Julius Debrah calls for integrated digital markets to boost African trade
Chief of Staff Julius Debrah has called for greater integration of Africa’s digital markets to facilitate cross-border trade, strengthen economic cooperation and create new opportunities for businesses across the continent.
He said African countries must move beyond operating as disconnected markets by developing interoperable payment systems, trusted digital identities, compatible regulations and simpler processes for cross-border digital trade.
Speaking at Mobex Africa 2026, held under the theme “Resetting Africa’s Digital Identity and Sovereignty: From Promise to Practice,” Mr Debrah stressed that digital sovereignty must complement, rather than undermine, economic integration.
“Africa’s digital future cannot be built as 54 disconnected markets,” he said. “We need interoperable payment systems, trusted digital identities, compatible rules, and easier cross-border digital trade. Digital sovereignty and economic integration are partners, not rivals. We must be sovereign enough to protect our people and open enough to connect our markets.”
He said stronger digital links between African economies would enable countries to harness technology to create jobs, expand businesses and increase exports, positioning the continent to benefit more fully from the digital economy.
Mr Debrah also identified Ghana’s political stability, youthful population and growing innovation ecosystem as key advantages in building competitive technology companies. He said the country’s hosting of the Secretariat of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) offered an additional opportunity to expand its presence in regional and global markets.
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