launch of PAPSA raised hopes for addressing these issues, there is a need for further progress and implementation to ensure its effectiveness.

The role of both individual and private sector resilience in coping with infrastructure challenges was advocated. The speakers highlighted examples of individuals seeking sustainable energy solutions and possible fintech alternative solutions, such as an API from WhatsApp, as innovative ways to address infrastructure challenges.

Calls were made for increased government investment in infrastructure to support economic growth and development. The examples were cited where government investment has led to stable access to electricity, and it was suggested that this model should be shared and implemented across African countries.

Overall, the speakers expressed a positive outlook for Africa’s potential in overcoming infrastructural difficulties by leveraging private sector solutions. They drew attention to emerging digital solutions, such as APIs for cross-border transactions and the rise of fintech solutions, as evidence of the continent’s progress and promise.

They believed that Africa is ready for investment and development, particularly in the digital sector, with significant commitments being made towards developing digital infrastructure in the region. In conclusion, the discussion highlighted the importance of policies, environment, and partnerships in fostering entrepreneurship and innovation in Africa.

Leveraging the diaspora, opening borders, addressing land ownership issues, and embracing digital technologies were identified as crucial steps towards driving economic growth and prosperity in the region. Additionally, wealth creation, individual and private sector resilience, government investment in infrastructure, and international collaboration were emphasized as key elements for Africa’s development and progress.

The discussion ended with a positive outlook for Africa’s potential, and the belief that with the right strategies and investments, the continent can overcome its infrastructural challenges and achieve significant growth and innovation.

Arguments

Stephen Akintayo emphasizes the importance of creating jobs and making impacts through business

Supporting facts:

• He started a digital marketing agency 15 years ago with a bulk SMS business.

• He is the owner of over 30 estates, each having between 50 to 500 acres.

Topics: Entrepreneurship, Job Creation, Digital Economy

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Stephen Akintayo advocates for reforms in land use and ownership in Africa.

Supporting facts:

• Akintayo acquired a 40-acre property in Houston and planning to launch real estate projects in Lagos and KT.

• He highlighted the hurdles of owning 100% land in different African countries like Tanzania and Kenya.

Topics: Real estate, Policy Reform

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Stephen Akintayo stresses the need for an African digital transformation in sectors such as banking and Trade Agreements.

Supporting facts:

• According to Akintayo, challenges in banking sector include the need to obtain different licenses for operating in different African countries.

• He proposes an African e-visa to improve free movement within the continent.

Topics: Digital Transformation, Banking, Fintech, African Continental Free Trade Zone Agreement

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Akintayo calls for the diaspora to support Africa by talking about successful African companies and providing funds for development.

Supporting facts:

• Akintayo mentions that despite the success of their estate business in Africa, they only received notable attention when they launched in the United States.

• He proposes leveraging diaspora remittance for local development in Africa.

Topics: Diaspora, Investment in Africa

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Stephen Akintayo believes that Africa’s problems can be solved by its own people and private sector, not just the government.

Supporting facts:

• Stephen referred to the example of how the American economy was built not by the government, but by entrepreneurs like Andrew Carnegie, John D. Rockefeller, and JP Morgan.

• He argued that African entrepreneurs and consumers have the power to instigate change by supporting innovative businesses and solutions.

• He also lauded the progress made by the African music and movie industries.

Topics: Private Sector, Development, Government

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Stephen believes that renewable energy sources like solar, wind, and biogas can play a significant role in transforming Africa.

Supporting facts:

• They are already using solar in their estates.

• They recycle all waste into biogas.

• Stephen plans to combine solar with biogas and wind energy in future housing projects.

Topics: Renewable Energy, Solar Energy, Wind Energy, Biogas

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Stephen Akintayo plans to commit part of a $5 million grant to support innovative small businesses associated with the ACL lab.

Supporting facts:

• Akintayo’s grant typically gives $5,000 to support innovative small businesses

Topics: Grants, Small Businesses, Innovation, ACL lab

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Stephen Akintayo will make the courses from Stephen Akintayo University available for the members of the lab.

Supporting facts:

• Stephen Akintayo University offers over 1,000 courses from Akintayo and several other key leaders from around the globe.

Topics: Education, Courses, Stephen Akintayo University, ACL lab

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Gratitude for the opportunity to attend the event

Supporting facts:

• Stephen Akintayo thanks Gbemisola Osadua and the attendees for having him at the event.

Topics: Event participation

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Acknowledgment of the newly launched lab

Supporting facts:

• Stephen Akintayo congratulates them on the lab inauguration.

Topics: Lab inauguration

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Announcement of change in venue for Saturdays

Supporting facts:

• He announces the change of the venue for Saturdays to be the Hilton, Geneva Hotel and Conference Center.

Topics: Event management, Scheduling

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Invitation to join him at the new venue

Supporting facts:

• Stephen Akintayo invites the attendees to join him at five o’clock on Saturday at the Hilton, Geneva Hotel and Conference Center.

Topics: Event participation

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Report

Stephen Akintayo, a highly successful entrepreneur and advocate, emphasises the importance of job creation and making a positive impact through business. With extensive experience in the field, Akintayo started a digital marketing agency 15 years ago, which included a bulk SMS business.

He also owns over 30 estates, each ranging from 50 to 500 acres, showcasing his entrepreneurial success. In addition to his business achievements, Akintayo is a passionate advocate for reforms in land use and ownership in Africa. He plans to launch real estate projects in Lagos and KT while having already acquired a 40-acre property in Houston.

However, he also highlights the challenges faced by individuals attempting to own 100% of the land in African countries like Tanzania and Kenya. By advocating for land use and ownership reforms, Akintayo aims to promote sustainable and thriving communities in African cities.

Furthermore, Akintayo emphasises the need for digital transformation in various sectors, such as banking and trade agreements, to stimulate economic growth and reduce inequalities. He highlights the challenges faced by the banking sector, including the requirement to obtain different licences for operating in various African countries.

Akintayo proposes the implementation of an African e-visa to facilitate free movement across the continent and enhance economic integration. By embracing digital advancements in key sectors, Africa can unlock significant potential for innovation and development. Akintayo also stresses the importance of leveraging the diaspora community to support Africa’s development.

He mentions that despite their success in the African estate business, they only received notable attention when they expanded to the United States. Akintayo proposes harnessing diaspora remittance to foster local development in Africa. By raising awareness of successful African companies and providing financial support, the diaspora can play a crucial role in driving economic growth and progress in Africa.

Moreover, Akintayo firmly believes that Africa’s problems can be solved by its own people and the private sector, not solely relying on the government. He cites the example of how the American economy was built by entrepreneurs like Andrew Carnegie, John D.

Rockefeller, and JP Morgan, rather than the government. Akintayo believes that African entrepreneurs and consumers possess the power to instigate change by supporting innovative businesses and solutions. He commends the progress made by African music and movie industries as positive examples of the continent’s potential.

Additionally, Akintayo recognises the immense potential of renewable energy sources in transforming Africa. His estates already utilise solar energy, and he aims to combine solar with biogas and wind energy in future housing projects. By embracing affordable and clean energy, Africa can address climate change, improve access to energy, and foster sustainable development.

Furthermore, Akintayo encourages the acceptance and adoption of advanced technology for Africa’s development. He highlights Africa’s rapid adoption of GSM technology, which has enabled the continent to progress rapidly in telecommunications. Notably, Akintayo mentions his partnership with Elon Musk to utilise Musk’s internet in their estates.

In recognition of the importance of supporting innovation and small businesses, Akintayo plans to allocate a portion of a $5 million grant to support small businesses associated with the ACL lab. This grant typically offers $5,000 to innovative small businesses, showcasing Akintayo’s commitment to nurturing entrepreneurship and fostering economic growth.

Moreover, Akintayo expresses his appreciation for the initiative taken by the ACL (presumably the organization hosting the event or initiatives mentioned). He values the courses offered at Stephen Akintayo University, where over 1,000 courses are available from Akintayo and other key leaders globally.

These courses will be made accessible to members of the lab, further demonstrating Akintayo’s dedication to knowledge-sharing and skill development. In conclusion, Stephen Akintayo’s insights showcase the immense potential for positive growth and progress in Africa. From job creation to land reforms, digital transformation, diaspora support, private sector development, renewable energy, and technology adoption, Akintayo presents a comprehensive vision for Africa’s future.

With his success as an entrepreneur and his passion for driving change, Akintayo is a prominent figure driving Africa’s economic development and transformation.

Arguments

White Label Project focuses on boosting local businesses by providing them a platform to showcase and sell their products worldwide.

Supporting facts:

• White Label Project supports handicraft businesses around the globe.

• Their platform facilitates the process of warehousing, logistics, and taxes.

Topics: Digital concept store, Small businesses, E-commerce

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The platform aims not just to facilitate sales but also to help these brands build their value and narratives on a global scale.

Supporting facts:

• The platform works in partnership with brands to curate a unique and specialized offering.

• It aims to shift the perception of products from countries usually associated with artisan products to high quality design products.

Topics: Branding, Culture Appreciation, International Markets

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E-commerce market will continue to grow.

Supporting facts:

• Lots of small initiatives are growing within the e-commerce market.

• Overall market consolidation is necessary for creating momentum.

Topics: E-commerce, Market Growth

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Businesses should diversify to navigate growth in the e-commerce market.

Supporting facts:

• Important for companies to understand where the trend is going.

• Beneficial to prepare businesses to be capable of adding on any marketplace.

Topics: E-commerce, Business Strategy, Market Diversification

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Report

The White Label Project is an innovative platform aiming to support and elevate local businesses by providing them with a global platform to showcase and sell their products. The project focuses on cultural appreciation rather than appropriation and aims to change the perception of products from countries famous for their artisan crafts to high-quality design products.

Ann-Kathrin Zotz, a key figure in the White Label Project, believes in the democratization of fashion and design. She recognizes the significance of inclusion and aims to give recognition to women heavily involved in the handicraft sector. Moreover, Zotz strives to highlight design hubs from countries typically associated with artisan work, challenging traditional narratives in the industry.

The platform collaborates with brands to curate a unique and specialized offering. By partnering with these brands, the White Label Project not only facilitates sales but also assists in building their value and narratives on a global scale. This approach creates a more inclusive and diverse fashion industry, enabling brands to enter new markets and reach a wider audience.

While the e-commerce market sees a surge in small initiatives, consolidation is necessary to create momentum and establish go-to places for customers. Currently, there is no sustainable equivalent of Amazon, highlighting the potential for growth and innovation in this sector.

To navigate the growth in the e-commerce market, businesses should prepare for market diversification. It is crucial for companies to understand the direction of the trend and be capable of adding any marketplace. By diversifying, businesses can adapt to changing consumer preferences and stay competitive in this rapidly evolving industry.

In conclusion, the White Label Project is an inspiring platform that supports local businesses, promotes cultural appreciation, and aims to create a more inclusive and diverse fashion industry. With the growing e-commerce market, consolidation and market diversification are essential for businesses to thrive and navigate the challenges and opportunities in this industry.

Arguments

Many people are still disconnected from the internet

Supporting facts:

• In 2023, 2.6 billion people are estimated to be offline. This is a decrease from 2022, where the number was 2.7 billion, however, 33% of the global population still remains unconnected

Topics: E-commerce, Digital Transformation, Internet Access

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Digital maturity of countries varies

Topics: E-commerce, Digital Transformation, Global Economy

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Access cost and knowledge gap can hinder successful internet utilization

Supporting facts:

• Some people only have access to the internet via mobile but the data plans are too expensive

Topics: E-commerce, Digital Transformation, Digital Knowledge

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Access to online market can be facilitated through digital tools and skills

Supporting facts:

• Many underserved communities can gain significantly from greater awareness of digital tools, acquisition of digital skills, and facilitation of online market access

Topics: E-commerce, Digital Transformation, Online Market

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Annabelle Sykes is enthusiastic about the opportunity of Elisha Bwatuti’s Kenya Small Business Development Centres collaboration with the International Trade Center

Supporting facts:

• Annabelle shows interest in having teams to provide support for businesses in gaining internet access.

• Their collaboration hopes to set up more capacity for businesses in e-commerce.

Topics: E-commerce, Digital divide, Small Business Development Center, International Trade Center

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Annabel is inspired by the shift in mindset towards artisan businesses and sees the value in storytelling and proving sustainability

Supporting facts:

• Annabel talks about creating rich storytelling for sustainable businesses

• Mentions that there is a need to reduce the digital skills gap

• Branding is needed by small businesses and digital tools like Canva have democratised access to it

Topics: Digital Skills Gap, Sustainable Business, Fashion, Branding

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Annabel Sykes mentions the acceleration of solutions to expand the reach towards remote areas and the unbenefitted

Supporting facts:

• She acknowledges on Alicia’s usage of AI in developing a chatbot platform to help clients

• ITC is undergoing research to include such advancements in their workflow

• Public global tools are being worked upon to provide necessary information related to export markets, licensing and demand

Topics: Artificial Intelligence, digital solutions, Global Public Tools

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The future is undoubtedly digital

Supporting facts:

• There are 2.6 billion people that are currently unconnected

Topics: Digitalization, E-commerce

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The digital realm is a great source of partnership, collaboration and showcasing for entrepreneurs.

Supporting facts:

• Digital tools are helping entrepreneurs to list the product, do the photo, crop the background, put it on white easily.

Topics: Digital tools, Entrepreneurship, Access to Markets

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Report

According to the data, there is still a significant portion of the global population that remains unconnected to the internet. In 2023, it is estimated that 2.6 billion people will be offline, which is a slight decrease from the previous year. However, this still means that approximately 33% of the world’s population is not connected to the internet.

This lack of connectivity has wide-ranging implications for individuals and communities in terms of access to information, opportunities, and socio-economic development. One of the factors contributing to the digital divide is the varying level of digital maturity among different countries.

Some countries have made significant progress in digital transformation, while others lag behind. This disparity can create barriers to successful internet utilization, as individuals in less digitally advanced countries may lack the necessary infrastructure, resources, and skills to effectively use the internet.

Furthermore, access cost and knowledge gaps are significant challenges that hinder internet utilization. Some people only have access to the internet through mobile devices, but the high cost of data plans makes it unaffordable for them to fully utilize online resources.

Additionally, there is a knowledge gap, particularly among marginalized communities, which prevents them from effectively leveraging the internet for education, job opportunities, and economic growth. However, it is important to note that access to the online market can be facilitated through the use of digital tools and the acquisition of digital skills.

Underserved communities, especially, can benefit significantly from greater awareness of these tools, the development of digital skills, and the facilitation of online market access. This can open up new economic opportunities and bridge the gap between those who may be left behind in traditional market spaces.

Efforts are needed to reduce the digital divide, particularly in remote communities and areas without adequate learning facilities. Initiatives and collaborations between organizations and stakeholders can play a crucial role in bridging this divide and expanding support outreach. By working together and pooling resources, it becomes possible to provide internet access and digital training to those who need it most.

The increasing role of technology and digital solutions is generally seen as positive. These advancements are making things simpler, more inclusive, and expanding the reach towards remote and underserved areas. For example, the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in developing chatbot platforms has been recognized as a way to help clients access information and services.

Global public tools are also being developed to provide necessary information related to export markets, licensing, and demand, thus facilitating trade and economic growth. There is also a need to address the digital skills gap and bridge the divide between the global north and south.

Basic digital skills need to be brought to the market to empower artisans and entrepreneurs, thus expanding the ecosystem and creating more opportunities for economic growth. Additionally, continual support and collaboration among different initiatives are crucial to maximize impact and ensure that progress is sustained.

In conclusion, while the future is undoubtedly digital, there are still significant challenges to overcome in terms of internet connectivity and utilization. Efforts should be made to reduce the digital divide, improve access, provide digital training, and bridge knowledge gaps.

Collaborations and partnerships play a crucial role in achieving these goals and expanding support outreach. By harnessing technology and digital solutions, it is possible to empower individuals, communities, and businesses and create a more inclusive and connected world.

Arguments

Novica bridges the gap between artisan and final retail customer

Supporting facts:

• Novica connects with artisans directly and creates a profile for them under their name and story

• Novica offers comprehensive training, handles logistics, customer service, and handles payments locally for the artisans

• Through Novica artisans can generate a sustainable income, enhancing the potential to train new artisans and develop workshops

Topics: E-commerce, Artisan empowerment, Digital marketplace

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Novica helps in cultural preservation by supporting artisans

Supporting facts:

• Novica aims to create a sustainable source of income for artisans

• Encouraging new generations to keep traditional art forms alive through financial stability and appreciation

• They provide support in form of training, projections and replenishment planning, and a microcredit program with zero interest for investment in business

Topics: Cultural preservation, Artisan casualisation

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Diego Chacon’s company works with artisans from several countries

Supporting facts:

• They work with artisans from Mexico, Guatemala, Costa Rica, Peru, Colombia, Ecuador, Brazil, Ghana, Nigeria, Ivory Coast, Central Asia, India, Thailand, and Indonesia.

• They have more than 3500 artisan profiles.

Topics: Artisans, Business Operations, Global Markets

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Diego’s company helps artisans develop products tailored to their market

Supporting facts:

• They work with artisans whose products may not be market ready.

• They develop new product lines with these artisans.

Topics: Artisans, Product Development

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Diego’s company aims to lower shipping costs for artisans

Supporting facts:

• High cost of export is a hurdle for artisans.

• Their company negotiates with FedEx, UPS, USPS, DHL, and also uses Air Freight for shipping.

• They do consolidated shipments to lower costs.

Topics: Artisans, Shipping, Business Operations

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Diego’s company plans to expand operation to new markets

Supporting facts:

• They are planning on developing new technologies and strategies to reach more artisans in places they are not currently in.

Topics: Company Expansion, Artisans

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Access to digital market and understanding of digital tools are important for artisans

Supporting facts:

• 2.6 billion people are unconnected, indicating gap in digital access

• Smartphones have become a work tool for many artisans

Topics: Digital access, E-commerce, Artisans

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Report

Novica is an e-commerce platform that acts as a bridge between artisans and retail customers, connecting them directly. Its main objective is to provide artisans with a sustainable source of income, contributing to economic growth and cultural preservation. Novica supports artisans by assisting with logistics, customer service, and payments, allowing them to focus on producing high-quality products.

One key feature of Novica is the creation of individual profiles for each artisan, showcasing their name and personal story. This personal touch helps customers connect with the artisans on a deeper level and appreciate their work. Novica also provides comprehensive training to artisans, enhancing their skills and supporting their overall development.

By offering these support services, Novica enables artisans to generate a consistent income, empowering them to train new artisans and establish workshops. In addition to its economic impact, Novica is dedicated to preserving traditional art forms and cultural heritage. The platform encourages younger generations to keep these art forms alive by providing financial stability and recognition for their work.

Novica also offers additional support in the form of training, projections, replenishment planning, and a microcredit program with zero interest for artisans to invest in their businesses. By taking this comprehensive approach, Novica helps artisans flourish and maintain their cultural identity.

Novica works with artisans from various countries, including Mexico, Guatemala, Costa Rica, Peru, Colombia, Ecuador, Brazil, Ghana, Nigeria, Ivory Coast, Central Asia, India, Thailand, and Indonesia. With more than 3500 artisan profiles, the platform has a wide reach, and it aims to further expand its operations.

Novica plans to develop new technologies and strategies to reach artisans in markets where it is currently not present, allowing more artisans to benefit from its services. Access to digital markets and proficiency in digital tools have become crucial for artisans in the current market landscape.

However, there is still a significant digital divide, with approximately 2.6 billion people lacking internet connectivity. Recognizing this, Novica provides artisans with access to its platform, enabling them to understand and leverage digital tools to showcase their products and reach a global customer base.

Novica also recognizes the importance of smartphones, which have become indispensable tools for many artisans. Artificial intelligence (AI) offers further opportunities for artisans to enhance their business operations. AI can assist artisans in product descriptions, SEO optimization, and translations. By utilizing AI, artisans can reduce the need to hire professional copywriters or translators, saving time and cost.

Additionally, AI streamlines product listing and editing processes, making them more efficient. In conclusion, Novica serves as a vital connection between artisans and retail customers, empowering artisans to thrive in a dynamic market environment. The platform’s comprehensive support and infrastructure enable artisans to focus on their craft, while Novica handles various business aspects.

Through its global reach and commitment to cultural preservation, Novica contributes to economic growth and uplifts artisans from diverse backgrounds. Novica recognizes the significance of digital access and AI, providing opportunities for artisans to leverage these tools for their success.

Overall, Novica plays a crucial role in empowering artisans and preserving cultural heritage in the ever-evolving digital marketplace.

Arguments

The Kenya Small Business Development Centres, managed by Elisha, aim to support small businesses by offering high-quality business development support, particularly in remote areas of the country.

Supporting facts:

• The Centres have full-time staff who aid businesses in various aspects.

• They have an open-door policy where businesses can walk in and get assistance.

• The Centres are set up in collaboration with county governments.

Topics: Business development, Remote regions, Entrepreneurship

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Elisha believes that e-commerce can play a significant role in supporting businesses in remote regions, as it provides market access and potential for growth.

Supporting facts:

• A business in Isiolo County, a remote area of Kenya, has developed an e-commerce platform for livestock.

• This business sells livestock to traders all across the country via this platform.

Topics: E-commerce, Remote regions, Market Access

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Artificial Intelligence is useful in reducing digital gap

Supporting facts:

• They have developed a platform where a chatbot is available on any social media to answer business-related questions

• This is expected to reduce the workload of adviser and enable quick access to business information for remote businesses

Topics: Artificial Intelligence, Chatbot, Digital divide

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Report

The Kenya Small Business Development Centres (SBDC), managed by Elisha, have been established to provide comprehensive support to small businesses, with a particular focus on remote areas of the country. These centres offer high-quality business development assistance and have a welcoming open-door policy for businesses seeking help.

The collaboration with county governments further strengthens the resources and impact of the SBDC. To adapt to the changing business landscape, Elisha supports the idea of enhancing businesses’ access to e-commerce. Starting from 2024, the SBDC will offer e-commerce support to businesses, recognizing the potential of this digital platform to boost business growth and market reach.

Elisha’s belief is supported by the fact that they have already facilitated several innovations in the realm of e-commerce, helping businesses tap into the potential of online marketplaces. By equipping businesses with the knowledge and skills required to succeed in the digital space, the SBDC aims to create opportunities for businesses in remote regions.

A remarkable example of this is a business in Isiolo County, a remote area of Kenya, which has developed an e-commerce platform for livestock. Through this platform, the business is able to sell livestock to traders across the country, highlighting the significant market access e-commerce can bring to remote regions.

In addition to supporting e-commerce initiatives, Elisha has embraced the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the efficiency and accessibility of business support. They have developed a chatbot platform that is available on social media channels to answer business-related inquiries.

This innovation is expected to alleviate some of the workload of the SBDC advisers and provide quick access to business information for remote businesses. The utilization of AI technology in this manner helps bridge the digital gap and reduces inequalities in accessing critical business information.

The chatbot platform is nearing completion and is set to be launched by the end of the year. Clients will be able to consult the chatbot for basic business advice before seeking professional consultation, providing them with a valuable initial resource to aid decision-making and business planning.

In conclusion, the Kenya SBDC, under the management of Elisha, is dedicated to supporting small businesses in remote areas. Their focus on e-commerce, as well as the development of an AI chatbot platform, demonstrates their commitment to leveraging technology for business growth and inclusivity.

By providing high-quality support and facilitating innovations, the SBDC aims to foster economic development, reduce inequalities, and strengthen the overall business landscape in Kenya.

Arguments

Buffalo Grid designs content delivery system StreamSpot Plus for digitally excluded communities

Supporting facts:

• StreamSpot Plus is a portable, robust unit designed to work in harsh environments

• It is power agnostic and ideally works where there’s no good reception or mains power

• Users can download an app from the unit without incurring data costs

• The content can be anything from e-commerce skills, farming tips to health advice

Topics: Buffalo Grid, StreamSpot Plus, Digital Inclusion

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StreamSpot Plus aids economic empowerment of digitally excluded people by facilitating learning of various skills

Supporting facts:

• The system aids people’s entry into the digital world and boosts micro-businesses

• An example is a woman in Zambia who learned how to efficiently grow tomatoes using the StreamSpot and now sells her own produce

Topics: Economic Empowerment, Skills Development, Digital Inclusion

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Report

Buffalo Grid has developed StreamSpot Plus, an innovative solution designed to bridge the digital divide and support digitally excluded communities. This portable content delivery system is specifically designed to operate in challenging environments with limited reception or mains power. Its power agnostic feature allows it to function effectively in remote areas with minimal infrastructure.

StreamSpot Plus allows users to download content directly from the unit, eliminating data costs and making it accessible to individuals with unreliable internet connectivity. The available content covers various topics, including e-commerce skills, farming tips, and health advice, providing users with valuable knowledge and resources to enhance their lives and livelihoods.

The system’s impact on economic empowerment is significant. By facilitating skills development, StreamSpot Plus enables individuals to enter the digital world and boost micro-businesses. An inspiring example is a woman in Zambia who used StreamSpot Plus to learn efficient tomato farming techniques and now successfully sells her own produce.

This showcases how the system empowers individuals and helps them create sustainable sources of income. Collaboration and partnerships are key drivers of change and impact. Buffalo Grid’s Vanessa Arelle recognizes the importance of collaboration, believing in the strength in numbers.

There is great potential for StreamSpot Plus to collaborate with other projects, expanding its reach and effectiveness. In conclusion, Buffalo Grid’s StreamSpot Plus is an innovative solution that addresses the digital divide and supports digitally excluded communities. Its power agnostic design, accessible content, and focus on economic empowerment make it a valuable tool for individuals and communities.

Collaboration and partnerships play a crucial role in achieving widespread impact, further enhancing StreamSpot Plus’ potential for positive change.

Arguments

Latin America needs to develop its own vision of digital industrialization

Supporting facts:

• Sofia highlighted the need for a regional vision before negotiating with other regions

Topics: Digital Industrialization, Mercosur, Regional Integration

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Report

At the core of the discussion was the significance of Latin America establishing its own vision for digital industrialisation. Sofia, a crucial participant in the conversation, emphasised the necessity of a regional vision prior to engaging in negotiations with other regions.

This sentiment aligned with the objective of SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure, which aims to foster sustainable industrialisation in developing countries. However, another perspective emerged, highlighting the challenges faced by Latin America in achieving a united front for digital industrialisation.

The presence of various blocs of countries within the region was seen as a hindrance to productive discussions. The lack of a cohesive framework, similar to the Free Continental Free Trade Area (FCFTA), was identified as a significant obstacle. This sentiment was supported by the argument put forth by an audience member, reflecting a negative sentiment towards the current state of regional integration in Latin America.

The discussion shed light on the need for Latin America to overcome these obstacles and work towards a common vision for digital industrialisation. By fostering greater collaboration and coordination among countries and regional blocs, Latin America can position itself as a formidable player in the global digital economy.

A regional approach would not only enable Latin America to leverage its collective strengths but also ensure that the benefits of digital industrialisation are distributed equitably. In conclusion, the conversation highlighted the crucial role of Latin America in developing its own vision for digital industrialisation.

While the need for a regional vision was emphasised, the challenges faced by the region in achieving a united front were also recognised. Overcoming these challenges and fostering greater regional cooperation will be essential for Latin America to fully harness the transformative potential of the digital age.

Arguments

Continued malfeasance by big tech corporations due to lack of regulation

Supporting facts:

• Everyday headlines proclaim the malfeasance by some of the largest corporations in human history, big tech

• These corporations became so vastly wealthy, so powerful, so monopolistic, so exploitative, is because of the total dereliction of governments to regulate them

• Big Tech used its excessive profits to intervene in the policymaking process

Topics: Big Tech, Regulation, Corporate Power, Government

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Big Tech corporations influencing global trade policies through trade agreements

Supporting facts:

• Big Tech began to put constraints on regulation back in 2016, when they made their proposals in the World Trade Organization

• Corporations prefer trade agreements because they are the least transparent and the least participatory type of all government decisions and because they are binding, permanent, and enforceable

Topics: Big Tech, Trade Agreements, Corporate Influence

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Digitalization for development is being replaced by limitations on governments

Supporting facts:

• Trade agreements are often not organized to use digitalization for development

• Big tech firms use trade rules to limit government regulations, hindering local economic benefits

• Developed countries have rejected core demands of developing countries in WTO

Topics: Digitalization, Trade rules, Government regulation

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OECD is trying to establish rules for digital services taxes

Supporting facts:

• Cross-border supply of services are affecting government revenues

• Governments are trying to impose taxes on the gross revenue of big tech companies providing online services

• The US has opposed such taxes, labeling them as discriminatory

Topics: OECD, Digital Services Taxes, Big Tech

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Algorithms should not be exempt from regulatory oversight

Supporting facts:

• Algorithms are used in business decisions that impact human and fundamental rights

• Big tech would like to put algorithmic decision-making out of regulatory oversight

• Public oversight would require access to the source code by academics, media and others

Topics: Algorithms, Regulation, Human Rights

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Big tech is okay with regulations that create or strengthen markets that they can operate in, such as consumer protection, or with government intervention in the economy to protect their intellectual property

Supporting facts:

• Deborah James mentioned that Big Tech is not against regulation, they are okay with regulations that create or strengthen markets that they can operate in, and with government intervention in the economy to protect their intellectual property

Topics: Big Tech, Market Regulation, Intellectual Property

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Big tech have got excessive wealth and power because of their intervention in the economy to set the rules

Supporting facts:

• According to Deborah James, the trends over the last 20 to 30 years of increasing inequality leading to social disturbances have been attributed, in part, to the excessive power of monopolies in society.

Topics: Big Tech, Economic Intervention

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Big tech, which includes some of the largest and most profitable corporations in the history of the world, should pay taxes in the developing countries where they operate and extract profit

Supporting facts:

• Amazon’s gross profit for the last 12 months ending September 30th was 256.2 billion US dollars, dwarfing the GDP of many developing countries.

• Yet these companies object to paying taxes in developing countries like Uganda or Nigeria or Kenya or Colombia or Indonesia for the privilege of being able to operate and extract profit there.

Topics: Big Tech, Taxation, Developing Countries

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Deborah James emphasises the importance of maintaining more policy space to develop digitalisation in public interest

Supporting facts:

• Acknowledged contribution from Fernando Hernandez for technical support and by UNCTAD

• Mentioned that worldisnotforsale.net holds relevant papers or materials on the subject

Topics: Digitalisation, Policy space, Public interest

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Report

The analysis focuses on the regulation of big tech corporations, highlighting several key points and arguments. One of these points is the negative impact of the malfeasance exhibited by big tech corporations, which is attributed to the lack of government oversight.

The corporations in question, described as the largest in human history, have become immensely wealthy, powerful, monopolistic, and exploitative due to the failure of governments to properly regulate them. This lack of regulation has allowed them to use their excessive profits to intervene in the policymaking process.

To address this issue, the analysis argues that governments need to implement more regulatory oversight on big tech. It notes that the negative impacts of big tech on society have prompted governments around the world to take nascent steps towards regulating the powerful tech sector.

The European Union, in particular, is leading the way with initiatives such as the Digital Services Act, the Digital Markets Act, and the Data Act. The EU has also nearly finalized the Artificial Intelligence Act. These efforts demonstrate the positive stance of governments towards implementing regulatory oversight on big tech.

Moreover, the analysis explores how big tech corporations exert influence over global trade policies through trade agreements. It asserts that these corporations began putting constraints on regulation as far back as 2016 when they made their proposals in the World Trade Organization.

The preference for trade agreements lies in their lack of transparency and limited participation, coupled with their binding, permanent, and enforceable nature. This phenomenon raises concerns about the democratic decision-making process and the potential influence of big tech corporations in shaping global trade policies.

In response to big tech’s influence on trade policies, the analysis argues that civil society, trade unions, and other civic groups need to pay attention and actively engage in trade policies. It emphasizes the importance of these groups being involved in decision-making processes to ensure transparency, participation, and accountability.

The analysis also highlights the impact of limitations on digitalization for development. It suggests that trade agreements often hinder governments from using digitalization for the benefit of local economies, as big tech firms utilise trade rules to restrict government regulations.

Furthermore, it states that developed countries have rejected core demands from developing countries in the World Trade Organization, further hindering digital development. Another notable point raised in the analysis is the issue of digital services taxes. It notes that the cross-border supply of services has started impacting government revenues, leading to attempts by governments to impose taxes on the gross revenue of big tech companies providing online services.

However, the US has opposed such taxes, labelling them as discriminatory. The argument suggests that the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) is working towards establishing rules for digital services taxes. The analysis also addresses concerns regarding the oversight of algorithms, asserting that they should not be exempt from regulatory oversight.

Algorithms are often used in business decisions that have an impact on human and fundamental rights. The analysis indicates that big tech companies desire to keep algorithmic decision-making outside of regulatory oversight. The argument proposes that public oversight should involve access to the source code by academics, media, and other relevant stakeholders.

Furthermore, the analysis mentions the view of Deborah James, who suggests that big tech companies are amenable to regulations that create or strengthen markets they can operate in, such as consumer protection, and government intervention in the economy to protect their intellectual property.

This point highlights the nuanced stance of big tech companies towards regulation. The excessive power and wealth of big tech companies are also discussed in the analysis. It refers to comments made by Deborah James, attributing the increasing inequality and social disturbances over the last 20 to 30 years, in part, to the intervention of monopolies in the economy.

This observation reiterates the need for regulatory oversight to address the excessive power of big tech companies. The analysis addresses the issue of tax payments by big tech companies in developing countries. It highlights the astonishingly high gross profit of companies like Amazon, which surpasses the GDP of many developing countries.

Yet, these companies object to paying taxes in countries such as Uganda, Nigeria, Kenya, Colombia, and Indonesia, where they operate and extract profit. This observation raises questions about the ethical responsibility of big tech companies towards the countries they operate in and the need for fair taxation.

In terms of digital development in developing countries, the analysis supports the use of digital public infrastructures for their economic benefit. It specifically mentions Deborah James’ advocacy for the idea that developing countries should utilise their own data for digital industrialization and for the overall public interest.

Lastly, the analysis emphasizes the importance of maintaining policy space for digitalization in the public interest. It suggests that binding rules in digital trading could lead to further consolidation of power and profit by the already super-wealthy. The hope is expressed that events discussing this topic will bring awareness to the potential risks involved in digital trading.

In conclusion, the analysis provides insights into the regulation of big tech corporations, highlighting the negative impacts of their malfeasance due to a lack of government oversight. It advocates for increased regulatory oversight and the involvement of civil society and trade unions in trade policies.

The analysis also raises concerns about limitations on government regulations, exemption of algorithms from oversight, and the need for fair taxation in developing countries. It emphasises the importance of digital public infrastructures for economic development and maintaining policy space for digitalization in the public interest.

Arguments

Big tech corporations are harnessing global trade rules to their advantage

Supporting facts:

• The digital two dozen principles on US Trade Representative’s website represented the wishlist of tech companies for binding international legislation.

• Trade negotiators often had no idea of the implications of what they were negotiating.

Topics: Global Trade, Big Tech, Regulations

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Current trade rules are not conducive for the digital development strategies of developing countries

Supporting facts:

• Developing countries have to rely on exceptions and phase-in periods for protections as the rules aren’t designed for them.

• Proposals from developing countries to amend rules are often left without co-sponsors.

Topics: Developing Countries, Digital Development, Trade Rules

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The US opposes digital services taxes instituted by other countries.

Supporting facts:

• US has imposed or threatened to impose retaliatory tariffs on exports from countries introducing digital services taxes.

• Tax exceptions in trade agreements are inconsistent and don’t deal with US unilateralism.

Topics: Taxation, Digital Services Tax, US Policy

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Report

According to the speakers, tech companies are taking advantage of global trade rules to serve their own interests. This sentiment is negative as it suggests that these corporations are using trade regulations to gain an unfair advantage. The wishlist of tech companies for binding international legislation, known as the digital two dozen principles on the US Trade Representative’s website, represents their desire for policies that align with their business goals.

This indicates that trade negotiators may not always fully understand the implications of the agreements they are negotiating. Moreover, developing countries argue that the current trade rules do not support their digital development strategies. They are forced to rely on exceptions and phase-in periods for protections, as the existing rules are not designed to cater to their specific needs.

Proposals from these countries to amend the rules often lack co-sponsors and do not receive sufficient attention. This further exacerbates the challenges faced by developing nations in terms of digital development. The clash between the understanding and regulation of data, especially concerning indigenous peoples’ knowledge, is another significant issue raised by one of the speakers.

The tribunal in New Zealand found that trade rules undermine the recognition and protection of Maori data sovereignty. This points to a need for an Indigenous peoples carve-out in global trade legislation, suggesting that there is a mismatch between the existing policies and the protection of indigenous knowledge.

The national security provisions within trade rules are seen as double-edged swords. While they are necessary for countries to protect against potential security risks posed by big tech companies, these provisions are also open to abuse. Essential security interests are being claimed over everything, which raises concerns about the potential misuse of these provisions.

Additionally, the US opposes digital services taxes implemented by other countries and has even imposed or threatened to impose retaliatory tariffs on exports. This creates inconsistency in tax exceptions within trade agreements and reflects US unilateralism in this context. The disagreement on digital services taxes highlights the complexity of international trade relationships and the challenges faced in reaching consensus on taxation matters.

In conclusion, there are several issues related to global trade rules and their impact on various aspects of the digital economy. Tech companies are seen to be leveraging these rules to benefit themselves, while developing countries face challenges in aligning these rules with their digital development strategies.

The clash between data regulation and indigenous rights further complicates the scenario. Additionally, national security provisions and disagreements over digital services taxes pose additional obstacles to achieving fair and balanced trade agreements. These discussions highlight the need for greater global cooperation and dialogue to address these challenges and create more inclusive and equitable trade regulations.

Arguments

The U.S. government has been slow in regulating emerging technologies for consumer protection and human rights

Supporting facts:

• Civil rights organizations and regulators have alarmed against the potential effects of source code provision on AI and right-to-repair policies.

• There are numerous cases of discrimination embedded in AI algorithms.

Topics: Emerging Technologies, Consumer Protection, Human Rights

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Big tech firms have used international trade negotiations to advance their deregulatory agenda

Supporting facts:

• In the U.S.-Mexico-Canada agreement and proposals at the World Trade Organization Joint Statement Initiative on e-commerce, big tech firms pushed for problematic digital trade provisions.

Topics: Big Tech, Trade Negotiations, Deregulation

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Report

This analysis examines various arguments and stances regarding emerging technologies, consumer protection, and human rights. One significant concern is the potential impact of source code provision on AI and right-to-repair policies, which has raised alarm among civil rights organizations and regulators.

Furthermore, there is a recognition of the prevalence of discrimination embedded in AI algorithms. Criticism is directed towards the US government for its perceived slow response in regulating emerging technologies to protect consumers and uphold human rights. This criticism suggests that the government has been slow in adapting policies to address the potential negative consequences of these technologies.

Moreover, scrutiny is placed on big tech firms for their influence in international trade negotiations, specifically in relation to digital trade provisions. It is argued that these firms have used trade negotiations to advance their deregulatory agenda, raising concerns about consumer protection and equal access to digital services.

This observation sheds light on the power dynamics and influence of big tech firms in shaping policy discussions. However, a positive development is seen in the US withdrawal of support for controversial digital trade provisions. This decision has been applauded by civil society organizations, small and medium-sized tech companies, and prominent members of Congress.

The withdrawal aligns with the administration’s and Congress’s goals to regulate big tech more effectively. This observation highlights the potential for policy changes that promote greater accountability and regulation of big tech companies. On the other hand, there is concern over big tech companies lobbying against domestic legislative efforts.

It is argued that these companies have undermined bipartisan attempts to pass privacy and competition legislation in Congress. This observation underscores the need to address the influence of big tech companies in shaping legislation and its potential consequences for democratic decision-making.

Overall, this analysis emphasizes the need for proactive regulation of emerging technologies, particularly in relation to consumer protection and human rights. It highlights the potential risks and challenges associated with the influence of big tech firms in policy discussions and the importance of addressing issues such as discrimination in AI algorithms.

The US government’s withdrawal of support for controversial digital trade provisions is seen as a positive step towards greater regulation and accountability. However, the lobbying activities of big tech companies are identified as problematic and potentially hindering the implementation of important legislation.

Arguments

Data flows are vital to the digital economy, and their governance should not always be left to the private sector. Governments may need to intervene.

Supporting facts:

• In the past, U.S. believed that the private sector should lead the digital economy. Now, they question if the government should govern data flows.

• Data flows, often seen as the ‘blood’ of the digital economy, might need government regulation.

Topics: Data flows, Digital Economy, Government Regulation

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Digital public infrastructures are layers of the digital stack, which are considered to be something of a commons or publicly owned, and allow better business and equitable private sector to exist.

Supporting facts:

• In India, there is a financial transactions switch, a public switch that everyone has to plug into. They have an e-commerce public switch called online network digital commerce which allows sellers, buyers, logistic providers to all get into one switch.

• EU has many projects and one of it is the health data space regulation which mandates that all health data of all private health clinics have to be put into a public grid. This is accessible to researchers, and startups in a very controlled manner.

Topics: Digital public infrastructures, Digital stack, Public Grid

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Forego the digital trade agreements route and go into a cooperation route.

Supporting facts:

• EU has a new project called Global Gateway, which includes digitalization and is stated to be highly value laden.

Topics: digital trade agreements, cooperation, Global Gateway

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Report

The analysis reveals several significant arguments and perspectives on the governance of data flows, digital trade agreements, and the role of digital public infrastructures. Firstly, there is a growing question about whether government intervention is necessary in the governance of data flows, which are considered crucial to the functioning of the digital economy.

Historically, the United States believed that the private sector should lead the digital economy, but there is now a shift in thinking. It is argued that governments may need to play a role in governing data flows, which are often referred to as the “blood” of the digital economy.

This viewpoint suggests that the private sector should not solely hold responsibility for data governance. In contrast, the analysis suggests that digital trade agreements may not be the most effective solution to address the current problems of digital trade and e-commerce.

While digital trade and e-commerce have been rapidly growing, there are no identified issues that these agreements specifically aim to solve. Moreover, it is argued that such agreements could potentially hinder certain valuable interconnections, such as the financial public switches between Singapore and India.

Another perspective is centered around the role of digital public infrastructures in promoting competition and reducing the dominance of big tech companies. For instance, in India, the government has implemented a platform that mandates interoperability among all digital payment systems.

This has stimulated competition and improved the digital payment landscape. It is argued that big tech companies have maintained their dominance by controlling the various infrastructures, and hence, the establishment of digital public infrastructures can help level the playing field.

On a similar note, digital public infrastructures are regarded as essential layers of the digital stack that should be considered as a commons or publicly owned. These infrastructures enable better business opportunities and equitable growth within the private sector. Notably, in India, public digital infrastructure includes a financial transactions switch, as well as an e-commerce public switch that facilitates integration between sellers, buyers, and logistics providers.

However, the analysis also highlights that most provisions of digital trade agreements do not align with the development of public digital infrastructure. Such agreements fail to accommodate the future needs of a digital economy where various sectors must operate on specific kinds of public digital infrastructure.

This critique suggests that digital trade agreements should incorporate provisions that support and foster the growth of public digital infrastructures. Furthermore, there is a call to explore alternative routes for cooperation instead of solely relying on digital trade agreements. For instance, the European Union has introduced the Global Gateway project, which aims to foster cooperation and digitalization.

This project is described as being highly value-laden and offers an alternative approach to address the challenges of the digital economy. Lastly, the analysis raises critical concerns about the EU’s Global Gateway project, suggesting the need for a fair and open digital system.

The call for a panel to critique the project and provide guidance on what a fair and open digital system should encompass indicates a cautious approach towards this initiative. In conclusion, the analysis highlights the need to consider the role of governments in the governance of data flows in the digital economy.

It suggests that digital trade agreements may not effectively solve the challenges of digital trade and e-commerce, and that digital public infrastructures are crucial for promoting competition and reducing the dominance of big tech companies. The analysis also emphasizes the importance of aligning digital trade agreements with the development of public digital infrastructures.

Additionally, it explores the potential of cooperation routes, such as the EU’s Global Gateway project. Nonetheless, there are critical views towards this project, which call for a fair and open digital system.

Arguments

Free trade agreement rules may not be beneficial for all businesses in Latin America, particularly those in the tech and data center industries

Supporting facts:

• In Latin America, there are many startups, known as ‘multi-Latinas’, which operate across the region and may struggle to compete with international companies

• Some companies, such as Argentina’s national data center company Arsat, could potentially benefit from regulations that insist on certain types of data being stored within the country

Topics: free trade agreement, Latin America, digital industry, artificial intelligence, data centers

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Latin America needs to formulate its own regional rules and strategies before engaging with international regulations

Supporting facts:

• Latin America is at a political and historical moment where it needs to think regionally

• Most of their digital companies are multi-Latinas, which operate across the region

Topics: Latin America, digital economy, regulations, strategies

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Need for regional integration in economic and political dialogue between Pacific Alliance and Mercosur

Supporting facts:

• Bolivia has recently joined the Mercosur

• Venezuela joined Mercosur a couple of years ago

Topics: Pacific Alliance, Mercosur, Regional Integration, Political Dialogue

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Criticality of taxation, cyber security, and accountability of AI and companies

Supporting facts:

• Countries have been subjected to large scale data leaks

• The lack of human resource in some countries to deal with technical issues

• Twitter has been been sold for the same amount that the Argentine government owes to the IMF

Topics: Taxation, Cyber Security, Accountability of AI

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Solidarity within the region in dealing with these issues

Supporting facts:

• Countries like Paraguay and Ecuador do not have the capacity to deal with technical issues

Topics: Regional Solidarity

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Report

The analysis presents various topics related to Latin America. One area of focus is the impact of free trade agreement rules on businesses in the tech and data center industries. It argues that these rules may not benefit all businesses in the region, particularly “multi-Latinas” startups that operate across Latin America and struggle to compete with international companies.

There is a suggestion that Latin America should develop its own regional rules and strategies before engaging with international regulations. This would give the region more control over its digital economy and address its unique needs and interests. Concerns are raised by civil society about free trade agreement rules negotiated within the World Trade Organization (WTO).

Nearly 70 organizations from across Latin America have expressed worries about these agreements, as well as the moratorium and JSON e-commerce negotiations. Civil society believes these agreements could limit their governments’ ability to protect citizens. Regional integration is seen as crucial in the economic and political dialogue between the Pacific Alliance and Mercosur.

Recent membership of countries like Bolivia and Venezuela in Mercosur is viewed positively as a step towards regional integration. The analysis emphasizes the importance of taxation, cyber security, and accountability of artificial intelligence (AI) and companies. Large-scale data leaks and a lack of human resources to address technical issues are significant challenges.

Additionally, the sale of Twitter for the same amount that the Argentine government owes to the International Monetary Fund highlights the need for proper taxation and accountability. The significance of regional solidarity in dealing with technical issues is underscored. Some countries in Latin America, such as Paraguay and Ecuador, do not have the capacity to handle these issues independently.

Collaboration and support within the region are vital. In conclusion, the analysis stresses the need for a regional approach in Latin America to address the challenges and opportunities of the digital economy. It emphasises thinking regionally and formulating specific regional rules and strategies.

The concerns of civil society regarding free trade agreements, along with the importance of regional integration and solidarity, should be considered. Finally, addressing issues such as taxation, cyber security, and accountability of AI and companies is crucial for the region’s sustainable development.