Arusha, Tanzania – 23 October 2025
Day 4 of the Regional Training Workshop on Navigating Cross-Border Trade of Agroecological Products immersed participants in the practical and policy dimensions of Africa’s evolving trade landscape. The sessions examined how the AfCFTA Protocols on Investment, Intellectual Property Rights (IPR), and Digital Trade serve as powerful enablers for agroecological transformation — and concluded with an insightful learning visit to the Namanga One-Stop Border Post (OSBP), where participants observed regional trade facilitation in action.
AfCFTA Investment Protocol — Catalysing Green and Inclusive Growth
The day began with a focus on the AfCFTA Investment Protocol, which sets the foundation for responsible, inclusive, and environmentally sustainable investment across Africa. Participants analysed how this framework promotes green growth, cross-border partnerships, and local value addition in agroecological sectors.
Key areas discussed included:
- Sustainable investment principles promoting eco-friendly agricultural practices and low-carbon value chains.
- Blended finance mechanisms and Public–Private Partnerships (PPPs) that can fund solar irrigation, organic fertiliser production, and eco-packaging ventures.
- Incentive structures encouraging investors to support women- and youth-led enterprises and agroecological cooperatives.
Participants concluded that aligning national investment frameworks with AfCFTA’s sustainability provisions can attract climate finance and enhance Africa’s competitiveness in global green markets
IPR, Investment, Digital Trade …
AfCFTA IPR Protocol — Protecting Biodiversity, Knowledge, and Innovation
The next session explored the AfCFTA Protocol on Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) as a key instrument for protecting Africa’s indigenous knowledge systems, biodiversity, and agroecological innovations. Participants discussed how IPR frameworks can empower local producers and communities by securing ownership of traditional and innovative practices.
Highlights included:
- Geographical Indications (GIs): Safeguarding distinct regional products such as Kilimanjaro Organic Coffee or Rwenzori Honey.
- Plant Variety Protection: Recognising farmers’ rights and ensuring equitable access to indigenous seed systems.
- Traditional Knowledge (TK) databases and registries: Documenting and protecting organic farming and seed-preservation techniques.
- Eco-certification marks and trademarks: Enhancing brand visibility and consumer trust for agroecological products.
AfCFTA Digital Trade Protocol — Connecting Africa’s Agroecological Markets
Participants then turned to the AfCFTA Digital Trade Protocol, which aims to accelerate Africa’s digital transformation and bridge the gap between small producers and regional markets.
They examined how digital solutions are transforming agroecological trade through:
- E-commerce platforms and mobile marketplaces that allow smallholders to sell products across borders.
- Mobile money systems, digital wallets, and fintech innovations that enable secure, fast, and traceable payments.
- Blockchain-based traceability systems ensuring transparency and authenticity for agroecological certification.
- Digital microloans and insurance services empowering farmers and MSMEs to scale sustainably.
Participants explored live examples of digital integration such as the EAC e-Trade Portal, the forthcoming AfCFTA Digital Gateway, and COMESA’s eSPS system, all designed to facilitate paperless, inclusive, and climate-smart trade across Africa
IPR, Investment, Digital Trade …
The session concluded that digitalisation is the bridge between inclusion and competitiveness — transforming how agroecological products reach consumers, attract finance, and build trust.
Key Takeaways
By the end of Day 4, participants had:
- Strengthened their understanding of AfCFTA’s Investment, IPR, and Digital Trade Protocols as enablers of sustainable agroecological markets.
- Identified opportunities for green investment, knowledge protection, and digital innovation across the EAC.