MALAWI ON AFCFTA TRACK

Regional trade experts say the country is on the right path towards satisfying provisions in the Africa Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Digital Trade Protocol.

The remarks by Thokozani Ngwira, Trade Law Expert from the ESAMI- Trade Policy Training Centre in Africa (TRAPCA), have been made during the training workshop for the Academia, business players as well as the media on the protocol held in Blantyre on Friday.

The protocol, which is part of a larger agreement aimed at boosting trade between African countries, seeks to promote smooth trade on the digital space, to ensure economic growth among member states.

Speaking during the training, Ngwira noted that the country has already adopted the Data Protection Act, which is one of the key provisions in the protocol which participating member states need to satisfy.

On his part, Director of ICT in the Ministry of Trade and Industry, Patrick Machika, said authorities are committed to creating an enabling environment, including bridging the digital divide to ensure full utilisation of the protocol by the local traders.

(Reported by: Yamikani Achan Maganga)