Kenya is hosting a regional workshop aimed at strengthening the measurement of digital trade in services across COMESA member states. The two day training, taking place in Nairobi, is facilitated by experts from the World Trade Organization to support the development of accurate and harmonised digital trade statistics.
The programme focuses on helping member states correctly capture data on the growing volume of trade conducted through digital platforms. It also aims to clarify the difference between digital trade and traditional e commerce while examining global trends shaping cross border online transactions.
Speaking during the official opening, Wilson Kamali, Head of Statistics and Research at the COMESA Secretariat, said digital trade is reshaping the global economy. He noted that transactions carried out through digital systems are influencing how goods and services are produced, delivered and consumed.
Kamali added that digital innovation is lowering business costs, improving efficiency and increasing market reach for companies and entrepreneurs across Africa. Accurate statistical reporting is therefore viewed as a critical tool to help governments craft better policies and unlock new trade opportunities in the region.
Officers from the State Department for Trade are among the participants benefiting from the capacity building sessions. The workshop reflects broader efforts to ensure the region is well positioned to take advantage of an expanding digital economy.
