FinTech and the African Continental Free Trade Area: The Promise of Digital Financial Integration (Routledge Research on African Economics)

The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) represents a bold and historic step toward regional economic integration, offering potential for intra-African trade, job creation, and inclusive development.Yet, the success of this ambitious initiative hinges not only on tariff liberalisation and infrastructure development but also on the ability of African economies to build a cohesive and interoperable digital financial architecture. This book provides an in-depth and interdisciplinary examination of how financial technology (FinTech) can support the realisation of AfCFTA’s goals.It explores key pillars such as digital payment systems, mobile money interoperability, blockchain for trade finance and supply chains, digital identity and Know Your Customer (KYC) protocols, cybersecurity, and the harmonisation of regulatory frameworks.Drawing on diverse African case studies, the book highlights both opportunities and structural challenges in building a secure, inclusive, and innovative di