1、Thematic Paper|Sub-Saharan Africa Policy|International Cooperation Bytes without Borders How Tech enables African Free TradeJust scan the QR code with your smartphone or tablet to open the digital version.english.bdi.eu/publication/news/bytes-without-bordersPublication2SummaryAfrican free trade has

2、the potential to become the key driver for the continents economic development.However,obstacles on the path to economic integration cannot be limited to trade barriers such as tariffs.Free trade needs proper cross-border infrastructure.New technologies and innovations can help to reduce infrastruct

3、ural deficits and can unleash the full potential of AfCFTA.In this regard,the question of who builds the infrastructure in Africa also has a profoundly geostrategic dimension.3The potential of pan-African free trade is undisputed The AfCFTA unites 54 African count-ries,aiming to boost incomes,reduce

4、 poverty,and attract investment across the continent.4The African Continental Free Trade Area(AfCFTA),which formally came into force in 2021,is one of the largest free trade areas in the world,encompassing 54 countries and 1.5 billion people,with the aim of creating a single African market(Statista,

5、2024).Forecasts predict a considerable increase in prosperity:Production factors such as labor and capital are allocated more efficiently,and consumers can choose from a wider range of products.The AfCFTA is expected to boost incomes by 450 billion US dollars by 2035 and lift 30 million Africans out

6、 of extreme poverty(African Union,N/A).In addition,larger markets and the free movement of capi-tal increase attractiveness for local and foreign investors.The AfCFTA is therefore of great importance for German industry,as the free trade area will open new sales markets,leading to a greater independ