Germany – General management consultancy services – 10035189-Advice on implementation of AfCFTA Digital Trade Protocol and technical inputs to related reforms; facilitation and dev

Tender description

The project "Pan-African e-Commerce Initiative 3 - Boosting African Digital Trade" (PeCI 3) is a regional technical cooperation project implemented by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) in the context of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). The project aims to strengthen an enabling environment for cross-border digital trade in Africa, with a particular focus on micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), including women-led businesses. PeCI 3 contributes to the BMZ"s core area "Sustainable Economic Development, Training and Employment" and supports it"s digital policy and Africa Strategy through the promotion of inclusive digital trade ecosystems, and public-private cooperation. The project builds on the achievements and partnerships established under the previous phases (PeCI 1 and PeCI 2). Earlier phases supported MSMEs in adopting e-commerce solutions and digital sales channels, strengthened intermediary organisations providing training and advisory services, facilitated public-private exchange on digital trade issues and contributed to regional approaches related to e-commerce, digital payments, consumer protection and electronic transactions. The project also strengthened cooperation with the East African Community (EAC), the Smart Africa Alliance (SAA) and the AfCFTA Secretariat. PeCI 3 supports implementation of the AfCFTA Digital Trade Protocol (DTP), adopted by the African Union in 2024, by strengthening structures, processes and cooperation mechanisms required for cross-border digital trade. The project addresses barriers affecting MSME participation in digital trade, including fragmented regulatory frameworks, limited interoperability of digital payment systems, logistics and last-mile delivery challenges, gaps in online consumer protection and limited coordination between public and private actors. Particular attention is given to barriers affecting women"s participation in digital trade ecosys

Eligibility criteria

The full eligibility and assessment pack is released with the tender documents.