Journal Press India^®

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Digitalization transforms international trade by enhancing efficiency, communication, and supply chain coordination and reducing costs through e-commerce platforms, blockchains, and digital payment systems. In Africa, these tools address cross-border challenges, including lengthy customs procedures and information gaps, thereby expanding market access for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which constitute 90% of African businesses. This systematic review examines the impact of digital transformation on intra-African trade, highlighting efficiency gains and SME empowerment despite infrastructure, regulatory, cybersecurity, and capacity barriers to trade. The findings demonstrate that e-commerce platforms improve SMEs’ market access, enhance transparency and security, and reduce transaction costs by up to 30%, fostering trade growth, competitiveness, and regional integration. However, limited connectivity, fragmented regulations, cyber risks, and skill shortages have constrained the realization of these benefits. Realizing the potential of digital trade necessitates coordinated efforts to improve infrastructure, harmonize policies, strengthen cybersecurity measures, and boost digital literacy among SMEs.

Keywords

Digitalization; Cross-border trade; E-commerce platforms; Blockchain; Small and medium enterprises (SMEs)

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