Ghana will partner with several African countries to pilot a digital trade corridor aimed at boosting cross-border commerce and financial integration, Vice President Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang said on Wednesday.

Speaking at the 3i Africa Summit in Accra, Opoku-Agyemang said Ghana would work with countries including Rwanda and Zambia to test systems that enable seamless digital transactions across borders.

“Ghana will work with Rwanda, Zambia and other partners to pilot a continental digital trade corridor,” she said, adding that the programme would be implemented, tested and measured to ensure it can be scaled up.

The pilot will focus on mobile money interoperability, mutual recognition of digital identity for cross-border “know your customer” (KYC) processes, and harmonised electronic invoicing key components for a more integrated digital economy.

The initiative aligns with efforts under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which seeks to boost intra-African trade by reducing barriers and strengthening economic cooperation.

Analysts say one of the main obstacles to trade within Africa is the lack of interoperable financial systems, which raises costs and slows transactions between countries.

Opoku-Agyemang said the proposed corridor would address these gaps by creating systems that operate consistently across borders.

“Integration will be achieved through systems that work consistently across borders and at scale,” she said.

Africa has seen rapid growth in mobile money and digital payments over the past decade, but cross-border transactions remain fragmented, often involving multiple intermediaries and high fees.

By enabling interoperability and shared standards, policymakers hope the corridor will reduce friction for businesses, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises that depend on efficient payment systems.

Opoku-Agyemang said the pilot approach would allow participating countries to evaluate the system before expanding it across the continent.

“These pilots will be implemented, tested and measured to ensure they deliver efficient and scalable solutions,” she said.

Digital identity recognition is expected to play a central role, allowing individuals and businesses to verify credentials across jurisdictions without duplicating compliance processes.

Experts say such measures could improve access to finance and lower compliance costs, especially for firms operating in multiple African markets.

Opoku-Agyemang said the development of digital systems would shape Africa’s role in the global economy.

“The systems we build will determine whether Africa participates in the global digital economy on her own terms, or operates within frameworks defined elsewhere,” she said.

The three-day 3i Africa Summit, running from May 6 to May 8, has brought together policymakers, regulators, fintech firms and investors to discuss the future of financial technology on the continent.

Observers say the success of the initiative will depend on political commitment, regulatory alignment and sustained investment. If successful, the pilot could mark a significant step toward a more integrated African market, lowering trade barriers and improving efficiency in cross-border business.