Digital Technologies in Intra-African Trade: A Bibliometric Analysis

Abstract

The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, adopted by the United Nations (UN) in 2015, includes 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) aimed at addressing global challenges and achieving a better and more sustainable future. Promoting goals 8 and 9 in Africa can significantly benefit intra-African trade where goal 8 is aimed at promoting sustained, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth, within Africa and goal 9 is at promoting inclusive and sustainable industrialization and fostering innovation, enhancing infrastructure and reducing the digital divide. Digital Technologies, inclusive of emerging technologies, have revolutionized global trade and simplified transactions between customers, regardless of geographical location. Emerging Technologies such as blockchain, artificial intelligence (AI), and the Internet of Things (IoT) can further transform digital trade, blockchain, for instance, enhances transparency and security in transactions, while AI and IoT optimise supply chain management. This research aims to explore the effects of digital technologies as applied in intra-African trading. By using a bibliometric analysis, the researcher seeks to understand the existing literature, identify key trends and gaps, and provide valuable insights for optimizing ICT in intra-African trade for sustainable development. The findings show the main themes analysed and recommendations on the digitalization of intra-African trade as well as provide some insights into implications for policy and practice. 

https://doi.org/10.59200/ICONIC.2024.019