UNCTAD eWeek 2023

Arguments

Accessibility of financial services is a significant barrier for women

Supporting facts:

• Mobile penetration is high across Africa, but banking is less prevalent.

• Women are less banked than men.

Topics: Digitalization, Mobile penetration, Banking, Unbanked population

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Private companies, with government cooperation, can facilitate digitalization and increase accessibility.

Supporting facts:

• Organizations such as RAINN partner with the government to increase digitalization.

• Google made a 1 billion dollar pledge for digitalization in Africa.

• Microsoft opened a tech hub in Kenya and Nigeria.

Topics: Digitalization, Partnerships, Government policies, Tech companies

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Flexible payment solutions and financial products should be designed and offered to cater diverse needs of women.

Supporting facts:

• PayU offers diverse payment options, including cash and ‘pay later’ solutions.

• The uptake of flexible payment services is more prevalent among women.

Topics: Payment options, Financial accessibility, Inclusivity

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Inclusive hiring practices should be implemented within all private companies.

Topics: Employment, Gender equality, Inclusivity

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Karen’s company PayU is working towards financial inclusion and digitilization for women

Supporting facts:

• PayU tailors its hiring policies to attract more women.

• PayU has mentorship and monitoring programs to retain and grow women in their company.

• PayU has learnership programs for women.

Topics: Digital Inclusion, e-commerce, Financial Inclusion, Gender Equality

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PayU sponsors learnership programs that train women in digital skills and prepare them for positions in tech companies

Supporting facts:

• PayU partners with women-led organizations who conduct these trainings

• Some of the trainees are hired by PayU or are ready for similar roles in the market

Topics: Women empowerment, Digital skills, Learnership programs, Tech companies

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PayU, partners with Grinstone and NASPAs, sponsors 100 female-led businesses and provides a skills development workshop

Supporting facts:

• Employees get involved in the workshops

• Training is provided on e-commerce, payments and other required skills

Topics: Women entrepreneurship, Skills development, Sponsorship

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The process of selling online can be overwhelming for women-led businesses

Supporting facts:

• Activities like setting up a website, marketing, contacting delivery companies are involved in online selling

• These activities require significant investment which can be a hurdle

Topics: Women entrepreneurship, Online business, E-commerce

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Workshops for women should be need-specific and targeted

Supporting facts:

• Worked with groups of women for different needs

• Runs a large program with Grindstone and Nespers that supports 100 entrepreneurs

• Provides information on varying aspects like e-commerce, payments, financial planning.

Topics: Women Empowerment, Technology Education, E-commerce, Network Building

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Access to technology is critical but people might not know where to go

Supporting facts:

• While many initiatives exist, there lacks centralized information about access to technology

Topics: Access to Technology, Information Dissemination

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No one should be left behind, public and private organizations should be representative of the demographic

Supporting facts:

• Karin Nadasen comes from South Africa, a country with a history of inequalities

Topics: Inclusivity, Diversity

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Report

The analysis explores the barriers and solutions surrounding gender equality and financial inclusion in Africa. One significant barrier highlighted is the lower prevalence of banking among women compared to men. This disparity in banking access creates a significant obstacle for women in accessing financial services and limits their economic empowerment.

The analysis also emphasises the importance of private companies in facilitating digitisation and increasing accessibility to financial services. Organisations like RAINN partner with the government to promote digitisation, while Google and Microsoft have made substantial investments in technology infrastructure in Africa.

These collaborations between private companies and governments demonstrate how public-private partnerships can contribute to bridging the digital divide and improving financial inclusion. Flexible payment solutions are another key aspect discussed in the analysis. PayU offers diverse payment options, including cash and ‘pay later’ solutions, catering to the diverse needs of women.

The uptake of flexible payment services is shown to be more prevalent among women, which further underlines the importance of designing and offering financial products that cater to their needs. Inclusive hiring practices are also highlighted as crucial for facilitating gender equality and financial inclusion.

The analysis underscores the need for implementing such practices within all private companies. PayU, for instance, tailors its hiring policies to attract more women and has mentorship and monitoring programmes in place to retain and promote women within the company.

Additionally, PayU sponsors learnership programmes that train women in digital skills and prepare them for positions in tech companies, contributing to their economic empowerment. The analysis also sheds light on the challenges faced by women-led businesses in the online selling sphere.

Activities such as setting up a website, marketing, and contacting delivery companies require significant investment, which can be a hurdle for women entrepreneurs. To address this, the analysis emphasises the necessity of educating women and providing them with more opportunities to sell online.

Various options for selling online, such as using e-commerce platforms or selling through social media, are available, and it is important to provide information about these options to women, enabling them to make informed decisions. Access to technology and network building are identified as critical factors in promoting gender equality.

While many initiatives exist to increase access to technology, there remains a lack of centralised information on where to access such technology. The analysis suggests that public and private organisations should be representative of the demographic, supporting the notion that no one should be left behind.

The analysis concludes by emphasising the importance of representation and inclusivity in organisations. By being representative and inclusive, public and private organisations can contribute to breaking down gender barriers and promoting the inclusion of women. This aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals of gender equality (SDG 5) and reduced inequalities (SDG 10).

Overall, the analysis provides valuable insights into the barriers and solutions related to gender equality and financial inclusion in Africa. It highlights the crucial role of private companies in driving digitisation and increasing accessibility to financial services. Additionally, it emphasises the need for flexible payment solutions, inclusive hiring practices, educational opportunities, access to technology, and network building to achieve gender equality and financial inclusion.

Arguments

African Continental Free Trade Area (AFCFTA) protocol on digital trade is instrumental in promoting women’s participation in digital trade or e-commerce

Supporting facts:

• Negotiations on the AFCFTA protocol on digital trade are currently ongoing

• Most SMEs in Africa are run by women

• Articles promoting cross-border data transfers and digital payments can benefit women traders

Topics: AFCFTA, digital trade, e-commerce, women empowerment

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There is a digital divide in Africa with women lagging behind in internet access

Supporting facts:

• The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) data for 2022 shows that 46% of men had access to the internet compared to just 34% of women

Topics: digital divide, internet access, gender gap

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Importance of implementation of the AFCFTA

Supporting facts:

• When talking about implementation, it relates to domesticating the articles from the various protocols, to ensure that our countries are translated to the relevant rules and legislations that will be important in supporting digital trade.

Topics: AFCFTA, Digital Trade, Legislation, Domestication, Protocol, Policy makers

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Report

The AFCFTA protocol on digital trade is seen as instrumental in promoting women’s participation in e-commerce. It is argued that including provisions for digital infrastructure, cross-border data transfers, and digital payments can benefit women-led SMEs. Negotiations are ongoing to develop this protocol, focusing on articles promoting cross-border data transfers and digital payments.

Supporting facts include ongoing negotiations for the AFCFTA protocol on digital trade. Additionally, it is stated that most SMEs in Africa are run by women, and providing favorable conditions for digital trade would benefit women entrepreneurs. The ability to transfer data and facilitate digital payments can be advantageous for women traders.

However, there is a digital divide in Africa, particularly concerning internet access. Data from the ITU shows that men have higher internet access compared to women, indicating a gap that limits women’s participation in digital trade. To address specific barriers, negotiations are underway for a protocol for women and youth in trade.

This protocol aims to tackle issues like access to finance and cultural barriers. Implementing the AFCFTA is crucial for harnessing its benefits. Domesticating the articles from various protocols is important to ensure the support needed for digital trade. Advocacy efforts for the AFCFTA are necessary as many people are unaware of its advantages.

Increased awareness and understanding are needed to encourage support for the AFCFTA. In conclusion, the AFCFTA protocol on digital trade promotes women’s participation in e-commerce. Provisions for digital infrastructure, cross-border data transfers, and digital payments can benefit women-led SMEs. However, the digital divide and specific barriers hinder women’s participation.

Implementing the AFCFTA and increasing advocacy are important for harnessing its benefits.

Arguments

Women in Egypt face barriers to digital entrepreneurship

Supporting facts:

• Lack of digital skills, payment process fears, and insufficient soft skills are cited as primary barriers

• Women in rural areas are often unaware of how to access the internet

Topics: Digital entrepreneurship, Barriers, Women in business

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Lobna Mansour’s startup provides services to entrepreneurs, especially women in rural Egypt.

Supporting facts:

• They provide capacity building programs to improve entrepreneurs’ soft skills.

• They offer programs to enhance entrepreneurs’ digital skills.

• They help entrepreneurs understand payment methods in Egypt.

• They help entrepreneurs establish an online presence, market their products and manage their budget.

Topics: Entrepreneurship, Women empowerment, Rural Development

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Lobna Mansour’s startup provides many programs for entrepreneurs, particularly women

Supporting facts:

• Lobna mentions the activities of her startup that focus on supporting entrepreneurs, with a special emphasis on women

Topics: Entrepreneurship, Women Empowerment

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Her startup provides tech-specialized courses like big data and artificial intelligence

Supporting facts:

• Lobna terms the provision of courses in fields such as big data and artificial intelligence as vital to keeping entrepreneurs up-to-date and knowledgeable about new technologies

Topics: Technology, Education

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There’s a need for well-equipped venues where women can receive training

Topics: gender equality, education, digitalization

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More access for women is required

Topics: gender equality, access, women empowerment

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Need for more access to equipment and technology for women

Topics: gender equality, digital equality, access to technology

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Specific courses in digitalization for women are required

Topics: gender equality, education, digital literacy

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Report

Women in Egypt face various barriers to digital entrepreneurship, including a lack of digital skills, fears around payment processes, and insufficient soft skills. Additionally, many women in rural areas are unaware of how to access the internet. However, the e-commerce market in Egypt offers significant potential for women, with high rates of internet and mobile phone usage in the country.

Online platforms can provide cost-effective and easier management solutions for women looking to start their own businesses. To address these barriers, there is a need for digital skill development and training, focusing not only on technical skills but also on soft skills such as marketing and budgeting.

These skills are crucial for running a successful business in the digital era. Lobna Mansour, through her startup, actively works to provide services to entrepreneurs, particularly women in rural Egypt. Their focus is on capacity building, digital literacy, and helping entrepreneurs establish an online presence.

They also offer programs to enhance digital skills and provide an understanding of payment methods. Lobna Mansour believes that keeping entrepreneurs up-to-date with new technologies is essential. Her startup emphasizes the importance of specialized courses in fields like big data and artificial intelligence.

These courses help entrepreneurs stay knowledgeable and relevant in a rapidly evolving digital landscape. In conclusion, promoting gender equality in entrepreneurship requires providing women with more access to training venues, technology equipment, and specific courses in digitalization. By addressing the barriers faced by women in Egypt, such as a lack of skills and financial literacy, we can create an environment that fosters entrepreneurial growth and empowers women to participate in the digital economy.

Arguments

E-commerce offers numerous benefits to developed and developing countries and can serve as a potent tool in empowering women.

Supporting facts:

• E-commerce can reduce the barrier to entry by lowering the capital needed to launch enterprises and by enhancing productivity. It helps improve the economic inclusion of women by offering more flexibility in running an enterprise.

• Global e-commerce sales reached approximately 5.2 trillion dollars in 2021 and 2022 and are expected to grow to over 8 trillion dollars by 2026.

Topics: e-commerce, women empowerment

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African businesses, specifically MSMEs risk being left behind if they do not adopt e-commerce.

Supporting facts:

• Increased internet penetration and mobile adoption in Africa presents a great opportunity for MSMEs to leverage online sales.

• Unless these enterprises accelerate the use of e-commerce they face a risk of being left behind.

Topics: e-commerce, African MSMEs

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E-commerce can substantially contribute to Africa’s GDP and has the potential to bring gender parity in sales.

Supporting facts:

• According to UNCTAD, digital e-commerce could add $180 billion to Africa’s GDP by 2025.

• Another study indicates that if women’s e-commerce sales could reach parity with men by 2025, the sector could add nearly $15 billion to the African market.

Topics: e-commerce, GDP growth, gender equality

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There are common challenges and barriers hindering women from benefiting from digitalization and e-commerce

Supporting facts:

• Women lack digital skills which hinder them from reaching more customers and increasing their sales

• Women in rural places do not know how to access the internet hindering them from using social media platforms

• Many women are afraid to use online payment methods due to perceived risks

• Lack of soft skills like marketing and business management skills

Topics: Barriers for women, Challenges for Women, Digitalization, E-Commerce

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Financing and lack of skills are a key problem for women entrepreneurs in Kenya, similar to South Africa and Egypt.

Supporting facts:

• Businesses owned by women in Kenya often remain small due to limited finance and lack of skills.

Topics: women entrepreneurs, financing, skills

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Access to bigger markets is a problem plaguing many women-driven small businesses.

Topics: women entrepreneurs, market access, small businesses

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Lack of knowledge on deciding target audience for a product, marketing strategies, and lack of robust supportive infrastructure for payments and logistics create difficulties for women entrepreneurs.

Topics: women entrepreneurs, marketing, logistics

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UNCTAD is playing a key role in the development of e-commerce in Africa

Supporting facts:

• UNCTAD conducts e-readiness assessment and e-commerce strategies for different countries

• There’s a need for targeted support around digital skills to boost the adoption of e-commerce in African markets

• More women are comfortable with using social media to conduct business

Topics: UNCTAD, E-commerce, Digital Skills

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The AFCFTA digital protocol and the protocol on women and youth in trade are significant steps towards supporting women in Africa working in e-commerce

Supporting facts:

• The protocol aims to overcome challenges faced by women in e-commerce

• The protocol will likely have a significant impact on women over the coming years

Topics: AFCFTA digital protocol, Protocol on women and youth in trade, e-commerce, women empowerment

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Karen Nadasen’s organization has hiring policies tailored to attract more women and various programs to retain and grow them once they are hired.

Supporting facts:

• Hiring policies are specifically geared towards attracting more women.

• There are placement programs, internal mentorship and monitoring programs, and learnership programs specifically for women.

Topics: women in tech, diversity in workplace, equal opportunity

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Interested to know about the impactful services from Pauline

Supporting facts:

• Nagwa Ibrahim inquires about the most influential service that is provided to women through Pauline’s e-marketplace.

Topics: E-Commerce, Women Empowerment, E-Marketplace

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Internet access should be made accessible and affordable

Supporting facts:

• Data is expensive and everything is moving towards being digital

Topics: Technology, Digital Economy, Internet Access

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Establish and maintain strong networks and mentorship

Supporting facts:

• Platforms like e-commerce week are essential for networking and learning from others’ experiences

Topics: Mentorship, Networking

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Women should be put in the center of the e-commerce and digitalization strategy

Topics: Women empowerment, E-commerce, Digitalization strategy

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Monitoring is essential to assess the remaining challenges and potential future initiatives

Topics: Monitoring, Assessment

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Report

The discussions focused on the impact of e-commerce on women empowerment in Africa. E-commerce was seen as a powerful tool that can empower women by reducing barriers to entry and enhancing their economic inclusion. It offers flexibility in running enterprises and lowers the capital needed to start businesses, making it more accessible for women entrepreneurs.

E-commerce has the potential to bring about gender parity in sales and contribute significantly to Africa’s GDP. Additionally, increased internet penetration and mobile adoption in Africa provide a substantial opportunity for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to leverage online sales.

However, many African businesses, particularly MSMEs, are at risk of being left behind if they do not adopt e-commerce. Therefore, the adoption of e-commerce is crucial for the growth and survival of African enterprises. Several challenges and barriers hinder women from benefiting from digitalization and e-commerce.

Many women lack the necessary digital skills to reach more customers and increase their sales. Limited access to the internet, especially in rural areas, further hampers their ability to leverage social media platforms for business purposes. Moreover, women often have concerns about online payment methods due to perceived risks.

Additionally, the lack of soft skills like marketing and business management further limits their success in e-commerce. Addressing these barriers is crucial for ensuring women’s financial inclusion and allowing them to benefit from digital skills. Women entrepreneurs in Kenya face challenges related to financing and lack of skills, which hinder their business growth.

Similar problems were identified in South Africa and Egypt. Access to bigger markets is another issue plaguing many women-driven small businesses. Furthermore, women entrepreneurs often lack the knowledge and support to make informed decisions about target audiences, marketing strategies, and have limited access to supportive infrastructure for payments and logistics.

UNCTAD was recognized for its role in the development of e-commerce in Africa, conducting e-readiness assessments and implementing e-commerce strategies in different countries. Targeted support around digital skills is crucial for boosting the adoption of e-commerce in African markets. Notably, more women feel comfortable using social media to conduct business, highlighting the importance of providing them with the necessary tools and training.

The AFCFTA digital protocol and the protocol on women and youth in trade were seen as significant steps towards supporting women in the African e-commerce sector. These protocols aim to overcome the challenges faced by women in e-commerce and are expected to have a significant impact in the coming years.

The discussions also emphasized the need for greater advancement in financial inclusion and digitalization for women in Africa. It was noted that hiring policies and programs tailored towards attracting and retaining more women in the workplace are essential. Establishing and maintaining strong networks and mentorship programs were also seen as crucial for women’s empowerment and success in e-commerce.

Promoting women’s participation in e-commerce through a digital trade protocol was highlighted as a positive step towards achieving gender equality. The services that e-marketplaces provide to women were deemed impactful in facilitating their participation in e-commerce businesses. It was recognized that internet access should be made accessible and affordable to ensure equal opportunities for all.

Additionally, monitoring was deemed essential in assessing the remaining challenges and identifying potential future initiatives to further support women empowerment and digitalization efforts. In conclusion, while e-commerce offers significant opportunities for women empowerment in Africa, there are barriers and challenges that need to be addressed to ensure women’s financial inclusion and success in the digital economy.

By tackling issues such as limited access to digital skills, internet connectivity, financing, and market access, African countries can unlock the full potential of e-commerce and create an inclusive and thriving business environment for women.

Arguments

Financing and skills training are the main barriers in Kenya for women to benefit from digitalization

Supporting facts:

• Women have difficulty accessing finance

• Women often lack the skills needed for digital business or e-commerce

Topics: financing, digital skills, digitalization, e-commerce

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Market access is a significant obstacle for women in small businesses

Supporting facts:

• Women in small businesses have a limited customer base, preventing their businesses from growing

• Healthy supportive infrastructure in terms of payment and logistics are lacking

Topics: market access, small businesses, online platform, consumers

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Strategies for accessing wider markets can help women in business to thrive

Supporting facts:

• Women in business need knowledge on creating the right product for wider markets and accessing such markets

• There’s a need for infrastructure support in terms of payment and logistics

Topics: market access, strategies, business growth

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Omawa Africa provides a platform for women, particularly in the handicrafts industry, to access wider markets and grow their businesses

Supporting facts:

• The platform uses e-commerce technology to handle transactions and logistics as the business grows

• 70% of handicraft makers, the platform’s main focus, are women

Topics: e-commerce, market access, women’s entrepreneurship, handicraft industry

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Private companies are enabling wider access to technology by providing a marketplace for craft space, which allows entrepreneurs to access larger markets without having to build a website from scratch

Supporting facts:

• Small Africa is a platform that provides a marketplace for craft space in Africa

• Google and Amazon Web Services provide credits to small, women-led organizations for building infrastructure

• Platforms such as Jumia, Amazon and Etsy allow entrepreneurs to access global markets

Topics: Small Africa, Craft Space, E-commerce, Amazon, Jumia, Etsy

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Need for policies to regulate and improve internet access

Supporting facts:

• Data is expensive

• Everything is moving to being digital

Topics: digital economy, internet access, technology, policy

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Report

The main barriers for women in Kenya to benefit from digitalisation are financing and skills training. Many women face difficulties accessing finance, which limits their ability to invest in digital business or e-commerce ventures. Additionally, there is a lack of skills needed for these digital ventures, further hindering women’s participation in the digital economy.

In the realm of small businesses, market access is a significant obstacle for women. They often have a limited customer base, preventing their businesses from growing. Furthermore, women in small businesses lack the necessary infrastructure support in terms of payment and logistics, which hampers their ability to expand and thrive.

However, strategies for accessing wider markets and infrastructure support can serve as a catalyst for women in business to thrive. Women need knowledge on creating the right products for wider markets and accessing such markets. With the right strategies and support, women can overcome barriers and tap into larger markets.

E-commerce platforms, particularly social media, have been instrumental in promoting business growth for women. However, these platforms can only take businesses up to a certain level. As businesses scale up, handling transactions and logistics require more advanced technology and digital skills.

Private companies are playing a crucial role in enabling wider access to technology. Marketplaces such as Small Africa provide a platform for craft space in Africa, allowing entrepreneurs, particularly women, to access larger markets without having to build a website from scratch.

Additionally, companies like Google and Amazon Web Services offer credits to small, women-led organisations for building infrastructure, further empowering women in business. On the other hand, public companies might be less effective in providing access to e-commerce technologies. Policies are essential to regulate and improve internet access, which serves as the backbone of the digital economy.

Currently, data is expensive, limiting access for many. It is crucial to make internet access affordable and accessible to bridge the digital divide, ensuring that all individuals, regardless of their economic background, can participate in the digital economy. In conclusion, financing and skills training are the main barriers for women in Kenya to benefit from digitalisation.

However, strategies for accessing wider markets, infrastructure support, and the involvement of private companies can help women in business succeed. Additionally, policies are needed to regulate and improve internet access to ensure a more inclusive digital economy. By addressing these challenges, women can fully participate in and benefit from the digital revolution, driving economic growth and gender equality.

Arguments

African women entrepreneurs face challenges such as lack of digital skills and access to finance.

Supporting facts:

• The challenges women entrepreneurs face in ECOWAS region, Egypt and Kenya are broadly similar.

• More women are comfortable with the use of social media to conduct business due to lack of other digital skills.

Topics: Women Entrepreneurs, Digital skills, Access to finance

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Digital skills are important but should be tailored to the specific needs of women and businesses

Supporting facts:

• Targeting women who are leading within different industries and in need of extra support can help scale up their works

• Women enterprises know the challenges and the market, thus can create adaptable programs

Topics: Digital Skills, Women Empowerment, Entrepreneurship

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Mentorship programs and business collaborations are effective in promoting women-led businesses

Supporting facts:

• Linking up businesses with each other allows for sharing of experience and brainstorming of ideas

• Collaboration allows businesses to explore new markets and increase their visibility

Topics: Mentorship, Collaboration, Women-led Business

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Importance of evidence-based policy interventions in e-commerce for women

Supporting facts:

• Need to understand and measure women’s specific needs in different spaces

• Businesses are different, women are different

• Copying and pasting the same policy plan in every environment does not work

Topics: Evidence-based policy, e-commerce, Women in business, Interventions

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Report

African women entrepreneurs in the ECOWAS region, Egypt, and Kenya face challenges such as a lack of digital skills and access to finance. One notable finding is that due to the lack of necessary digital skills, many women resort to using social media platforms for business operations.

This highlights the need for targeted support to bridge the digital skills gap and foster e-commerce growth in African markets. The study identified a specific skill gap in business skills relevant to e-commerce, implying that targeted support can significantly enhance the adoption of e-commerce among women entrepreneurs.

In addition, the importance of digital skills is emphasized, but it is crucial to tailor these skills to the unique needs of women entrepreneurs and their businesses. By targeting women in leadership positions across various industries and providing them with extra support, their work can be effectively scaled up.

Women-led enterprises have a deep understanding of the challenges they face and possess market insights, enabling them to create adaptable programs that address their specific needs. Mentorship programs and business collaborations have proven highly effective in promoting women-led businesses. Connecting businesses allows for the sharing of experiences and ideas, fostering a collaborative environment that brings forth new opportunities to explore markets and increase visibility.

Furthermore, evidence-based policy interventions play a crucial role in supporting women in e-commerce. To effectively support women entrepreneurs, it is essential to understand and measure their specific needs in different contexts. The study emphasizes that every business and every woman is unique, advocating for tailored interventions instead of a generic, one-size-fits-all policy approach.

Copying and pasting the same policy plan in every environment does not yield desirable results. Therefore, evidence-based interventions tailored to different environments are vital for successfully supporting women in e-commerce. In summary, African women entrepreneurs encounter challenges such as a lack of digital skills and access to finance.

It is necessary to provide targeted support to bridge the digital skills gap and foster e-commerce growth in African markets. Digital skills should be tailored to the specific needs of women and their businesses. Mentorship programs and business collaborations are effective in promoting women-led businesses.

Evidence-based policy interventions in e-commerce play a vital role in supporting women, emphasizing the importance of unique interventions tailored to different environments.

Arguments

Address issues to move towards a more secure, resilient, inclusive and sustainable Latin American digital market

Supporting facts:

• Review the main advances in the creation of a regional digital market in Latin America.

• Discuss the achievements in the regulations of cross-border electronic commerce in trade agreements in the region.

Topics: digital trade, resilience, digital market, Latin America

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Fabiola Wüst Zibetti expresses gratitude for the participation and involvement of multiple stakeholders in the discussion about cross-border e-commerce regulation in Latin America.

Supporting facts:

• Multiple stakeholders including the private sector, academic sector, ECLAC sector, and the public sector were involved in the session.

• Discussions also included trade agreements and electronic commerce issues.

Topics: Regulation of Cross-border e-commerce, Multi-stakeholder perspective, Latin America

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Report

During the discussion, the speakers, including Juliana Domingues, Nicolás Albertoni, Ximena Olmos, Inácio Sánchez, and Sofia Canevesi, expressed their gratitude for their valuable presence. The focus of the discussion was on the main advances in creating a regional digital market in Latin America and the achievements in regulating cross-border electronic commerce in trade agreements.

The speakers highlighted the importance of addressing issues to move towards a more secure, resilient, inclusive, and sustainable Latin American digital market. They acknowledged the progress made in the region in terms of digital trade, resilience, and digital market development.

This is in alignment with SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure, SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities, and SDG 17: Partnership for the Goals. The session also involved multiple stakeholders, including the private sector, academic sector, ECLAC sector, and the public sector. It was encouraging to see the involvement of these diverse stakeholders, as it signifies a collaborative approach in addressing cross-border e-commerce regulation in Latin America.

The discussions also covered trade agreements and electronic commerce issues, emphasizing the importance of a multi-stakeholder perspective. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth and SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure are relevant to these discussions. Fabiola Wüst Zibetti expressed gratitude for the participation and involvement of multiple stakeholders in the discussion on cross-border e-commerce regulation.

She emphasized the need to continue these discussions and indicated an open and continuing stance towards dialogue on cross-border e-commerce and its regulations. This highlights the importance of ongoing collaboration and knowledge-sharing in advancing cross-border e-commerce in Latin America. In conclusion, the discussion session focused on the main advances in creating a regional digital market and the achievements in regulating cross-border electronic commerce in trade agreements in Latin America.

The presence of multiple stakeholders and the interest expressed by Fabiola Wüst Zibetti in continuing the discussions signifies the commitment towards further developing these issues. It is evident that there is a shared vision for a more secure, resilient, inclusive, and sustainable Latin American digital market, and ongoing dialogue and collaboration are crucial in achieving this goal.

Arguments

Stresses the importance of discussing regulation of cross-border e-commerce in Latin America from different multi-stakeholder perspective

Supporting facts:

• Stressed that the discussions included perspectives of private sector, academic sector, ECLAC sector, and public sector represented by Nicholas Albertoni

Topics: Regulation, cross-border e-commerce, Latin America, multi-stakeholder perspective

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Report

The discussions regarding the regulation of cross-border e-commerce in Latin America emphasized the importance of approaching the topic from a multi-stakeholder perspective. It was stressed that including various sectors in these discussions, such as the private sector, academic sector, ECLAC sector, and the public sector as represented by Nicholas Albertoni, was crucial for a comprehensive understanding and effective regulation.

By engaging stakeholders from different sectors, a wide range of perspectives and expertise were brought to the table. This multi-stakeholder approach ensured that the discussions were inclusive and representative of various interests and concerns. It also helped foster collaboration among different actors involved in cross-border e-commerce regulation in Latin America.

Furthermore, there is significant interest in further developing issues related to the integration of electronic commerce into trade agreements and internet governance. This indicates an acknowledgment of the growing importance of e-commerce in international trade and the need to address the associated legal and regulatory challenges.

By highlighting this interest, it is evident that stakeholders recognize the potential benefits of integrating e-commerce into trade agreements and the significance of effective internet governance for its sustainable growth. From an analytical perspective, these discussions align with several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure), and SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions).

This suggests that stakeholders recognize the potential of regulating cross-border e-commerce to contribute to achieving these goals. It also reflects the growing recognition of the interconnectedness between economic development, innovation, and the establishment of effective institutional frameworks. In conclusion, the discussions on regulating cross-border e-commerce in Latin America took into account the viewpoints of different stakeholders, ensuring a comprehensive understanding and collaboration among various sectors.

The interest in further developing issues related to including electronic commerce in trade agreements and internet governance signifies the importance of driving economic growth and achieving sustainable development. The alignment of these discussions with relevant SDGs further strengthens the significance of the multi-stakeholder approach and the contribution of cross-border e-commerce regulation towards broader development goals.

Arguments

Strong need for transparency in data treatment and consumer protection in the digital age

Supporting facts:

• Growth of e-commerce and digital platforms

• Demand for high transparency in data treatment

• Vulnerability in digital markets across all generations, social and economic backgrounds

• Enactment of new law in Brazil regarding data protection in 2020

• Consumer data incidents handled through collaboration with Brazilian Data Protection Authority

Topics: Consumer Protection, Data Treatment, Digital Market

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Technological platforms can serve as effective tools in resolving consumer disputes

Supporting facts:

• Consumidor.gov.br, a direct communication platform between consumers and providers that resolved more than 3 million cases during the pandemic

• Effective incorporation of specific digital platforms and online marketplaces into Consumidor.gov.br

Topics: Dispute Resolution, Digital Platforms, Consumer Protection

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Report

Consumer protection and data treatment in the digital age have become increasingly important due to the growth of e-commerce and digital platforms. This has resulted in a high demand for transparency in how data is treated and protected. It is crucial to address the vulnerabilities present in digital markets, which affect individuals from all generations and social backgrounds.

In Brazil, a significant step was taken in 2020 with the enactment of a new law regarding data protection. This law aims to ensure that consumer data is treated and handled in a secure manner. To handle consumer data incidents, collaboration with the Brazilian Data Protection Authority has been established.

This collaboration is essential in resolving any issues that may arise and in upholding consumer rights. Technological platforms have proven to be effective tools in resolving consumer disputes. Consumidor.gov.uk, in particular, has facilitated direct communication between consumers and providers.

During the pandemic, this platform resolved over 3 million cases, showcasing its effectiveness in addressing consumer concerns. Incorporating specific digital platforms and online marketplaces into Consumidor.gov.uk further enhances its dispute resolution capabilities. Investing in consumer education and empowerment is of utmost importance, especially for vulnerable groups.

This investment aims to mitigate the risks associated with scams and abusive practices in digital markets. Individuals belonging to certain groups, such as elders, low-income citizens, and those with disabilities, may be more vulnerable to internet services and products. Therefore, it is crucial to provide them with the necessary knowledge and skills to navigate the digital landscape safely.

International cooperation plays a vital role in shaping a healthy digital environment. Through bilateral agreements, countries like Brazil have been able to establish technical cooperation with Uruguay and Argentina. This cooperation allows for collaborative efforts in addressing cross-border consumer conflicts.

Moreover, involving civil society in the democratic process is essential to ensure that diverse perspectives are considered and consumer rights are protected. In conclusion, transparency in data treatment and consumer protection are crucial in the digital age. The growth of e-commerce and digital platforms has heightened the need for clear regulations and secure data handling practices.

By investing in consumer education, resolving disputes through technological platforms, and fostering international cooperation, we can create a safer digital environment that protects and empowers consumers.

Arguments

E-commerce is relevant for Uruguay’s domestic business

Supporting facts:

• 91% of Uruguayan companies have an internet presence and with online sales of their products or services.

• In 2022, there was an average growth of 51% online sales companies compared to previous years.

Topics: E-commerce

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Mercosur is taking steps to establish a legal framework of e-commerce

Supporting facts:

• A decision of Mercosur in 2020 was the first step towards a legal framework

• E-commerce chapter included in Mercosur and Singapore agreement

• E-commerce is a part of conversations with the European Union and Canada

Topics: E-commerce, Legal framework, Mercosur, Trade agreement

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Report

Uruguay has witnessed a significant rise in e-commerce, with an impressive 91% of companies in the country now having an online presence and conducting online sales of their products or services. The growth in online sales has been substantial, with a remarkable 51% average increase observed in 2022 compared to previous years.

Notably, Mercosur, a regional trade bloc comprising countries in South America, is actively working towards establishing a legal framework for e-commerce. A crucial decision was made in 2020, marking the first step in this direction. It is an encouraging development, demonstrating Mercosur’s commitment to recognizing the importance of e-commerce and its potential to transform trade practices.

Moreover, Mercosur has included an e-commerce chapter in their recent agreement with Singapore, further emphasizing their focus on this aspect of trade. Additionally, ongoing discussions are taking place to include e-commerce in agreements with the European Union and Canada, highlighting the bloc’s dedication to ensuring comprehensive regulations and opportunities for e-commerce.

The increasing emphasis on e-commerce is seen as a vital factor for regional trade and innovation. The signing of the agreement with Singapore, which specifically includes an e-commerce chapter, is a clear indication of the importance assigned to this sector.

Furthermore, negotiations with the European Union and Canada further reinforce the view that e-commerce is a central feature in shaping the future of trade. Overall, the growth of e-commerce in Uruguay, coupled with Mercosur’s efforts to establish a legal framework for e-commerce, reflects a positive trajectory for the region.

The substantial increase in online sales and the high percentage of companies with an online presence underscore the relevance and potential of e-commerce in Uruguay. With the integration of e-commerce chapters in trade agreements and ongoing discussions with key partners, the groundwork is being laid for a comprehensive and thriving e-commerce ecosystem.

This is likely to have far-reaching implications for trade practices, regional integration, and innovation in the future.

Arguments

MercadoLibre has strong content policies in place to prevent illicit or unsafe products from being listed on the platform.

Supporting facts:

• MercadoLibre opreates a marketplace in 18 Latin countries, making it one of the top 10 most visited e-commerce platforms worldwide.

• Prohibited product policy, intellectual property policy and a code of conduct are key user content policies implemented by MercadoLibre.

Topics: ecommerce, product safety, policy enforcement

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Report

MercadoLibre, one of the top 10 most visited e-commerce platforms worldwide, has implemented robust content policies to ensure the safety and integrity of its marketplace. These policies include a prohibited product policy, an intellectual property policy, and a code of conduct, which aim to prevent illicit or unsafe products from being listed on the platform.

By strictly enforcing these policies, MercadoLibre aims to provide its users with a secure and reliable online shopping experience. The efforts made by MercadoLibre in collaboration with supervisory authorities have proven effective in combating illicit trade on the platform. In 2022, more than 5.5 million listings were removed from the platform due to policy infractions.

Notably, 96% of these listings were proactively detected by MercadoLibre’s internal efforts, demonstrating the company’s commitment to maintaining a safe and trustworthy marketplace. The remaining 4% of the listings were detected either based on user reports or with the assistance of governmental agencies.

This collaboration between MercadoLibre and supervisory authorities highlights the importance of regulatory compliance and public-private partnerships in combating illegal activities. By working closely with authorities, MercadoLibre has strengthened its efforts in identifying and removing illicit listings from its platform. This not only protects the interests of buyers but also promotes peace, justice, and strong institutions, in line with SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

The implementation of strong content policies and the successful collaboration with supervisory authorities demonstrate MercadoLibre’s commitment to creating a safe and reliable e-commerce environment. By continuously refining and enforcing these policies, MercadoLibre aims to maintain its position as a trustworthy platform for online shopping while contributing to the achievement of the sustainable development goals.

Arguments

e-commerce as a tool to advance inclusive trade and development in Latin America and the Caribbean

Supporting facts:

• E-commerce in the region has grown significantly, especially since the pandemic.

• Brazil and Mexico are the main markets.

• Cross-border sales represented only 14 percent of total online sales in the region in 2022.

Topics: e-commerce, inclusive trade, development, Latin America and the Caribbean

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Governments supporting SMEs going online

Supporting facts:

• Countries have developed special programs to promote e-commerce.

• Initiatives are more concentrated on national markets.

• Only a few strategies targeting digital exporters or women were identified.

Topics: SMEs, government support, digital strategy

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Report

The analysis highlights the impact of e-commerce on inclusive trade and development in Latin America and the Caribbean. It emphasizes that e-commerce has experienced significant growth in the region, particularly since the outbreak of the pandemic. The main markets for e-commerce in this region are Brazil and Mexico.

However, cross-border sales remain relatively low, accounting for only 14 percent of total online sales in 2022. The analysis suggests that there is a need for trade agreements that specifically address e-commerce in order to further promote inclusive trade and development in the region.

It mentions that there are two groups of countries in Latin America and the Caribbean, each with different types of trade agreements. These agreements typically include a cooperation article that outlines the issues to be jointly addressed in the future.

Some Latin American countries have even included data protection provisions in their trade agreements. Furthermore, the analysis examines the opportunities for women-led businesses in the e-commerce sector. It highlights the existing gender gap in the digital economy, with women having fewer opportunities to participate compared to men.

However, it also notes that women-led export companies with a digital channel have shown greater resilience during the pandemic. These businesses are often found in sectors such as food and beverage, clothing and textiles, as well as service industries like tourism and travel-related services.

Additionally, the analysis explores the role of government support in promoting e-commerce among small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). It mentions that many countries in the region have implemented special programs to encourage SMEs to embrace e-commerce. However, these initiatives seem to be more focused on national markets, with few strategies specifically targeting digital exporters or women-led businesses.

In conclusion, the analysis underscores the potential of e-commerce to advance inclusive trade and development in Latin America and the Caribbean. It emphasizes the need for trade agreements that address e-commerce, highlights the opportunities for women-led businesses, and stresses the importance of government support for SMEs going online.

While there has been substantial growth in e-commerce in the region, policies and strategies need to be more inclusive and targeted to fully harness its potential for economic growth and reduced inequalities.

Arguments

The need to pass on the message to decision makers about the state of the postal sector

Supporting facts:

• policymakers are far from UPU and only get updates during council sessions

• The call for a formula for raising awareness about the postal sector

Topics: Postal Sector, Government, Investment, UPU

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Data in the postal sector as crucial factor to stimulate the economic growth

Supporting facts:

• Unlike other sectors, Postal sector has real-time data

• Data can be used to demonstrate the advantages of investing in postal infrastructure

• Usage of data is limited by competitive fears among operators

Topics: Postal Sector, Economic Development, Data, Infrastructure

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Importance of investment in postal system

Supporting facts:

• Investing in postal infrastructure can stimulate economic growth

• Investment can reduce inequalities between regions

Topics: Postal Sector, Investment, Economic Development

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Report

The analysis provides a comprehensive overview of the postal sector, highlighting several key points and arguments. One of the main points raised is the need to inform policymakers about the current state of the sector. Currently, policymakers only receive updates during council sessions, indicating a lack of regular communication and awareness about the postal sector.

It is argued that there is a need to pass on the message to decision-makers to ensure they are well-informed and can make informed decisions regarding the sector. Another important aspect highlighted in the analysis is the role of data in stimulating economic growth in the postal sector.

Unlike other sectors, the postal sector has real-time data, which can be utilized to demonstrate the advantages of investing in postal infrastructure. However, the usage of data is currently limited due to competitive fears among operators. It is suggested that if operators share strategic data, it can help in the development of the sector.

Technological solutions, such as algorithms, can be utilized to protect the competitiveness of operators while allowing for the sharing of valuable data. The importance of investment in postal infrastructure is another key argument put forward in the analysis. It is stated that investing in postal infrastructure can stimulate economic growth and also help in reducing inequalities between different regions.

This highlights the potential impact that sufficient investment can have on the overall development of the postal sector. Additionally, the analysis also emphasizes the insufficiency of advocacy efforts in the postal sector. It is suggested that current advocacy work does not go far enough, despite the significant impact that post offices have on people’s lives and their potential to stimulate economic development.

It is argued that more robust advocacy efforts are needed to raise awareness and garner support for the postal sector. In conclusion, the analysis sheds light on various aspects of the postal sector. Policymakers need to be better informed about the state of the sector, and data plays a crucial role in stimulating economic growth.

Furthermore, there is a need for sharing strategic data among operators, while ensuring competitiveness is protected. Investment in postal infrastructure is essential for the sector’s growth, and advocacy efforts need to be strengthened. These findings provide valuable insights into the current state of the postal sector and offer recommendations for its development and improvement.

Arguments

A robust postal system is not merely a service sector; it is a catalyst for economic development.

Supporting facts:

• Countries with better postal systems demonstrate enhanced trade facilitation and increased e-commerce penetration.

• Investing in postal infrastructure and innovation contributes to economic prosperity and social inclusion.

Topics: Postal Development, Economic Development

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The shift from traditional letter volumes to parcels, logistics, and digital services emphasizes the need for the postal sector to innovate and adapt.

Supporting facts:

• Traditional letter volumes are falling and the associated postal income is waning.

• Parcels, logistics, and digital services are emerging as new frontiers.

Topics: Postal Service Evolution, Digital Services, Innovation

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Report

A robust postal system plays a pivotal role in promoting economic development by facilitating trade and increasing e-commerce penetration. Countries with well-established postal systems demonstrate higher levels of trade facilitation and enjoy increased e-commerce activities. Furthermore, investing in postal infrastructure and fostering innovation within the sector contributes to both economic prosperity and social inclusion.

However, there exist significant disparities in postal development across the world, resulting in economic disadvantages and missed opportunities for inclusive growth. While 49 out of 172 countries analysed in the report exhibit a positive growth trajectory for postal development, there are notable differences between nations.

This disparity in postal development hinders economic progress and perpetuates inequalities. In response to the changing landscape of communication and delivery services, the postal sector must adapt and innovate. Traditional letter volumes are decreasing, leading to a decline in associated postal income.

In contrast, parcels, logistics, and digital services are emerging as new frontiers in the industry. To thrive in this evolving environment, postal services must emphasise the need for innovation and adaptability. To meet these challenges, the adoption of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and a hyper-collaborative approach is recommended.

By leveraging generative AI and embracing hyper-collaboration, most operational inefficiencies within the postal sector can be eliminated, and pricing can be optimised. Furthermore, adopting an ecosystemic business model approach will ensure that postal services remain relevant and competitive in the modern marketplace.

In addition to innovation, ensuring postal reliability and reducing postage prices are essential factors for a resilient postal ecosystem. Unfortunately, there has been a decline in end-to-end reliability in international logistics and postal exchanges when compared to the pre-pandemic period.

This decrease in reliability has negatively impacted international postal traffic. Furthermore, the doubling of shipping rates for international postal services has exacerbated the situation, causing a significant decrease in such services. In conclusion, a robust postal system is vital for economic development, trade facilitation, and e-commerce penetration.

However, disparities in postal development worldwide pose economic disadvantages and hinder inclusive growth. To navigate the changing landscape, the postal sector must embrace innovation, adopting AI and a hyper-collaborative approach. Ensuring postal reliability and reducing postage prices are also critical to maintain a resilient postal system.

Efforts towards addressing these challenges will contribute to a more equitable, adaptable, and future-ready postal ecosystem.

Arguments

Postal sector is crucial for economic development and resilience

Supporting facts:

• Better postal systems contribute to nearly a 7% GDP increase

• 49 out of the 172 countries covered in the report has shown postal development

Topics: Trade facilitation, E-commerce penetration, Public service delivery

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Disparities in postal systems among nations can lead to economic disadvantages.

Supporting facts:

• The report observes disparities in postal development between different nations

Topics: Global inequality, Economic growth, Postal development

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Traditional postal revenue streams are shifting towards parcels, logistics, and digital services

Supporting facts:

• While traditional letter volumes are declining, parcels and digital services are emerging as new revenue sources

Topics: Digitalization, Postal service revenue, Logistics

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Adopting a hyper-collaborative approach involving AI and data analytics can enhance postal sector efficiency and sustainability

Supporting facts:

• Hyper-collaboration emphasized in the report as a way to create a resilient postal sector

Topics: AI, Data analytics, Innovation

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Postal services can play crucial role in economic development and resilience

Supporting facts:

• Postal sector contributes 7% to a nation’s GDP

• Countries with higher levels of postal services have benefited from greater post-pandemic economic recovery

Topics: Postal Services, Economic Development

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Artificial Intelligence and Hyper-collaboration can be game changers for the postal sector

Supporting facts:

• Combining AI and hyper-collaboration can optimize pricing, design predictable postal services and monetize decarbonization efforts

• UPU can play crucial role in decreasing digital and postal divide between nations

Topics: AI, Hyper-collaboration, Postal Services

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The development level of postal services varies significantly across countries

Supporting facts:

• Most UPU member states are still at lower levels of postal development

• Only 5 countries are at the highest level of postal development

Topics: Postal Services, Economic Development

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Post-pandemic period has been challenging for postal services and logistics

Supporting facts:

• Post-pandemic has led to a decline in international postal traffic

• Shipping prices for international postal services have almost doubled

Topics: Postal Services, Pandemic, Logistics

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The importance of using postal sector data to convince governments of investing in postal infrastructure

Supporting facts:

• Postal sector has a lot of data that can be put to use to demonstrate its importance

• Encourages governments to see the potential in postal sector via the data presented

Topics: Postal Sector, Data Analysis, Government Investment

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National governments can be convinced by equipping postal operators with right arguments

Supporting facts:

• State of the Postal Sector Report can be a helpful tool for communication

Topics: Postal Operators, National Governments, Advocacy

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Report

The State of the Postal Sector Report highlights the crucial role of the postal sector in economic development and resilience. It emphasizes that better postal systems contribute to an increase of nearly 7% in GDP. Additionally, it states that countries with higher levels of postal services have experienced greater post-pandemic economic recovery.

This highlights the economic importance of developing and maintaining efficient postal systems. However, the report also highlights the disparities in postal development between nations. These disparities can lead to economic disadvantages for countries with underdeveloped postal systems. It suggests that addressing these disparities is essential to ensure fair and equal opportunities for economic growth.

The report argues that investing in postal infrastructure and innovation is crucial for economic prosperity and social inclusion. It explains that the postal sector plays an essential role in driving a wide range of economic activities. By investing in postal infrastructure and innovation, countries can enhance their economic growth potential and promote social inclusion.

Moreover, the report emphasizes the potential of adopting a hyper-collaborative approach involving artificial intelligence (AI) and data analytics. It suggests that this approach can greatly improve the efficiency and sustainability of the postal sector. By leveraging AI and data analytics, postal services can optimize pricing, design predictable services, and monetize decarbonization efforts.

This highlights the need for technological advancements and collaborations to enhance the postal sector’s capabilities. Furthermore, the report advocates for better governance of international postal and logistics data to facilitate cross-border e-commerce. It states that improved data governance can eliminate operational inefficiencies, optimize pricing, and ensure more predictable postal services.

This highlights the importance of international cooperation and partnerships to streamline and enhance cross-border e-commerce. In conclusion, the report emphasizes the significance of investing in the postal sector for overall economic prosperity and social inclusion. It highlights the positive impact of efficient postal systems on GDP growth and post-pandemic economic recovery.

By addressing disparities in postal development, investing in infrastructure and innovation, and adopting a hyper-collaborative approach involving AI and data analytics, countries can enhance their postal sector’s efficiency, sustainability, and contribution to economic development. Additionally, better governance of international postal and logistics data can facilitate cross-border e-commerce and further boost the sector’s growth.

Arguments

Youth of the developed world have less power in decision-making

Supporting facts:

• Reference to past youth movements like ’68

Topics: Youth, Developed Economies, Decision-Making Power

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There is potential for youth to gain power in developing economies due to demographic advantage

Supporting facts:

• Half of the population in developing economies belongs to the youth category

Topics: Youth, Developing Economies, Demographic Advantage

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A difference in strategies is needed for developed and developing economies when it comes to youth and policy making

Supporting facts:

• Different demographic structures

Topics: Youth, Policy Making, Developed Economies, Developing Economies

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Report

The analysis explores the power dynamics surrounding youth and decision-making in both developed and developing economies. It examines the factors that influence youth empowerment and highlights the differences between these two categories of economies. In the developed world, there is a negative sentiment regarding the level of power held by youth in decision-making processes.

Past youth movements, such as the one in ’68, have not translated into sustained influence for young people. Despite previous efforts to amplify the voices of young individuals, there is still a prevailing lack of power in decision-making structures. In contrast, in developing economies, cultural and traditional norms act as barriers preventing youth from gaining power in decision-making.

These norms impose constraints on young individuals’ ability to participate fully in decision-making processes. This observation reflects a negative sentiment towards the cultural and traditional norms that hinder youth empowerment. However, there is also a positive sentiment when it comes to the potential for youth to gain power in developing economies due to their demographic advantage.

The majority of the population in these economies falls into the youth category. With half of the population belonging to this age group, there is considerable potential for the youth to leverage their numbers and demand increased decision-making power. Moreover, the analysis suggests that developed and developing economies require different strategies for youth and policy-making.

This notion reflects a neutral sentiment, acknowledging the need for tailored approaches to address the specific challenges faced by youth in each category of economy. The analysis notes the presence of different demographic structures between developed and developing economies, which may necessitate distinct approaches to youth engagement in decision-making processes.

Overall, the analysis provides insights into the power dynamics surrounding youth and decision-making in developed and developing economies. It highlights the persisting lack of power for youth in the developed world, the influence of cultural and traditional norms hindering youth empowerment in developing economies, and the potential for youth to gain power in such economies due to their demographic advantage.

Additionally, the analysis emphasizes the need for tailored strategies to address youth participation in decision-making processes based on the unique characteristics of each economy.

Arguments

Importance of meaningful engagement with young people

Supporting facts:

• Complaints from young people about token participation

• Personal experience with youth summit and development of a ‘call to action’ document

Topics: Youth engagement, Digital development

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The importance of youth involvement in policy discussions and decision making

Supporting facts:

• The Datasphere Initiative has a project called Youth for a Data Future

• The project seeks to enhance participation and involvement in data governance

• The plan to launch a series of interactive and youth labs

Topics: Data governance, Data privacy, Mental health

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Report

The discussions revolve around the importance of meaningful engagement with young people in decision-making processes. The participants highlight complaints about token participation, where young people feel their involvement is minimal and insignificant. Additionally, personal experiences from youth summits demonstrate the necessity of their engagement.

To address these concerns, it is argued that young people should have a role in decision-making, as their perspectives may differ from those of the decision-makers. This diversity in viewpoints can lead to more comprehensive and inclusive outcomes. To further encourage engagement, member states are encouraged to include young people in their delegations, providing them with mentoring and leadership development opportunities.

By involving young people in the decision-making process, member states can benefit from fresh ideas, alternative perspectives, and innovative solutions. The importance of youth involvement in policy discussions and decision-making is also highlighted in relation to data governance and the data economy.

The Datasphere Initiative’s project, “Youth for a Data Future,” aims to enhance youth participation and involvement in data governance through interactive labs. These labs will provide young people with the opportunity to actively contribute to policy discussions surrounding data privacy and mental health.

This involvement recognises the potential of youth voices in shaping the data economy, which is important for achieving sustainable development goals related to decent work, economic growth, and reduced inequalities. The analysis underscores the sentiment of positivity surrounding the importance of meaningful engagement with young people in decision-making processes.

It is evident that there is a growing recognition of the value and potential of young people’s involvement in shaping policies and discussions. This extended summary highlights the main points, arguments, and evidence presented, emphasizing the need for meaningful youth engagement and the potential benefits it can bring.

Arguments

Data has become an increasingly prevalent in most aspects of our lives

Supporting facts:

• Switzerland actively encourages the notion of digital self-determination

• Switzerland has set up a national network consisting of public administration, universities, industry and civil society to work on developing shared approaches about data control

Topics: Data Governance, Digital Self-Determination

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Young people are less likely to be included in the creation of digital tech

Supporting facts:

• Young people are unable to give input during the development and research process, only in the final product

Topics: Youth Inclusion, Digital technology, Inclusivity

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90% of the world’s youth live in developing countries where challenges of inclusivity persist

Supporting facts:

• The digital divide exists for young people which can impact their future

Topics: Developing countries, Inclusivity, Digital divide

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Young people have a different perspective on the world

Supporting facts:

• Youth-led solutions exist in areas including health and well-being, climate action, and equality

• Young people are setting standards of the future world and can hold current leaders accountable

Topics: Youth leadership, Future vision, Accountability

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Young people are digital natives and key stakeholders

Supporting facts:

• Young people are known for their innovation, creativity, and striving for meaningful impacts

Topics: Digital skills, Innovation, Creativity

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Youth must be included in digital governance and represented at all levels

Supporting facts:

• Switzerland hosts an annual Internet Governance Forum where youth are included

• Céliane Pochon emphasises the importance of youth perspectives in policy making

Topics: Youth Inclusion, Digital Governance, Policy-making

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Inclusion of youth in policy-making should be enhanced through partnerships with youth organisations

Supporting facts:

• Youth branch of the Swiss Internet Governance Forum plays a role in the Swiss IGF

Topics: Partnerships, Youth Organisation, Policy-making

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Programs on data governance should be created in schools and universities to prepare the youth for future policy-making roles

Supporting facts:

• Pochon believes in the training potential of young people

Topics: Education, Data Governance, Policy-making

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Belief in ourselves to contribute to discussions and panels

Supporting facts:

• Young people might lack the knowledge but their unique perspectives matter

• Learning by doing is essential

Topics: Youth Empowerment, Confidence

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Report

The analysis explores different perspectives on the involvement of young people in digital governance and decision-making processes. Switzerland is highlighted as a country actively promoting the concept of digital self-determination and placing value on inclusive global data governance arrangements. The country has established a national network comprising public administration, universities, industry, and civil society to collaborate on the development of shared approaches to data control.

However, concerns arise regarding the limited input young people have in the development and research process of digital technology, with their involvement often limited only to the final product. This lack of inclusion raises questions about the ability of young people to contribute to the creation of digital tech and potentially excludes their unique perspectives from shaping advancements in this field.

Additionally, the digital divide is highlighted as a challenge, especially for young people in developing countries. With 90% of the world’s youth residing in these regions, the lack of inclusivity in the digital realm can have profound impacts on their future opportunities.

Bridging this divide is crucial for ensuring equal access to digital technologies and empowering young people to participate fully in the digital era. On a positive note, the analysis acknowledges that young people bring valuable contributions to various areas through youth-led solutions.

These contributions encompass significant issues such as health and well-being, climate action, and equality. Their digital proficiency, innovation, creativity, and determination to make a meaningful impact make them key stakeholders in shaping the future. In the context of policy-making and digital governance, it is emphasized that young people must be included and represented at all levels.

Switzerland sets an example by hosting an annual Internet Governance Forum where youth are included, and the significance of youth perspectives in policy-making is emphasized by individuals such as Céliane Pochon. Including their voices allows for a broader representation of the population and ensures that decisions made are genuinely inclusive.

Partnerships with youth organizations are identified as a means to enhance the inclusion of young people in policy-making processes. Collaboration between these organizations and governmental bodies can create avenues for meaningful youth involvement and ensure that their perspectives are considered in shaping policies that affect them.

Education and training programs on data governance are advocated as an essential step in preparing young people for future policy-making roles. By introducing these programs in schools and universities, young people can gain the necessary knowledge and skills to contribute effectively to the development and implementation of policies regarding data governance.

Finally, the analysis highlights the importance of including young people’s voices in important discussions, despite their potential lack of expertise or experience. It recognizes the unique perspective that young people can bring to the table and acknowledges the value of their contributions.

By fostering a belief in themselves and their ability to contribute, young people can play a vital role in shaping policies and decisions that impact their lives and the lives of others. In summary, the analysis emphasizes the need for greater inclusion of young people in digital governance and decision-making processes.

Switzerland’s active promotion of digital self-determination and inclusive global data governance arrangements sets a positive example. However, there are concerns about limited young people’s involvement in the development of digital tech and the challenges posed by the digital divide, particularly in developing countries.

On a positive note, young people’s contributions in various domains, their digital skills and creativity, and their potential to shape the future world are recognized. The analysis underscores the importance of including youth perspectives in policy-making and digital governance, advocating for their representation at all levels.

Partnerships with youth organizations and the introduction of education and training programs on data governance are recommended as strategies to enhance youth involvement. Overall, the analysis highlights the necessity of including young people’s voices in important discussions, recognizing their unique perspectives and contributions.

Arguments

Youth are seeking higher and deeper levels of engagement and inclusion in data policy making beyond consultations

Supporting facts:

• Youth declaration during LDC5 in Doha called for engagement in all levels of programming

Topics: Youth Engagement, Data Policymaking

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Advocacy activities can lead to impact for youth in the policymaking spaces

Supporting facts:

• In ITU, as a result of advocacy efforts, generation connect strategy got enshrined in the resolutions

Topics: Advocacy, Youth Impact

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Youth have unique perspectives that can contribute to effective and equitable policies

Supporting facts:

• There are 180 youth envoys in 120 countries delivering digital development policies at community level

• 80% of youth are connected compared to only 65% of the rest of world population

Topics: Youth Engagement, Policy Making, Digital Development, Connectivity

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The term ‘youth’ needs to be intentionally used in discussions due to their severe underrepresentation.

Supporting facts:

• There was a period of time where it was like, there had to be quotas and so on, because there were just, you know, so many panels, especially in the digital sphere, where it would just be all men

Topics: Youth representation, Equality

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Looking forward to a time when there won’t be a need to label ‘young delegates’ separately.

Supporting facts:

• I truly hope that the day will come where we don’t say, this is a young delegate, and this is not a young

Topics: Inclusion, Equality

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Report

The analysis highlights the importance of youth engagement and inclusion in policy-making processes, particularly in the areas of data policy-making and digital development. The speakers argue that young people are seeking higher and deeper levels of engagement and inclusion beyond mere consultations.

They believe that youth have unique perspectives that can effectively contribute to the development of equitable policies. They also note that advocacy activities can lead to impactful results for youth in policymaking spaces. The youth declaration during the LDC5 in Doha, which called for engagement at all levels of programming, is highlighted as evidence.

However, the analysis acknowledges that young people are disproportionately affected during adverse situations, such as the COVID-19 pandemic. Millions of students were unable to connect for school and access necessary information, highlighting the digital inequalities faced by young people. This negative impact on youth’s health, education, and access to information is a significant concern.

Furthermore, the analysis highlights the severe underrepresentation of youth in discussions and decision-making processes. The term ‘youth’ needs to be intentionally used in discussions due to their severe underrepresentation. For instance, there were instances where panels, especially in the digital sphere, would be dominated by men, leaving young voices unheard.

The need for greater inclusion of youth in all aspects of policymaking, including digital development and data policy-making, is emphasized to reduce inequalities. Despite the challenges, the speakers express optimism for a future where the labeling of ‘young delegates’ separately will not be necessary.

They look forward to a time when there won’t be a need to label ‘young delegates’ separately, indicating a future where youth will have equal representation and participation in decision-making processes. The analysis raises important points about the need for youth engagement and inclusion in policymaking, while also highlighting the challenges and inequalities faced by young people.

It emphasizes the necessity of intentionally including and actively involving youth in shaping effective and equitable policies.

Arguments

Youth are keen innovators and digital natives.

Supporting facts:

• The perspectives that youth bring to digital policymaking is that they do not know a place where the connection between the real world and the digital world are not a part of the same thing

• Youth are digital natives and keen on trying to innovate and tackle different and difficult problems related to the data universe.

Topics: Youth Participation, Digital Policymaking, Innovation

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Addiction to digital technology and over-reliance on online resources might lead to insecurity and potential health issues.

Supporting facts:

• Our digital life is an essential part of our life, but it’s leading to a surveillance economy

• We became anxious with not checking our phones

Topics: Digital Living, Privacy, Digital Addiction

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Potential misuse of data and online surveillance pose a significant challenge to privacy.

Supporting facts:

• We need to take advantage of the data economy without leading to a surveillance economy

Topics: Data Privacy, Digital Living

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Digital technology provides opportunities for education, skill development, and remote work.

Supporting facts:

• Being connected really helped us to go through a pandemic.

• Working the way we are doing right now was impossible a couple of years ago.

Topics: Digital Technology, Education, Remote Work

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The importance of including youth in the data policymaking process.

Supporting facts:

• João is a beneficiary of youth ambassadors initiatives, giving him a platform in internet governance.

• His organization ensures wide feedback, representing various youth perspectives.

• He insists on the importance of youth participation in decision-making bodies.

Topics: youth participation, decision-making, internet governance, data policymaking

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Inclusion of youth voices is critical for more effective and equitable data policies

Supporting facts:

• Youth have digital literacy as they grow up in the digital age

• Ability to identify emerging trends due to different consumption patterns

• Recognizes the need for inclusivity and diversity when building systems and digital products

Topics: Youth inclusion, Data policies

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Importance of continuity in work and learning

Supporting facts:

• The lack of continuity in some projects results in loss of knowledge and experience

Topics: Youth Participation, Project Continuity

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Report

The analysis explores various perspectives on the role of youth in digital policymaking and the potential challenges associated with digital technology. The summary provides a comprehensive overview of the main points discussed and their supporting evidence. One of the key arguments is that youth are keen innovators and digital natives, bringing valuable insights to digital policymaking.

They possess a unique perspective that recognizes the integration of the real and digital worlds as interconnected. The analysis highlights the fact that youth are enthusiastic about trying to innovate and address complex problems related to the data universe. However, there are concerns about addiction to digital technology and over-reliance on online resources, which may lead to insecurity and potential health issues.

The increasing prevalence of a surveillance economy is also highlighted as a negative consequence of our digital lives. The analysis indicates that we have become anxious about not constantly checking our phones, reflecting the potential negative impact of excessive digital reliance on our well-being.

Another significant challenge is the potential misuse of data and online surveillance, which poses a threat to privacy. It is stressed that we need to take advantage of the data economy without succumbing to a surveillance economy. This highlights the importance of addressing privacy concerns and ensuring that data is used responsibly and ethically.

On a positive note, digital technology is acknowledged for providing opportunities in areas such as education, skill development, and remote work. It is emphasized that being connected has been crucial in navigating the challenges of a pandemic, and current professional practices were not possible just a few years ago.

The analysis also touches upon the problem of misinformation in the digital age. With the abundance of information online, it is challenging to discern reliable sources. This highlights the need for critical thinking skills and the importance of developing reliable information sources.

The inclusion of youth in the policymaking process is considered essential, with a focus on developing their opportunities and capabilities equally. The analysis highlights the success of youth ambassador initiatives and emphasizes the need for youth participation in decision-making bodies.

It also encourages support for youth-driven initiatives and proactive engagement through consultations and focus groups. In terms of policy development, the analysis underscores the need for inclusivity and diversity when building digital systems and products. Recognizing the different consumption patterns of diverse individuals is essential for understanding emerging trends and promoting digital literacy.

Continuity in projects is identified as vital, as the lack of it can result in a loss of knowledge and experience. The importance of integrating all individuals, particularly in work and learning contexts, is also recognized. The analysis stresses the desire to integrate all workers and learners, highlighting the significance of reducing inequalities and promoting decent work and economic growth.

Overall, the analysis provides a comprehensive examination of the role of youth in digital policymaking, the challenges posed by digital technology, and the importance of inclusivity and continuity in these domains. It emphasizes the need for responsible data usage, critical thinking, and the development of reliable information sources.

Additionally, it underscores the value of youth participation and the equitable development of their capabilities, as well as the integration of all individuals in digital initiatives.

Arguments

Nicholas Field stresses on the underrepresentation of youth in data governance

Supporting facts:

• The UN defines being youthful as being between 15 and 24

• Few people at the conference he is attending meet that qualification

• Youth voices are underrepresented in the data governance conversation

Topics: Data governance, Youth representation

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Nicholas Field outlines the mission of the DataSphere Initiative

Supporting facts:

• The DataSphere Initiative is focused on building agile frameworks that responsibly unlock the value of data for all

• The initiative operates by amplifying voices, conducting research on data challenges and opportunities, and experimenting with data sharing solutions

Topics: DataSphere Initiative, Data governance

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Young people are underrepresented in law-making and data policymaking.

Supporting facts:

• Only 2.6% of parliamentarians worldwide are under 30 years old.

Topics: youth representation, law-making, data policymaking

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Inclusion of youth’s voices in decision-making ensures an equitable data economy

Supporting facts:

• Nicholas Field emphasizes the role of youth in decision-making processes

• Youth involvement guarantees that the value of data is unlocked for all individuals

Topics: Youth participation, Data Policy-making, Equity

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The relationship with technology has changed rapidly over years

Supporting facts:

• 100 years ago people were getting their first telephone lines

• For parents’ generation it was getting color TVs

• For present generation, access to computers and smartphones

Topics: Digital literacy, Youth and technology, Digital transformation

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The importance of young people’s participation in policy-making

Supporting facts:

• Young people will learn how to participate and prepare themselves to be useful

Topics: Youth Participation, Policy Making

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The impact of a lack of continuity in certain projects

Supporting facts:

• The discontinuity of projects leads to loss of knowledge and experience

Topics: Project Continuity, Knowledge Loss

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Report

Nicholas Field draws attention to the lack of youth representation in various domains, such as data governance, law-making, and data policymaking. He argues that the voices of young people should be included in these processes to ensure a more inclusive and equitable society.

Field highlights the underrepresentation of youth in these areas and points out that only 2.6% of parliamentarians worldwide are under 30 years old, emphasising the need for greater youth involvement. One initiative working towards addressing this issue is the DataSphere Initiative. This initiative focuses on building agile frameworks for responsible data use and aims to unlock the value of data for all individuals.

It does this by amplifying voices, conducting research on data challenges and opportunities, and experimenting with data sharing solutions. Field outlines the mission of the DataSphere Initiative, highlighting its goal of creating a more inclusive and accessible data environment. Field also discusses the evolving relationship between youth and technology.

He notes that technological advancements have shaped different generations, such as the introduction of telephone lines a century ago and the advent of colour TVs for parents’ generation. Field expresses excitement about the future of technology and how it will impact today’s youth, who are growing up with smartphones and iPads.

He believes that young people have the potential to make significant contributions to innovation and infrastructure. In addition to advocating for youth involvement, Field emphasises the importance of project continuity. He highlights the negative impact of a lack of continuity in certain projects, which can lead to knowledge and experience loss.

Field suggests that maintaining continuity is crucial for preserving valuable expertise and preventing setbacks. In conclusion, Field’s arguments and observations highlight the underrepresentation of youth in various sectors, including data governance and policy-making. He advocates for their inclusion and active participation, emphasising the role of young people in decision-making processes and ensuring an equitable data economy.

The DataSphere Initiative is one initiative aiming to address this issue by creating more accessible data frameworks. Moreover, Field is optimistic about the transformative potential of technology for youth and stresses the importance of project continuity to prevent knowledge loss.

Overall, there is a strong call for actively engaging youth in policy discussions and advocating for their involvement and representation to build a more inclusive and innovative society.

Arguments

ITU is focused on achieving universal, meaningful connectivity.

Supporting facts:

• There’s still 2.6 billion people who currently remain offline with no access to the internet.

• The ITU strategy is fully aligned with the Youth 2030 Agenda of the wider UN system.

Topics: ITU, Digital Connectivity, Internet Access

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The Generation Connect initiative is the main vehicle for the implementation of the ITU strategy on youth participation.

Supporting facts:

• Generation Connect directly engages global youth and encourages their participation in digital change.

• Generation Connect Youth and Voice involves youth in the workstreams of ITU including cybersecurity, AI, etc.

Topics: ITU, Youth Participation, Generation Connect

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Digital inclusion is crucial for equitable data policies and targets six groups – children, young people, older persons, persons with disabilities, women, and girls

Supporting facts:

• Child Land Protection initiative focuses on safe use of internet for children

• Young people are helping their elderlies with digital skills during pandemic

• Accessibilities for Parson with disabilities

• Connectivity issue for women and girls during pandemic

Topics: Digital Inclusion, Data Policies, Vulnerability, Youth Empowerment

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Youth can enhance the effectiveness and equity of data policies

Supporting facts:

• Youth offer a fresh perspective and innovation potential leading to new policy ideas.

• Youth are aware of topical issues and can help address them.

• Advocacy for fairness, equality, and transparency are strong among youth.

Topics: Youth Engagement, Data Policies

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Young people do identify as youth, but don’t want to be boxed into that category condescendingly.

Supporting facts:

• Youngest deputy secretary general in the history of ITU is 42 and doesn’t want to be viewed just as the ‘youngest’

• Youth want to be listened to and meaningfully engaged with.

Topics: Youth Identity, Youth Empowerment

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Experience doesn’t make older generations necessarily wiser or more informed than the younger ones.

Supporting facts:

• The given example of youngest deputy secretary general in the history of ITU being capable and effective not just because of his age but other attributes

Topics: Inter-generational Dialogue, Youth Wisdom

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The definition of youth is subject to changes with respect to region, culture and specific mandates of organisations.

Supporting facts:

• This age group is defined by U.N. Youth Envoy’s Office as 15 to 24

• ITU had their youth summit with physical participation ranged from 18 to 29

• Africa region defines youth up to 35

Topics: youth, definition, culture, region

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Report

The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) is committed to achieving universal, meaningful connectivity by addressing the global digital divide. Currently, there are 2.6 billion people without internet access, and the ITU aims to bridge this gap and provide equal opportunities for everyone.

The ITU focuses on the inclusion of youth as key stakeholders in decision-making processes and shaping digital policies. Recognizing the significant role young people play in driving innovation and addressing digital challenges, initiatives like Generation Connect directly engage global youth and encourage their meaningful participation in digital change.

Programs such as intergenerational dialogues and the Generation Connect Youth and Voice initiative provide platforms for youth to express their views, challenges, and ideas on subjects like cybersecurity and artificial intelligence. Digital skills are crucial for young people to fully utilize connectivity.

While access to devices is important, many individuals, particularly young ones, may lack the necessary skills to effectively navigate the digital world. The ITU emphasizes the need to equip young people with the digital skills required for active participation in the digital economy.

Digital inclusion is a priority for the ITU. Recognizing the specific needs of different groups, including children, young people, older persons, persons with disabilities, women, and girls, the ITU supports initiatives that ensure safe internet use for children, bridge the digital divide for persons with disabilities, and address connectivity issues for women and girls, especially during the ongoing pandemic.

Equitable connectivity for young people is necessary as they are the most digitally inclined generation and can leverage their skills and knowledge to advance the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Statistics from the ITU’s latest Facts and Figures report reveal that approximately 80% of youth aged 15 to 24 are online compared to 65% of other age groups.

However, it is essential to note that approximately 20% of global youth have never connected to the internet. Collaborations with organizations like Huawei have resulted in programs such as the Youth Leadership Program, aiming to bridge this gap. Youth also play a significant role in the development and implementation of data policies.

They bring a fresh perspective and have the potential for innovation, leading to new policy ideas. Their awareness of topical issues and advocacy for fairness, equality, and transparency can enhance the effectiveness and equity of data policies. Inclusion of youth in discussions and developments is crucial for future innovation while ensuring the preservation of human rights.

The ITU recognizes the importance of listening to young people and valuing their perspectives. The organization finds value in having young interns who bring a unique perspective to the table. Additionally, the success of decisions and policies should be evaluated from the perspective of young people.

The definition of youth varies across regions and cultures. The UN Youth Envoy’s Office identifies youth as individuals aged 15 to 24, but the ITU acknowledges different definitions, such as the African region’s, which includes individuals up to 35. This highlights the need for flexibility in addressing the specific mandates and requirements of different organizations.

In conclusion, the ITU actively works towards achieving universal, meaningful connectivity by addressing the digital divide and ensuring the inclusion of all individuals, especially youth, in the digital revolution. The organization recognizes the potential of youth and the importance of their participation in decision-making processes, the development of digital skills, and the shaping of data policies.

By engaging and empowering young people, the ITU aims to create a more equitable and inclusive digital future for all.

Arguments

Youth perspectives are crucial in shaping the future of the digital economy

Supporting facts:

• Youth is the driving force behind the digital economy

• The youth consultation project incorporated the perspective of youth in the ONTED e-week

• Youth bring innovation, technology, and quick adaptability in the digital world

Topics: Digital economy, Youth Involvement, Data governance

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Three stages youth consultation conducted in collaboration with ONGTAD Youth network

Supporting facts:

• The consultation started in October with the World Investment Forum in UAE

• Second and third rounds were designed to be inclusive for youths from different backgrounds

Topics: ONGTAD e-week, Youth consultation, Data governance

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Digital economy brings challenges and opportunities

Supporting facts:

• The digital economy is transforming interaction, consumption, business operations, and economies.

• Global internet protocol traffic in 2022 surpassed all global internet traffic together up until 2016.

• Only 20% of the population in the least developed countries have access to the internet.

• Once connected, they face slower speed or higher prices.

Topics: Digitalization, Internet connectivity, Inequality, Youth, Least developed countries

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Digital inclusion should be at the center of digital economy

Supporting facts:

• Digital inclusion is central to sustainable development goals (SDGs).

• Youth, women, and other marginalized groups are often more negatively impacted by the process of digitalization.

Topics: Digitalization, Inequality, Inclusivity, Sustainable development

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The inclusion of youth in the digital policy-making process boils down to inclusion and empowerment

Supporting facts:

• Responsibility of governments to make sure the policy-making process is inclusive and sustainable

• Environment around digital development should be enabling and should include the participation of youth

Topics: Youth Inclusion, Digital Policy, Empowerment, Policy-making process

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Youth can contribute to more inclusive and sustainable digital development

Supporting facts:

• Solution requires innovation and creativity

• The structure of data governance is fragmented

Topics: Digital Development, Youth Inclusion

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Report

The discussion focused on the importance of youth perspectives in shaping the future of the digital economy. The youth consultation project, conducted in collaboration with the UNCTAD Youth network, played a crucial role in incorporating the views of young people from diverse backgrounds.

This project consisted of three stages and aimed to be inclusive, welcoming youths from different backgrounds. The consultation process began in October with the World Investment Forum held in the United Arab Emirates. The results of the consultation are expected to be incorporated into a youth declaration as part of the outcome of the UNCTAD e-week.

This declaration will contribute to Agenda 2030, correspond to the United Nations Secretary-General’s (UNSGs) common agenda, and also contribute to next year’s UN Summit of the Future. One of the main arguments proposed was that youth bring unique characteristics such as innovation, technology, and adaptability to the digital world.

Being a generation born with technology, they easily adapt to the digital environment. Additionally, youth were seen as instrumental in driving the digital economy forward due to their ability to bring innovation, technological advancements, and flexibility. It was acknowledged that the digital economy presents both challenges and opportunities.

While the digitalization of various sectors has transformed interactions, consumption, and business operations, there are significant inequalities in accessing the digital economy. Currently, only 20% of the population in the least developed countries have access to the internet, and even after connecting, they often face slower speeds or higher prices.

It was argued that digital inclusion should be at the centre of the digital economy to ensure that all individuals, regardless of their background or location, can participate, contribute, and benefit from the digital revolution. Another important point highlighted was the need for inclusivity in the digital economy.

Currently, 2.6 billion people are offline, with youth and other marginalized groups facing greater barriers in the process of digitalization. Digital inclusion was seen as crucial for sustainable development, and it was emphasized that governments have a responsibility to ensure that the policy-making process around digital development is inclusive and sustainable.

The active participation of youth in this process was stressed as essential for achieving inclusion and empowerment. A set of recommendations were proposed to promote digital inclusion and digital development. These included fostering partnerships, facilitating skill development, providing training and capacity-building initiatives, and creating platforms and portals for collaboration.

The importance of a multi-stakeholder approach in decision-making and the need for specific programs, such as UNCTAD’s e-commerce digital economy program and E-Trade for Women, were also highlighted as examples of capacity-building initiatives. The structure of data governance was identified as an area in need of improvement, with suggestions that it should be led by the United Nations.

It was argued that the UN, as a neutral actor, can play a crucial role in ensuring inclusivity and taking youth inclusion into account during this process. Furthermore, it was stressed that a holistic and whole-of-government approach is needed in designing digital policies.

Policymakers need to focus not only on economic growth but also on creating resilient and inclusive designs to address the challenges and harness the opportunities brought by the digital economy. In conclusion, the dialogue emphasized the indispensable role of youth perspectives in shaping the future of the digital economy.

The consultation project served as a platform for youth to voice their opinions and contribute to the broader global agenda. It was recognized that while the digital economy brings both challenges and opportunities, digital inclusion needs to be prioritized to ensure equal access and benefits for all.

The involvement of youth in policy-making processes, partnerships, skill development, and capacity-building initiatives were identified as key elements for promoting inclusivity and sustainability in the digital world. Moreover, the structure of data governance and the design of digital policies should be improved to be more inclusive and holistic.

Overall, it was agreed upon that youth can play a vital role in driving a more inclusive and sustainable digital development.

Arguments

Urgency to solve numerous challenges despite making progress

Supporting facts:

• Issues persist even after one problem is solved or a progress is made

• The complexity of coordinating conversation among stakeholders

Topics: digital transition, e-commerce, inclusive growth

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Importance of enhancing capacity building in digital technologies

Supporting facts:

• The participant from Senegal mentioned that the enhancement of capacity building for digital technologies is coming late

• There is a need for ECOWAS region to catch up with other regions in terms of digital transition

Topics: capacity building, digital technologies

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Prioritizing production and productivity within the region for e-commerce growth

Supporting facts:

• Need of regional data centers that can provide services to small and medium enterprise

• The high cost of setting up cloud computing and other digital infrastructures is recognized as a problem

Topics: e-commerce, productivity, regional growth

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The need for ongoing training and capacity building for permanent representatives to understand their roles in e-commerce

Supporting facts:

• CDAO organizes different kinds of training whenever meetings take place

Topics: E-commerce, Capacity Building

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There is a need to make more efforts in Africa to support the growth of e-commerce

Supporting facts:

• An e-commerce event took place in Africa in 2022

Topics: E-commerce, Development

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Concerns over potential conflicts arising from e-commerce.

Topics: E-commerce, Conflict

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Taxation issue in e-commerce

Topics: E-commerce, Taxation

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The need for clarity and distinction when changes occur in different countries

Topics: Change management

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Report

At a conference on e-commerce and digital transition in the ECOWAS region, speakers discussed various key points regarding the progress, challenges, and potential solutions in the field. While acknowledging the progress made, it was noteworthy that numerous challenges still persist in the region.

This emphasised the urgency to find effective solutions to these issues. Among the discussed topics was the need to enhance capacity building for digital technologies in the region. Participants recognised that the ECOWAS region needs to catch up with other regions in terms of digital transition.

It was highlighted that the late enhancement of capacity building for digital technologies in Senegal was a concern. Therefore, participants emphasised the importance of prioritising the enhancement of capacity building in this area. Another crucial point emphasised by speakers was the need to prioritise production and productivity for e-commerce growth within the region.

They recognised the necessity of having regional data centres that can provide services to small and medium enterprises. However, it was acknowledged that the high cost of setting up cloud computing and other digital infrastructures pose a challenge in achieving this goal.

The conference highlighted the significance of involving policymakers in implementing solutions. Participants discussed the need for policy makers to play a more effective role in addressing the challenges faced in the region. The active engagement of policy makers in problem-solving was a topic of discussion, and suggestions were made on how to ensure their involvement.

The formalisation of inter-border trade was another important point raised by the participants. They noted that formalising such trade can enhance operational effectiveness, especially in the context of the ECOWAS strategy. It was noteworthy that this stance was communicated in French, suggesting the diverse representation of participants at the conference.

The importance of ongoing training and capacity building for representatives in e-commerce was also emphasised. Participants mentioned that the CDAO organises various types of training whenever meetings take place. This highlights the need to continuously train and build the capacity of permanent representatives to understand their roles in e-commerce effectively.

Efforts to support the growth of e-commerce in Africa were discussed as a vital area of focus. Participants highlighted the need for more initiatives and support in Africa to ensure the successful growth of e-commerce. The analysis also revealed concerns over potential conflicts arising from e-commerce.

Although no specific details or examples were provided, speakers expressed their concerns about this issue. Taxation in e-commerce was mentioned as an area of discussion, where the sentiment was neutral. However, no specific evidence or supporting facts were provided to expand on this point.

Lastly, the need for clarity and distinction in change management was discussed. Although no specific evidence or supporting facts were provided regarding this topic, it was mentioned that it is important to have clear guidelines and understanding when changes occur in different countries.

In conclusion, the conference on e-commerce and digital transition in the ECOWAS region highlighted the progress made, the challenges that persist, and the potential solutions required to address those challenges. The importance of enhancing capacity building in digital technologies, prioritising production and productivity for e-commerce growth, and involving policymakers in implementing solutions were among the key points discussed.

The formalisation of inter-border trade, ongoing training and capacity building, efforts to support e-commerce growth in Africa, conflicts arising from e-commerce, taxation issues, and the need for clarity and distinction in change management were also mentioned during the conference.

Arguments

Birame Sock is the founder of Qweli, an initiative aimed at helping local producers in Africa connect to global markets.

Supporting facts:

• Qweli started as the concept of B2B marketplace to give access to international market to Made in Africa products.

• Qweli works directly with local producers which are primarily women.

• Qweli helps in packaging, filling and labeling to meet FDA standards.

Topics: Digital entrepreneurship, African Market, FDI Standards, Product Export

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E-commerce exists in Africa in a different form, often through personal networks and mobile technology rather than dedicated websites or apps

Supporting facts:

• E-commerce in African context often involves contacting a seller directly, viewing product pictures sent via WhatsApp, making payment via mobile money, and receiving delivery guided by GPS

Topics: E-commerce, Technology, Mobile Commerce

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Interactive and iterative processes in entrepreneurship are crucial for the growth of e-commerce startup in the ECOWAS region

Topics: Entrepreneurship, E-commerce, Innovation, ECOWAS

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Standardization across countries is a significant challenge for e-commerce startups in the ECOWAS region

Supporting facts:

• Everytime African SMEs consider selling in a different African country, they have to deal with different standards which increases their cost

Topics: Standardization, E-commerce, ECOWAS

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Lack of storage and warehousing facilities are challenges in scaling e-commerce in Africa

Supporting facts:

• Warehousing and Storage facilities would enable local suppliers to buy and store raw material when it’s in season

Topics: E-commerce, Warehousing, Storage, Africa

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female entrepreneurs are contributing to inclusive economic growth and addressing social challenges every day

Supporting facts:

• most of the entrepreneurs realize the impact of their work on employment, gender inclusion

Topics: female entrepreneurs, inclusive economic growth, social challenges

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access to finance is one of the biggest challenges for entrepreneurs

Topics: access to finance, entrepreneurship

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The need for a session with various private sector stakeholders within the ECOWAS region

Supporting facts:

• Private sector stakeholders can provide feedback and give concrete steps on the e-commerce initiative for the ECOWAS region

Topics: e-commerce, Digital Economy, Private Sector

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Report

Birame Sock, the founder of Qweli, has created an innovative initiative aimed at assisting local producers in Africa in connecting to global markets. Qweli, a B2B marketplace, works directly with local producers, particularly women, to provide them with access to international markets.

They also offer support in packaging, labelling, and meeting FDA standards, ensuring that these local products can meet the quality requirements necessary for global trade. Having a conducive business environment is crucial for increasing the availability of localized products within and beyond Africa.

Birame is actively working towards creating such an environment for local suppliers to make their products available on the international stage. In Africa, e-commerce takes on a different form compared to other regions. It often occurs through personal networks and mobile technology rather than dedicated websites or apps.

This unique approach presents both opportunities and challenges for startups in the ECOWAS region, with standardization across countries being a significant challenge for e-commerce businesses. Another obstacle faced by e-commerce startups in Africa is the lack of storage and warehousing facilities.

The absence of sufficient infrastructure hinders the scaling of e-commerce operations in the region. Increased investment in warehousing and storage facilities is needed to enable local suppliers to store raw materials when they are in season. Female entrepreneurs in Africa are making significant contributions to inclusive economic growth and addressing social challenges.

They are aware of the impact their work has on employment and gender inclusion, and they actively work towards creating a more equitable and prosperous society. Including the private sector from the beginning is crucial while discussing initiatives and policies.

The private sector often finds itself reacting to decisions that have already been made, rather than being involved in the decision-making process. Including the private sector from the start ensures that their expertise and insights are fully utilized, leading to more effective and sustainable initiatives.

Access to finance remains a significant challenge for entrepreneurs in Africa. The lack of adequate financial support hampers the growth and development of small businesses. To foster entrepreneurship and economic growth, it is essential to address this issue and provide entrepreneurs with the necessary financial resources to thrive.

Inclusive decision-making is also vital, and the voice of small businesses, particularly those owned by women, should be included in meetings. Their unique perspectives and experiences can provide valuable insights into creating policies and initiatives that cater to the needs and challenges faced by small businesses.

Partnerships and collaboration between diverse stakeholders are crucial for implementing e-commerce strategies in Africa. Engaging with various private sector stakeholders within the ECOWAS region can provide valuable feedback and concrete steps towards ensuring the success of e-commerce initiatives. Birame suggests establishing and strengthening partnerships for better implementation of e-commerce strategies, and involving private sector stakeholders in the implementation phase.

In conclusion, Birame Sock’s Qweli initiative showcases the potential and challenges of e-commerce in Africa. By working directly with local producers, providing support and access to international markets, and advocating for improvements in the business environment, Qweli is driving positive change.

However, challenges such as standardization, lack of storage facilities, and limited access to finance need to be addressed to fully harness the potential of e-commerce in Africa. The inclusion of female entrepreneurs, the private sector, and the voice of small businesses in decision-making processes and partnerships are pivotal towards creating a more inclusive and prosperous future for African economies.

Arguments

Kolawole Sofola expresses gratitude for UNCTAD’s partnership in the development of the ECOWAS e-commerce strategy

Supporting facts:

• UNCTAD has partnered with ECOWAS in the development of the ECOWAS e-commerce strategy

• Shamika from UNCTAD has confirmed their commitment to support the strategy implementation

Topics: UNCTAD, ECOWAS, e-commerce strategy

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Kolawole Sofola appreciates all the e-trade initiatives taken by UNCTAD in the region and emphasizes on the implementation of the ECOWAS’ e-commerce strategy

Supporting facts:

• Nine e-trade readiness assessments have been taken in the region

• Two regional assessments and strategies have been conducted by UNCTAD

• Shamika stressed the importance of implementation in her speech

Topics: UNCTAD, e-trade readiness assessments, ECOWAS, e-commerce strategy

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Emphasizing on the importance of collaboration and digitalization in ECOWAS Vision 2050

Supporting facts:

• Digitalization is underlined as a core part of ECOWAS Vision 2050

• ECOWAS e-commerce strategy was formally endorsed by the Council of Ministers of ECOWAS

Topics: ECOWAS Vision 2050, Digitalization, Collaboration

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ECOWAS’s e-commerce strategy is built along four pillars which include institution, trust, market intelligence, and inclusion

Supporting facts:

• Strategic Objective 1 is about institutional strengthening

• Objective 2 seeks to secure trust along the e-commerce supply chain

• Objective 3 aims to improve access to e-commerce market information

• Objective 4 aims to foster inclusion for e-commerce development for women, youth, persons with disabilities, rural populations, and informal cross-border traders

Topics: ECOWAS’s e-commerce strategy, Pillars of Strategy: Institution, Trust, Market Intelligence, Inclusion

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Access to the Internet is critical infrastructure and not a luxury

Supporting facts:

• Living in a digital technological revolution

• Necessity of the Internet for access to larger digital economy, powerful technologies like AI for health, agriculture and education

Topics: E-commerce, Digital Economy, ICT, AI

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Governments need to provide a minimum threshold of infrastructure and the rest will follow

Supporting facts:

• Discussion regarding the necessity of ICT infrastructure is over

• Internet connectivity is not an optional infrastructure

Topics: ICT Infrastructure, Government Policies

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Importance of a holistic approach in e-commerce beyond legal and regulatory frameworks

Supporting facts:

• Importance of trade facilitation and digital skills within the e-commerce sector

• E-Trade for All initiative advocates for a comprehensive approach to e-commerce

Topics: e-commerce, economic development, regulatory harmonization, data privacy, cybersecurity, intellectual property

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Significance of entrepreneurship and inclusive economic growth

Topics: e-commerce, entrepreneurship, inclusive economic growth, social challenges

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Private sector should be involved more in policy formulation

Supporting facts:

• The private sector says its current involvement is not sufficient

• Smaller organizations and businesses should also be included

Topics: Policy Formulation, Private Sector Involvement

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High rate of credit from financial institutions is a challenge to scaling up

Supporting facts:

• The high credit rate from financial institutions and the need for quick repayment make products uncompetitive

• The entire supply chain is added to business costs

Topics: Access to Finance, Credit Rates, Business Scalability

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Report

UNCTAD (United Nations Conference on Trade and Development) has partnered with ECOWAS (Economic Community of West African States) in the development of the ECOWAS e-commerce strategy, demonstrating their commitment to promoting e-commerce growth in the region. Kolawole Sofola expresses gratitude for UNCTAD’s collaboration in the strategy development, acknowledging the importance of this partnership.

Additionally, Shamika from UNCTAD confirms their dedication to supporting the implementation of the ECOWAS e-commerce strategy, further cementing the commitment of both organizations. The collaboration between UNCTAD and ECOWAS goes beyond the ECOWAS region, as there is ongoing development work in the Pacific region associated with UNCTAD.

Shamika mentions this development work during her speech, indicating the expansion and impact of UNCTAD’s initiatives. In the ECOWAS region, UNCTAD has conducted nine e-trade readiness assessments, providing a comprehensive evaluation of the region’s readiness for e-commerce. Furthermore, UNCTAD has formulated two regional assessments and strategies, underlining their proactive approach to promoting e-commerce in the region.

Shamika emphasizes the importance of implementation in her speech, highlighting the commitment to translating strategies and assessments into action. The ECOWAS e-commerce strategy is built on four pillars: institution, trust, market intelligence, and inclusion. These pillars ensure a comprehensive approach to fostering sustainable and inclusive e-commerce growth in the region.

Digitalization plays a crucial role in ECOWAS Vision 2050, with support for collaboration and digitalization being formally endorsed by the Council of Ministers of ECOWAS. This reflects the region’s commitment to harnessing the potential of digital transformation to achieve long-term goals.

The strategy’s formulation aims to capitalize on the potential for e-commerce and digital transformation in the ECOWAS region. The regional e-commerce readiness assessment, which is reflected in the strategy, serves as a foundation for identifying areas of improvement and implementing necessary recommendations.

Progress is already being made, with countries like Ghana and Cote d’Ivoire starting to implement recommendations and measures from ECOWAS’s e-commerce strategy. Access to the internet is recognized as critical infrastructure rather than a luxury. Living in a digital technological revolution, individuals need internet access to fully participate in the digital economy and leverage powerful technologies like AI in sectors such as health, agriculture, and education.

Governments play a crucial role in providing the necessary ICT infrastructure. The importance of ICT infrastructure is emphasized, highlighting that internet connectivity is not optional. Governments need to ensure that there is adequate infrastructure in place to support digital transformation and promote inclusive economic growth.

A holistic approach to e-commerce beyond legal and regulatory frameworks is essential. The e-Trade for All initiative advocates for comprehensive e-commerce development, including trade facilitation and digital skills development within the sector. When developing policies, a user-centric approach is crucial.

This means considering the needs and perspectives of the private sector, as they are key users of e-commerce. Involving the private sector in policy formulation allows for policies that better meet their requirements. Entrepreneurship and inclusive economic growth are significant factors in driving economic development.

Support mechanisms for scaling up innovative sustainability are also important, ensuring strategies and initiatives that promote sustainable entrepreneurship. The private sector’s involvement in policy formulation is vital, and smaller organizations and businesses should also be included to ensure a comprehensive approach that represents the diverse needs and interests of all stakeholders.

Some challenges exist, such as the high credit rates from financial institutions that hinder business scalability. Governments should enable the private sector to do what it does best, recognizing the importance of private sector efficiency and innovation. In conclusion, the collaboration between UNCTAD and ECOWAS in developing the ECOWAS e-commerce strategy highlights their commitment to fostering e-commerce growth in the region.

The strategy’s pillars, emphasis on digitalization, and focus on collaboration reflect the region’s ambitious goals. Additionally, the importance of internet access, ICT infrastructure, a holistic approach to e-commerce development, the role of the private sector, and support mechanisms are all crucial considerations for sustainable and inclusive economic growth in the region.

Arguments

Significant obstacles stand in the way of widespread internet use in the ECOWAS region

Supporting facts:

• 70% of all revenues now need to allocate to the spread of Internet

• Internet is costly and not widespread in the ECOWAS region

Topics: Digitalization, Internet Access, E-development

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ECOWAS is prioritizing the development and proliferation of digital commerce

Supporting facts:

• ECOWAS has set digitalization as a priority

• ECOWAS is collaborating with the African Union to make Africa prosperous

Topics: E-commerce, Digital Economy

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A comprehensive strategy for e-commerce has been developed in collaboration with UNCTAD

Supporting facts:

• The strategy identifies economic opportunities and proposes measures to alleviate identified constraints

• The strategy draws on four objectives, namely bolstering institutions, instilling confidence in e-transactions, improving statistics and promoting inclusion

Topics: E-commerce strategy, UNCTAD, Partnerships

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Report

In the ECOWAS region, there are significant obstacles that prevent widespread internet use. One of the major challenges is the high costs associated with internet access. Currently, 70% of all revenues need to be allocated to the spread of the internet.

This means that the resources required to make the internet more accessible and affordable are substantial. Additionally, the internet is not yet widespread in the ECOWAS region, further hindering its use. Despite these challenges, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) is actively prioritizing the development and proliferation of digital commerce.

They have set digitalisation as a priority and are collaborating with the African Union to make Africa prosperous in this area. This shows a positive stance towards embracing the potential benefits of digital commerce in the region. To further support their objectives, ECOWAS has developed a comprehensive strategy for e-commerce in collaboration with the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD).

The strategy aims to identify economic opportunities and propose measures to alleviate the identified constraints in e-commerce. It focuses on bolstering institutions, instilling confidence in e-transactions, improving statistics, and promoting inclusion. This demonstrates a positive commitment to addressing the challenges and creating an enabling environment for e-commerce in the region.

Furthermore, ECOWAS strongly believes in the potential of partnerships to overcome regional e-commerce challenges. They are committed to working with partners, including UNCTAD and the World Bank. This highlights their recognition of the value of collaboration and cooperation in achieving their goals.

In conclusion, while significant obstacles hinder widespread internet use in the ECOWAS region, ECOWAS is actively working towards the development and proliferation of digital commerce. They have set digitalisation as a priority, collaborated with the African Union and UNCTAD in developing a comprehensive e-commerce strategy, and emphasise the importance of partnerships to overcome challenges.

It is encouraging to see such dedication and commitment towards promoting inclusive and sustainable digital development in the region.

Arguments

E-commerce is critical for reinvigorating our economies and addressing trade challenges

Supporting facts:

• With e-commerce, efficiencies of the environment can be maintained as it can reduce carbon risks

• E-commerce allows creations and content of youth and women to be shared, distributed and generate wealth

Topics: E-commerce, Economy, Trade

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Digital and data infrastructure including skills are required for e-commerce

Supporting facts:

• Goods and services can efficiently reach a broader market though connectivity

• Security and trust are needed for e-commerce

Topics: Digital Infrastructure, Data Infrastructure, Skills, E-commerce

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Policy space needs to be coherent and agile to address challenges of cross-border trade.

Supporting facts:

• E-commerce offers the opportunity to bypass some of the logistic and mobility challenges traditional trade experiences.

• Delays at border crossings affect value and quality of products.

Topics: Policy Harmonization, E-commerce, Cross-border Trade

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Supply chain logistics need to be rethought for a more efficient, digital, and electronic outlook.

Supporting facts:

• Current trade facilitation mechanisms may not be helpful in the digital trading realm.

• Requires close negotiations for harmonization.

Topics: Supply Chain, E-commerce

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Access to affordable green technologies is critical for e-commerce to take root.

Topics: Green Technology, E-commerce

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Legislative frameworks and tax regimes need to be revisited to encourage digital innovation.

Supporting facts:

• Current non-digital tax regimes might not be suitable in the digital realm.

Topics: Legislation, Tax, E-commerce

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A focus on skills and competencies is essential for creating wealth from e-commerce.

Topics: Skills, Competencies, E-commerce

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Payment mechanisms should be homegrown, adaptable, and facilitate cross-border transactions.

Supporting facts:

• Payment systems should facilitate needs of actors and agents in the region.

• Existence of homegrown initiatives in region for Africa-based payment mechanisms.

Topics: Payment Systems, Cross-border Trade

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Cannot ignore data governance in discussing cross-border e-commerce.

Supporting facts:

• Entails issues of data ownership, privacy, and intellectual property.

Topics: Data Governance, E-commerce

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Muhammadou Kah expresses strong optimism for the future of e-commerce in the ECOWAS region, insisting its acceleration is inevitable but certain prerequisites need to be met to harness the expected value

Supporting facts:

• Digital connectivity must be affordable, accessible, safe, ubiquitous and broadband in nature to ensure effective transactions.

• The role of the private sector, especially startups, is crucial albeit challenged by their inability to access sustainable capital.

• A government’s role is to provide a conducive policy environment that encourages growth rather than stiflement.

• A thriving digital trade is also reliant on the accessibility of affordable and green technology, coherent laws, and associated forms of infrastructure.

Topics: e-commerce, digital trade, connectivity, private sector, governmental role

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Digital and technology are allergic to too much talk, it needs action

Supporting facts:

• Digital changes are being made quickly and mistakes are fixed as soon as they’re made

Topics: digital trade, technology

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The private sector and youth are driving forces in this digital change

Supporting facts:

• Importance of creating investments and creating capital for start-up cultures and hubs

Topics: digital trade, youth, private sector

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The importance of intellectual property in the digital trade

Supporting facts:

• Intellectual property for the regions is not only copyright and trademarks, it goes beyond that. It’s important to protect creators and make sure they’re marketable

Topics: intellectual property, digital trade

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The existence of data centers in Africa could provide opportunities in the e-commerce ecosystem

Supporting facts:

• Shifting geopolitics and trade, the realities of climate change offer opportunities for greener data centers. Some countries like Senegal are already creating data center infrastructure

Topics: data centers, e-commerce

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Report

E-commerce is seen as critical for reinvigorating economies and addressing trade challenges. It offers various advantages, such as reducing carbon risks and allowing for the sharing and distribution of creations and content, which can generate wealth. The efficient reach of goods and services to a broader market is facilitated through digital connectivity.

However, for e-commerce to thrive, there is a need for strong digital and data infrastructure, as well as the necessary skills and competencies. Trade heavily relies on digital connectivity, and therefore, effective harnessing of e-commerce depends on the availability and reliability of connectivity across countries.

Policy space also plays a crucial role in ensuring the success of cross-border trade. It needs to be coherent and agile to address the challenges that arise in the realm of e-commerce. The logistics of supply chains need to be rethought to adapt to the digital and electronic nature of e-commerce.

Current trade facilitation mechanisms may not be sufficient for the digital trading realm, and therefore, close negotiations for harmonization are required. Access to affordable green technologies is critical for e-commerce to take root. The use of such technologies can contribute to the achievement of environmental goals outlined in the SDGs.

Additionally, legislative frameworks and tax regimes need to be revisited to encourage digital innovation and ensure compatibility with the digital realm. Engagement in WTO negotiations and discussions on e-commerce is crucial for countries to avoid being subjected to unfavorable terms.

Without being part of the discussions, countries may miss out on important opportunities and benefits that arise from e-commerce. In order to create wealth from e-commerce, a focus on skills and competencies is essential. This highlights the importance of quality education and training programs to equip individuals with the necessary digital skills and capabilities.

The payment systems used in e-commerce should be adaptable and facilitate cross-border transactions. The existence of affordable and efficient homegrown payment mechanisms is essential, as they cater to the needs of actors and agents in the region. Data governance cannot be ignored when discussing cross-border e-commerce.

Issues related to data ownership, privacy, and intellectual property need to be addressed to ensure trust and security in cross-border transactions. The private sector, particularly startups, plays a crucial role in driving the digital change and innovation. However, their success is hindered by challenges in accessing sustainable capital.

Governments need to provide a conducive, smart, and agile regulatory framework that encourages growth and investment in infrastructure, while leaving the businesses to the private sector. Digital and technology developments require action rather than excessive talk and deliberation. Rapid changes are made, and any mistakes are fixed promptly to ensure progress.

The youth and the private sector are driving forces in the digital change and e-commerce landscape. Creating investments and capital for startups are important to foster entrepreneurial cultures and hubs. Intellectual property protection is crucial in the digital trade realm.

It goes beyond copyright and trademarks; it aims to protect creators and ensure their marketability. The existence of data centers in Africa presents opportunities in the e-commerce ecosystem. Shifting geopolitics and the realities of climate change offer possibilities for greener data centers, with countries like Senegal already investing in data center infrastructure.

Capacity building is needed for effective digital trade and e-commerce. This requires a focus on education, particularly in STEM fields, and the development of high-order digital skills and capabilities. It is crucial to view STEM education as more than just a footnote in the education continuum.

In conclusion, e-commerce is considered critical for reinvigorating economies and addressing trade challenges. To fully harness its potential, strong digital and data infrastructure, as well as the necessary skills and competencies, are necessary. Policies, including those related to connectivity, supply chain logistics, green technologies, legislative frameworks, tax regimes, data governance, and payment systems, need to be revisited and adapted to suit the digital realm.

Governments should provide a conducive regulatory framework while leaving businesses to the private sector, which plays a significant role in driving digital change. Additionally, capacity building in digital skills and education is essential for the success of digital trade and e-commerce.

Arguments

ECOWAS has set a precedent in formulating the first regional e-commerce strategy in West Africa, aligning the strategy with the African Union’s e-commerce strategy before the African Continental Free Trade Area Agreements Protocol on digital trade.

Supporting facts:

• The initiative was taken at the ministerial level to have an ECOWAS strategy

• This marks the culmination of trust and partnership between UNCTAD and the ECOWAS region over the past decade

Topics: ECOWAS, African Union, e-commerce strategy, digital trade

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The ECOWAS strategy is a testament to the fruitful partnership between UNCTAD and the ECOWAS region.

Supporting facts:

• UNCTAD has undertaken nine E-Trade Readiness Assessments and conducted two regional assessments for WAMU countries and ECOWAS member states.

• UNCTAD has also supported two e-commerce strategies in the region.

Topics: UNCTAD, ECOWAS, Partnership

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Africa has huge potential for e-commerce and digital economy growth due to its young, fast growing population

Supporting facts:

• Africa has the world’s youngest and fastest growing population.

Topics: Africa, e-commerce, Digital Economy, Population

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Implementing digital reforms is a difficult journey because other high-priority tasks like vaccinating people, getting kids in school, and increasing agricultural production must be handled simultaneously.

Topics: Digital reforms, Education, Agriculture, Health

---

Affordable access to internet is necessary, not a luxury

Supporting facts:

• We are living through a digital technological revolution

• We will not have access to this revolution if we don’t have the basic connection to internet

Topics: Internet Access, Digital Infrastructure, Digital Economy

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Digital infrastructure is a critical requirement, not to be considered post traditional infrastructure

Supporting facts:

• Access to internet is not just for e-commerce, but also for larger digital economy

• AI for health, agriculture, and educational purposes require internet access

Topics: Digital Infrastructure, Government’s role

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The opportunity to harness the power of digital technologies should not be missed

Supporting facts:

• These technologies are fundamentally monopolistic

• Their windows will open for a short time only

• ECOWAS has an e-commerce strategy in place.

Topics: Digital Technologies, Monopolistic Nature, e-commerce strategy

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Africa must not miss out on the digital technological revolution.

Supporting facts:

• Africa missed out on the Green Revolution in the 1960s

• South Asia embraced the Green Revolution and is no longer in famine.

Topics: Digital Revolution, Green Revolution

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Report

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has achieved a significant milestone by formulating the first regional e-commerce strategy in West Africa. This strategy aligns with the African Union’s e-commerce strategy, showcasing the strong partnership between ECOWAS and the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) over the past decade.

This partnership has led to the development of not only the ECOWAS e-commerce strategy but also support for two e-commerce strategies in the ECOWAS region. Africa, with its young and rapidly growing population, holds immense potential for e-commerce and digital economy growth.

The continent boasts the world’s youngest and fastest-growing population, making it a prime market for e-commerce opportunities. However, the implementation of digital reforms presents challenges as they must be coordinated with high-priority tasks such as vaccinations, education, and agricultural production.

To fully leverage the potential of e-commerce and digital economy growth, affordable internet access is essential. Access to internet connectivity is now considered a basic necessity rather than a luxury in today’s digital technological revolution. It enables not only access to e-commerce but also to the broader digital economy, including applications such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) in healthcare, agriculture, and education.

The development of digital infrastructure is equally important. Digital infrastructure, including internet access and connectivity, must be prioritised alongside traditional infrastructure in order to fully participate in the digital revolution. While some argue that sophisticated internet technologies are unnecessary in developing countries, practical examples demonstrate that digital platforms can operate successfully even in the least developed countries, despite challenges posed by unreliable electricity supply.

Building relevant skills and adapting to available technologies can drive progress in the digital realm. UNCTAD, as part of its program, has made strides in building skills in least developed countries (LDCs), enabling individuals to acquire essential coding skills necessary for participation in the digital economy.

Despite the monopolistic nature of digital technologies, ECOWAS has established an e-commerce strategy, recognising the short windows of opportunity to harness their power. This strategy acknowledges the significance of a coherent regional approach to attract development partners and retain private sector involvement in order to facilitate successful implementation.

In conclusion, ECOWAS’s formulation of a regional e-commerce strategy in West Africa, aligned with the African Union’s strategies, reflects a deep partnership between the organisation and UNCTAD. With its young and fast-growing population, Africa holds immense potential for e-commerce and digital economy growth.

However, implementing digital reforms alongside other pressing tasks poses challenges, and affordable internet access and digital infrastructure development are critical requirements. It is crucial not to miss the opportunity to leverage the power of digital technologies, adopting a coherent regional strategy to attract development partners and retain private sector involvement.

Africa must seize this opportunity, ensuring it does not miss out on the digital technological revolution, just as it did with the Green Revolution in the past.

Arguments

Multiple challenges hinder e-commerce in West Africa

Supporting facts:

• Stable energy grids are lacking, creating access deficits

• Reliable internet and mobile connectivity are limited, leading to digital divides

• Challenges in access and use of reliable internet and mobile connectivity

• Lack of standardization in cross-border payment systems

• Need to equip citizens with necessary digital capabilities

• Cybersecurity threats pose a significant challenge

Topics: E-commerce, Digital infrastructure, Cross-border payment systems

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A collaborative approach to regulatory harmonization is vital for fostering a conducive environment for digital trade.

Topics: regulatory harmonization, digital trade

---

Robust legal frameworks for data privacy, cybersecurity, and intellectual property are important.

Topics: legal frameworks, data privacy, cybersecurity, intellectual property

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Instead of focusing only on the regulatory and legal aspects, we must look at the whole ecosystem.

Topics: regulatory, legal aspects, ecosystem

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Shamira Ahmed emphasizes on the need for a vibrant e-commerce ecosystem in the ECOWAS region

Supporting facts:

• Stresses on the importance of political will, adaptability, and a shared vision

• Talks about the need to address structural inequalities

• Argues on leveraging digital and data-driven technologies

Topics: e-commerce, ECOWAS, Digital Economy

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Report

In West Africa, e-commerce growth is hindered by several challenges. Access to stable energy grids is lacking, resulting in access deficits. Reliable internet and mobile connectivity are also limited, leading to digital divides in the region. Moreover, there are obstacles related to the access and use of these technologies.

The lack of standardisation in cross-border payment systems further impedes e-commerce development. Additionally, there is a need to equip citizens with the necessary digital capabilities, and the region faces significant cybersecurity threats. To address these challenges, a comprehensive approach is advocated.

This approach includes fostering regional integration, enhancing economic diversification, promoting job creation, and ensuring inclusivity. The ECOWAS Vision 2050 and ongoing digital reforms aim to tackle these issues. The strategy outlined by ECOWAS includes strengthening institutions, securing trust in e-commerce supply chains, and providing e-commerce intelligence.

It also emphasises the importance of including marginalised groups such as women, youth, people with disabilities, informal cross-border traders, and rural communities. This inclusive approach recognises the importance of creating equal opportunities for all in the digital economy. Collaborative efforts in regulatory harmonisation are vital for creating a conducive environment for digital trade.

By aligning regulations across borders, barriers to cross-border e-commerce can be reduced. Furthermore, robust legal frameworks for data privacy, cybersecurity, and intellectual property are crucial for safeguarding e-commerce transactions and protecting digital assets. While regulations and legal aspects are important, it is essential to consider the entire ecosystem within which e-commerce operates.

This broader perspective takes into account not only the regulatory and legal aspects but also the various stakeholders, networks, and infrastructure that contribute to a thriving e-commerce ecosystem. A governance approach, rather than solely relying on a regulatory framework, is advocated for e-commerce.

This approach provides the necessary flexibility and adaptability to keep pace with rapid technological changes. It ensures that regulatory frameworks remain collaborative and effective across borders. By adopting a governance approach, the evolving nature of e-commerce can be better accommodated, enabling innovation and growth in the digital economy.

Shamira Ahmed emphasises the need for a vibrant e-commerce ecosystem in the ECOWAS region. This includes political will, adaptability, and a shared vision to drive the development and adoption of e-commerce. Structural inequalities need to be addressed, and digital and data-driven technologies should be leveraged to foster economic growth and job creation.

Furthermore, it is crucial to be cautious and ensure that no one is left behind in shaping the region’s digital future. Consideration should be given to existing endowments and capabilities, as well as institutional variations and financial mechanisms. By promoting inclusivity and reducing inequalities, the benefits of e-commerce can be more widely distributed throughout society.

In conclusion, e-commerce in West Africa faces multiple challenges, but these can be overcome through a comprehensive approach that includes regional integration, economic diversification, job creation, and inclusivity. This approach should be supported by regulatory harmonisation, robust legal frameworks, and a governance approach to adapt to the evolving nature of e-commerce.

By addressing these challenges and leveraging digital technologies, the ECOWAS region can create a vibrant e-commerce ecosystem that fosters economic growth, job opportunities, and inclusivity for all its citizens.

Arguments

Data centers are mostly located in tax havens, not necessarily in energy efficient locations

Supporting facts:

• In Latin America, most data centers are in Brazil and Panama

• A study shows an 80% relationship between the location of data centers and tax havens

Topics: Data Centers, Tax Havens, Energy Efficiency

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The need to consider environmental impact in free trade agreements

Supporting facts:

• The current free trade agreements do not seem to address environmental concerns

Topics: Free trade agreements, Environment

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There is enough data already available pointing towards serious environmental problems

Supporting facts:

• Indicators like CO2 levels, global average temperature, retreat of the glaciers, spread of the desert areas all show the dire state of the planet

Topics: Environmental Crisis, Climate Change

---

Major changes only occur in response to global crises

Supporting facts:

• Cut backs in air travel only considered at the time of a global pandemic and energy price shock

Topics: Global Crisis, Climate Action

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Global warming is accelerating at an alarming rate and actions must be taken immediately to mitigate this

Supporting facts:

• Global warming has gone twice as fast since 1981, and it is getting faster

Topics: Climate Change, Global Warming, Sustainable Solutions

---

Discussion on the need for legislation of the total cost of the digital ecosystem

Supporting facts:

• Mentioned about the upcoming ministerial conference in February

• Audience works for the Advisory Centre on WTO Law

Topics: Legislation, Digital Ecosystem, Free Trade Agreements

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France applauded for sustainable data value chains, but historical context of France’s energy path and uranium extractivism in Africa questioned

Supporting facts:

• France’s major source of energy is nuclear, with significant extraction in Africa, notably Niger

• France’s data sustainability approach linked with its nuclear energy practices

Topics: Sustainable data value chains, France’s energy path, Extractivism in Africa, Uranium mining

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Report

The discussions centred around various topics concerning the digital economy and the environment. One argument highlighted that data centres are mostly located in tax havens, rather than in energy-efficient locations. These tax havens attract data centres due to their economic benefits, but this raises concerns about the environmental impact and energy consumption of these centres.

The presence of data centres in tax havens emphasises the need to consider energy efficiency when deciding on their locations. Another argument emphasised the need to incorporate environmental considerations into free trade agreements. The current agreements do not adequately address environmental concerns, disregarding the potential negative effects of trade activities on the environment.

This underlines the importance of ensuring that trade agreements account for environmental impacts and promote sustainable practices. The dire state of the planet was highlighted by pointing out various indicators, including CO2 levels, global average temperature rise, glacier retreat, and the expansion of desert areas.

These indicators provide compelling evidence of serious environmental problems, highlighting the urgent need for action to address climate change and mitigate its impact. However, a speaker challenged the notion that more data is necessary to understand the state of the environment.

Instead, they argued for the importance of wisdom and action based on existing data. This perspective suggests that while data is valuable, it should not hinder necessary measures to protect the environment. It was noted that significant changes often occur in response to global crises, such as the recent cutbacks in air travel prompted by the COVID-19 pandemic and energy price shocks.

This observation underscores the reactive nature of society and the need for substantial global events to drive major behavioural shifts. In a positive light, one speaker advocated for a shift towards traditional values and a slower pace of living. They shared their personal experience of choosing train travel over flying, promoting the idea that contentment should take precedence over mere productivity.

This perspective aligns with the sustainable consumption and production goals of the United Nations. The acceleration of global warming was a cause for concern, with evidence indicating that it is happening at an alarming rate. Global warming has doubled in speed since 1981, highlighting the need for immediate action to combat climate change and prevent further harm to the planet.

The discussions also touched on the need for legislation in the digital ecosystem. The upcoming ministerial conference in February was highlighted as a platform for further discussions and decision-making. The question of whether legislation should be implemented at the national or international level was raised, calling for clarity on the jurisdiction responsible for regulating the digital ecosystem.

France was commended for its sustainable data value chains; however, concerns were raised regarding the historical context of France’s energy practices. The reliance on nuclear energy, with significant uranium extraction in Africa, notably Niger, raised questions about the overall sustainability of France’s data practices.

This highlights the importance of considering the broader environmental impacts associated with data value chains. Lastly, there was advocacy for a greener future in the digital economy, where data flows ensure that countries receive economic value from their data. This perspective emphasises the need for a fair distribution of economic benefits and calls for policies that enable countries to fully utilise the economic potential of their data.

Overall, the discussions emphasised the need to address environmental concerns in the digital economy and the importance of sustainable practices in trade agreements and data management. The urgency of taking action on climate change and the significance of making informed decisions based on existing data were also prominent themes.

These insights provide valuable considerations for policymakers, businesses, and individuals as they navigate the intersection of the digital economy and environmental sustainability.

Arguments

Africa’s sustainability efforts are still at a basic stage

Supporting facts:

• There are basic handling of issues like waste management, recycling, and fossil emission in Africa

Topics: sustainability, waste management, fossil emission

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There are boundless opportunities in Africa’s logistics sector

Supporting facts:

• They’ve found solutions like trip aggregation and route optimization technology

Topics: logistics sector, opportunities

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Gender discrimination is prevalent in the logistics sector

Supporting facts:

• 99.1% of truck.ng’s drivers are males

• Many decisions and activities exclude women

Topics: gender discrimination, logistics sector

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Governmental investment in creating environmental awareness and infrastructure is necessary

Supporting facts:

• It’s difficult for businesses to embrace environmental practices without proper infrastructure.

• Public-private partnership is important.

• Awareness and understanding is crucial for effective implementation of practices.

Topics: Environmental awareness, Investment, Government initiatives, Infrastructure

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Digital literacy for businesses in understanding environmental practices is essential.

Supporting facts:

• Businesses must understand the impact of their actions on the environment.

• Awareness and understanding is necessary for decision-making

Topics: Digital literacy, Awareness, Business practices, Sustainability

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Enforcement of environmental sustainability laws and rewarding businesses for sustainable practices can make a difference.

Supporting facts:

• Practices and rules supporting environmental sustainability are not enforced adequately.

• Rewarding businesses practicing sustainability can encourage more participation.

Topics: Enforcement, Sustainability laws, Rewarding sustainability, Business practices

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The need for mental reorientation on local, global, and continental level, especially about climate change and carbon emissions

Supporting facts:

• Businesses and individuals cannot fight what they don’t know

Topics: Climate Change, Carbon Emissions

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Report

The discussions revealed several noteworthy points regarding sustainability and the logistics sector in Africa. It was noted that Africa’s sustainability efforts are still at a basic stage, with a primary focus on waste management, recycling, and reducing fossil emissions. This suggests that there is room for improvement in implementing more comprehensive and sustainable practices.

On a positive note, the logistics sector in Africa presents boundless opportunities. Solutions such as trip aggregation and route optimization technology have been found to enhance efficiency in the sector. This indicates that there is potential for growth and innovation within the industry.

However, it was brought to attention that the logistics sector in Africa is plagued by gender discrimination. Many decisions and activities exclude women, and an overwhelming 99.1% of the drivers on the truck.ng platform, for example, are male. This highlights the need for increased gender inclusivity and equal opportunities within the logistics sector.

Another important point emphasized during the discussions is the need for sustainability solutions to be developed with a global perspective. It was noted that the challenges faced across different continents and worlds are different, and therefore, sustainable practices must take into account these variations.

Furthermore, it was argued that governmental investment in creating environmental awareness and infrastructure is crucial. Businesses find it difficult to embrace environmental practices without proper support and infrastructure. Public-private partnerships were also highlighted as essential for the effective implementation of sustainable practices.

Digital literacy among businesses was identified as essential for understanding environmental practices. It was emphasized that businesses must comprehend the impact of their actions on the environment and possess awareness and understanding to make informed decisions. Enforcement of sustainability laws and rewarding businesses for sustainable practices were seen as important measures.

It was noted that practices and rules supporting environmental sustainability are not adequately enforced, and offering incentives for sustainable practices can encourage wider participation. Adequate awareness of climate change and carbon emissions was stressed as necessary. Both individuals and businesses need to be properly informed about these issues to take appropriate actions.

It was acknowledged that businesses and individuals cannot combat what they do not know. In conclusion, the discussions highlighted the need for Africa to further develop its sustainability efforts, address gender discrimination in the logistics sector, adopt a global perspective in sustainable practices, invest in environmental awareness and infrastructure, promote digital literacy for businesses, enforce sustainability laws, and raise awareness of climate change and carbon emissions.

These insights can serve as valuable guidance for policymakers, businesses, and individuals who aim to contribute to a more sustainable future in Africa.

Arguments

Digital tools have a significant environmental impact

Supporting facts:

• Digital is physical and intensely so

• Cloud servers each caused between one and two tonne of CO2 to manufacture, between five and 10 tonne of toxic mining waste, and hundreds of thousands of litres of water

Topics: Digital technology, Environment

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E-waste is the fastest growing waste stream in the world

Supporting facts:

• By 2050, we’ll be able to build a Mount Everest every year of mining waste

Topics: E-waste, Digital technology

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Need to legislate what big tech is doing from a true and total cost point of view

Supporting facts:

• Data centers have been parading around how energy efficient they are by using massive quantities of water to cool their servers

• Data centers churn out massive amounts of e-waste due to constant replacement of servers

Topics: Big tech, Data centers, Energy efficiency, e-waste

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Need for a data tax

Supporting facts:

• The vast majority of data we produce today is not valuable and is in fact polluting the good data, causing inefficiency

• Big data is what you do when it’s cheaper to store the data than to think about what to do with the data

Topics: Data tax, Big data

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Environmental goals need to be incorporated into international standards and cooperation.

Supporting facts:

• Ecosystems are international.

• The 70 minerals in a smartphone come from all over the world.

Topics: free trade agreements, digital ecosystems, legislation

---

Need to rein in big tech monopolies

Supporting facts:

• 20 big tech monopolies rule the world.

Topics: Big tech, Regulations, Monopolies

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Report

The analysis identifies multiple key points regarding the environmental impact of digital tools and technology. Firstly, it highlights the significant negative environmental impact of digital tools. The manufacturing process of devices like smartphones and laptops contributes to CO2 emissions and generates toxic waste and excessive water usage.

The manufacturing of cloud servers, essential for data storage and online services, also adds to the environmental burden. Each cloud server is estimated to release between one and two metric tonnes of CO2 emissions, generate between five and ten metric tonnes of toxic mining waste, and consume hundreds of thousands of litres of water.

Another concerning aspect is the alarming growth of electronic waste or e-waste. E-waste is the fastest-growing waste stream globally. By 2050, it is projected that the amount of mining waste generated would be equivalent to the size of Mount Everest each year.

This emphasizes the urgent need for proper e-waste management and sustainable practices. The role of digital platforms like Amazon, Apple, Google, and Facebook in promoting overconsumption is also highlighted. These platforms contribute to rampant consumerism and excessive consumption patterns, depleting resources and exacerbating the environmental impact of manufacturing and disposal processes.

The analysis raises concerns about the role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in contributing to environmental issues. While AI has the potential to aid in environmental preservation, the current focus of AI systems on advertising purposes rather than environmental considerations is problematic.

There is also a risk of creating larger amounts of unnecessary data through AI, further adding to the environmental burden. On a positive note, the analysis emphasizes the importance of wisdom and behavioral changes as solutions to the climate crisis.

This includes adopting sustainable practices such as increasing walking and cycling and reducing overall consumption. The excessive accumulation of data is also identified, with 90% of stored data remaining unused after three months. This highlights the need for purposeful and efficient use of data, rather than its indiscriminate accumulation.

Furthermore, the analysis underscores the importance of holding big tech companies accountable and implementing regulations. Self-regulation by big tech monopolies is deemed unsatisfactory, considering their negative environmental impact. It is necessary to rein in their activities to ensure more sustainable practices.

A data tax is also suggested as a means to incentivize responsible and efficient data use. Much of the data produced currently is of little value and contributes to inefficiency. A data tax could promote more responsible data practices. Moreover, the analysis emphasizes the need for international standards and cooperation.

Incorporating environmental goals into trade agreements and digital ecosystems is crucial for ensuring responsible consumption and production patterns. Given the global nature of digital ecosystems, collective efforts are necessary to address environmental challenges effectively. The analysis also highlights the outsourcing of environmental damage to poorer countries.

The manufacturing of digital products often leads to mining waste and damage to societies, particularly indigenous communities. Additionally, poorer countries bear the brunt of e-waste dumping, exacerbating environmental and social issues. Lastly, the analysis reveals the unequal distribution of responsibility for climate damage.

The top 10% of the world’s population is responsible for 60% of climate damage, while 50% of the poorest people contribute to only 10% of the damage. This emphasizes the urgency of holding top contributors accountable and striving for a more equitable distribution of environmental responsibility.

In conclusion, the analysis presents a comprehensive overview of the significant negative environmental impacts of digital tools and technology. It calls for accountability, regulation, and changes in behavior to address these issues. Sustainable consumption and production patterns, international cooperation, and data responsibility are crucial in navigating the environmental challenges of the digital era.

Arguments

Need for a global environmental data strategy

Supporting facts:

• There’s a lot of fragmented and unfit data

• Data needs to be reliable and fit for certain applications

• The importance of interoperability for decision-making based on data

• Issues around fair distribution and benefit extraction from data

Topics: Data Quality, Data Interoperability, Fair Data Distribution, Data Usage

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Data should be layered and combined

Supporting facts:

• Interoperability allows for data to be layered and combined for more comprehensive analysis

• It is imperative for quality decision-making

Topics: Data Interoperability, Data Usage

---

Countries and stakeholders are looking for sophisticated analyses and decision support when it comes to digital environmental issues

Supporting facts:

• Countries like to see data visualized on maps and other platforms

• There is a need for flexibility to accommodate varying needs of policymakers

Topics: Digital strategy, Environmental data

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Generative AI and emerging technologies have the potential to provide dynamic and custom analysis

Supporting facts:

• Non-technical staff can express their needs using a natural language interface

• Capability to generate text, videos, images and geo-spatial information

Topics: Generative AI, Emerging technologies

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A global environmental data strategy and a technology layer for interpreting natural language into queries are still needed

Supporting facts:

• Ensuring the quality and interoperability of data is crucial

• The technology should be user-friendly

Topics: Global environmental data strategy, Natural language interpretation

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Technology is a tool and we need to chart a middle path where we hold the private sector accountable, acknowledging all the damage that their solution can do to the environment.

Supporting facts:

• Private sector needs to minimize their environmental footprint.

• Focus should be on effective use of digital technologies and data.

Topics: Technology, Environment, Corporate Accountability

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The conversation around the footprint of digital technologies and their damage to the environment is a less mature and less present topic at COP.

Supporting facts:

• The discussion mostly revolves around the use of digital technologies to combat climate change.

• Topic regarding the environmental damage by digital technologies is less discussed.

Topics: COP, Digital Technologies, Environment

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Overall sense of optimism from COP28

Supporting facts:

• Operationalization of the loss and damage fund

• Negotiations around technology mechanism

• Negotiations around funding mechanisms

Topics: COP28, Climate Change, Fossil Fuels

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Report

The discussions at COP28 focused on the need for a global environmental data strategy. It was acknowledged that there is a significant amount of fragmented and inadequate data available. To ensure effective decision-making, data needs to be reliable and suitable for specific applications.

Stakeholders emphasized the importance of data interoperability, as it allows for the layering and combination of data, leading to more comprehensive analysis and better decision-making. It was argued that a global environmental data strategy is necessary to address issues around fair distribution and benefit extraction from data.

The United Nations (UN) was expected to take the lead in developing and implementing the global environmental data strategy. Stakeholders expressed their expectation that the UN should play a crucial role in this process. There was an overall sense of optimism from COP28, indicating progress in addressing environmental issues through data and technology.

The discussions also highlighted the potential of emerging technologies, such as generative AI. These technologies have the capability to provide dynamic and custom analysis. Non-technical staff can use a natural language interface to express their needs, and generative AI can generate various forms of information, including text, videos, images, and geo-spatial data.

Countries and stakeholders expressed their desire for sophisticated analyses and decision support for digital environmental issues. They emphasized the need for visualizing data on maps and other platforms, as well as the importance of flexibility to accommodate the varying needs of policymakers.

The role of the private sector in environmental sustainability was another important topic of discussion. While technology can be a useful tool in addressing environmental challenges, there is a need to hold the private sector accountable for any potential environmental damage caused by their solutions.

However, it was also recognized that the private sector has shown a willingness to contribute to preserving the environment, and closer collaboration between public and private sectors is necessary. Consumers were encouraged to demand transparency and accountability from businesses to prioritize environmental issues.

It was noted that businesses primarily exist to make money, and without consumer demand for responsible consumption and production, environmental concerns may not be prioritized by the private sector. In conclusion, the discussions at COP28 highlighted the importance of a global environmental data strategy, data interoperability, and the use of emerging technologies for comprehensive analysis.

The UN is expected to take the lead in the global environmental data strategy, and there is a sense of optimism regarding progress in addressing environmental challenges. Closer collaboration between public and private sectors, as well as consumer demand for transparency and accountability, are crucial in prioritizing environmental issues.

The role of technology as both a tool and a potential source of environmental damage was recognized, calling for a balanced approach that promotes environmental responsibility.

Arguments

Digital economy and sustainability are intrinsically linked but have a paradoxical relationship

Supporting facts:

• The digital economy has the potential to reduce emissions and enable reaching the 1.5-degree goals set out in the Paris Climate Accords

• Without careful management, the digital economy can pose a major environmental risk

Topics: Digital Economy, Sustainability, Climate Change, Emission Reduction

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The importance of infrastructure in digital regulation

Supporting facts:

• Laura’s experience in RCEP led to the development of the public platform theory

• Comprehensive regulation requires alternatives to existing infrastructure

• The public platform aids in forcing the private sector to observe rules and ethics

Topics: digital regulation, ethics, security, infrastructure

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Collaboration is crucial in the pursuit of sustainability

Supporting facts:

• No one entity can accomplish sustainability alone

• Infrastructure provision can foster collaboration and progress

Topics: Collaboration, infrastructure, sustainability

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Report

The discussions highlight the interconnectedness between the digital economy and sustainability, acknowledging that they have a complex relationship. On one hand, the digital economy shows promise in reducing emissions and contributing to the goals set in the Paris Climate Accords.

It has the potential to help reach the 1.5-degree targets, but this potential must be harnessed carefully to avoid adverse environmental consequences. Sustainability is argued to be a crucial aspect that should be at the heart of all discussions and actions regarding the digital economy.

This is particularly important given the current era of accelerated digital transformation. It is emphasized that sustainability needs to be the primary focus during this period of rapid technological advancement. Infrastructure plays a vital role in digital regulation. The discussions highlight the importance of comprehensive regulation, which includes alternatives to existing infrastructure.

It is suggested that infrastructure should be adapted to support digital regulation effectively. The development of the public platform theory, based on Laura’s experience in RCEP (Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership), is seen as a valuable step in this direction. The public platform theory aids in enforcing rules and ethics on the private sector and provides a mechanism to observe compliance.

It is argued that comprehensive regulation is required to address the diverse aspects of the digital economy, such as digital ethics, security, and infrastructure. There is support for a balanced approach between the public platform and the private sector. The public platform is seen as an effective tool for regulating the private sector and achieving compliance.

Additionally, it is believed that the private sector can benefit from becoming more ‘greener’ and providing newer environmental services. The discussions highlight the potential for public-private partnerships in achieving sustainability goals. Collaboration is emphasized as a crucial element in the pursuit of sustainability.

It is acknowledged that no single entity can achieve sustainability alone. The provision of infrastructure is seen as a catalyst for collaboration and progress. Collaborative efforts are essential in addressing the challenges associated with sustainability and achieving the desired goals.

In conclusion, the discussions underline the intricate relationship between the digital economy and sustainability. While the digital economy has the potential to contribute to environmental goals, careful management is necessary to mitigate risks. Sustainability should be a central consideration in all discussions and actions related to the digital economy, especially during the current era of accelerated transformation.

Infrastructure plays a crucial role in digital regulation, requiring comprehensive regulations and alternatives to existing infrastructure. Collaboration is identified as a key element in achieving sustainability, and infrastructure provision can facilitate collaboration and progress towards sustainability goals.

Arguments

Digital technologies and data are necessary to fill the implementation gap in ecological planning and transition

Supporting facts:

• Efficient and fair ecological transition necessitates the use of digital technologies and data

• Digital technologies are identified as a tool in combating climate change and biodiversity loss

Topics: Digital Technologies, Data Management, Ecological Planning

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Public platform theory, akin to how a city operates, should be implemented in data management for ecological planning

Supporting facts:

• Rules for urbanization and traffic regulation, as well as infrastructure like roads and sewers are developed by public authorities

• Digital technologies and infrastructure should be equivalent and regulated in the same manner

Topics: Public Platform Theory, Urbanization, Data Management

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Collective journey involving all stakeholders from different sectors is a requirement to accomplish this plan

Supporting facts:

• All involved ministries and sectors have appreciated the comprehensive roadmap

• Representation from local levels (regions, cities) along with external stakeholders such as private companies, NGOs, and agencies is required

Topics: Collective Participation, Stakeholder Engagement, Collaboration

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We need to balance the use of digital technologies with the impact they have on the environment and our privacy

Supporting facts:

• This is a day-to-day worry for the French government

• They are always balancing the opportunity and the data that really needed to be shared to implement a better ecological planning

• The French national strategy is very basic regarding digital technologies, focusing on sharing information to implement green technologies

Topics: Digital Technologies, Environmental Impact, Privacy, Ethics

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Regulations are needed to force the private sector to respect rules, ethics, interoperability and security

Supporting facts:

• Laura previously worked at RCEP, a telecom and big tech regulation agency in France.

• Europe is working on a Data Act Regulation and DMA and GSA.

Topics: Big Tech, Regulations

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Building alternative public platforms can aid in regulation and encourage compliance in the private sector.

Supporting facts:

• Without building alternative infrastructures, you cannot regulate from outside.

• Public platforms can help the private sector use the right data and method, respecting ethics and quality job.

Topics: Public Platforms, Compliance

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Public platforms can also support private sector transitions to greener practices.

Supporting facts:

• Private sector can build on digital components to create new environmental services.

• Private sector can leverage data sharing infrastructure to create greener services.

Topics: Green Practices, Private Sector

---

France insists a lot regarding green transition and focuses on it being both efficient and fair

Topics: Green Transition, Climate change, Efficiency, Fairness

---

Climate change is a very complex and systemic problem

Supporting facts:

• Climate change affects all demographic groups and regions, requires integrated responses

Topics: Climate change, Complex systems

---

Digital technology plays a significant role in addressing climate change

Supporting facts:

• Digital technology can be used for data collection, monitoring, and modelling climate change

Topics: Digital technology, Climate change

---

Report

The use of digital technologies and data is considered necessary to bridge the implementation gap in ecological planning and transition. These technologies play a crucial role in combating climate change and biodiversity loss. It is recognized that an efficient and fair ecological transition requires the incorporation of digital technologies and the utilization of data.

However, it is important to regulate the risks associated with these technologies. Privacy concerns, issues related to artificial intelligence, and the digital divide need to be addressed to ensure the responsible and ethical use of digital technologies. Regulations should be put in place to mitigate these risks, approaching the development of digital technologies from an ethical, citizen-oriented, and humanist framework.

Furthermore, the implementation of public platform theory, which operates similarly to a city, is proposed for effective data management in ecological planning. Just as public authorities develop rules and regulations for urbanization and traffic control, digital technologies and infrastructure should be regulated in the same manner.

The importance of regulation and evaluation is emphasized in implementing an effective data management plan. Regular evaluations are planned to ensure efficient data management, and innovative solutions are sought. This approach addresses the challenges and complexities of managing data in ecological planning.

To accomplish the ecological planning plan, a collective journey involving all stakeholders from different sectors is necessary. This includes representation from local levels, such as regions and cities, as well as engagement with external stakeholders such as private companies, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and agencies.

Collaboration and involvement of all parties are crucial for the plan’s success. While digital technologies and data play vital roles, it is important to balance their use with their impact on the environment and privacy. The French government acknowledges the need to find a balance between the opportunities offered by digital technologies and the protection of data needed for effective ecological planning.

The government is concerned with ensuring that the shared data is necessary for implementing green technologies and minimizing environmental impact. It is also highlighted that changes in consumption behaviors are of significant importance. Seeking technological solutions alone, without addressing the need for changes in consumption patterns, can overlook crucial aspects of sustainability.

Information needs to be shared for effective planning, including identifying appropriate locations for renewable energy implementation. Regulation is necessary to ensure the private sector adheres to rules, ethics, interoperability, and security. There is recognition of the need to regulate private sector practices to ensure the responsible and ethical use of digital technologies.

Europe is working on implementing regulations, such as the Data Act Regulation and DMA and GSA, to ensure compliance among private sector entities. Building alternative public platforms is suggested to aid in regulation and encourage compliance in the private sector.

Such platforms can help guide the private sector in using the right data and methods while respecting ethical and quality standards. Additionally, public platforms can support the private sector’s transition to greener practices. By leveraging digital components and data sharing infrastructure, the private sector can develop innovative environmental services and contribute to sustainable practices.

France emphasizes the importance of an efficient and fair green transition. The country recognizes its responsibility, along with developed countries, in addressing climate impact due to their past actions. It is crucial to focus efforts on an ecological and fair transition.

The issue of climate change is highlighted as a complex and systemic problem that requires integrated responses. It affects all demographic groups and regions, making holistic and interdisciplinary approaches essential. Digital technology is regarded as playing a significant role in addressing climate change.

Its potential is recognized in areas such as data collection, monitoring, and modeling climate change. By leveraging digital technologies, more sustainable practices can be developed to contribute to an efficient and fair green transition. In conclusion, the use of digital technologies and data is necessary to fill the implementation gap in ecological planning and transition towards a sustainable future.

Although risks are associated with these technologies, such as privacy concerns and the digital divide, regulation and ethical frameworks are essential. A collective journey involving all stakeholders, regulation, and public platform theory are means to ensure effective data management and encourage compliance in the private sector.

Balancing the use of digital technologies with environmental impact and privacy considerations, alongside changes in consumption behaviors, is vital. The emphasis on an efficient and fair green transition, acknowledging responsibility, addressing climate change as a complex issue, and recognizing the role of digital technology in fighting climate change and biodiversity loss are key takeaways from the analysis.

Arguments

Digital technologies and innovations, like the Internet of Things, robotics, artificial intelligence, have the potential to reshape energy management, enhance efficiency, and support the adoption of low-emission technologies.

Supporting facts:

• Digital technologies can play a key role in addressing environmental sustainability

• Rapid digital transformation also brings a growing environmental footprint

• With the help of digital technologies, it’s possible to reshape energy management and enhance efficiency

Topics: Digitalization, Artificial Intelligence, Internet of Things, Sustainability

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Rapid digital transformation brings a growing environmental footprint and there are concerns over raw material depletion, energy and water usage, air quality, pollution, and waste generation

Supporting facts:

• Global data centers alone accounted for around 1.3% of global electricity consumption in 2022

• Without careful management, digital economy risks becoming a major environmental risk

• The use of digital devices, data centers, and ICT networks accounts for 6-12% of global energy use

Topics: Digital Economy, Environment, Sustainability

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More and better use of digital technologies are needed to cope with global challenges

Supporting facts:

• The issue of digitalization and the kind of digital future we want is a massive question to deal with

• One of the challenges is to ensure effective digital access and use in developing countries

Topics: Digitalization, Global challenges

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Multiple stakeholders should come together to tackle challenges of digitalization

Supporting facts:

• Organized this session today together with UNEP to merge these perspectives

• Need to learn very fast on how best to deal with digitalization

Topics: Digitalization, Collaboration, Policy making

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The key is to accelerate global dialogue on managing the changes brought by collaboration and stepping change

Topics: global collaboration, dialogue

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Report

Digital technologies and innovations, such as the Internet of Things, robotics, and artificial intelligence, have the potential to revolutionize energy management, enhance efficiency, and facilitate the adoption of low-emission technologies. These advancements were highlighted by one speaker who emphasized their role in reshaping the energy sector and supporting sustainable practices in addressing environmental challenges.

By incorporating digital technologies into energy management systems, it becomes possible to optimize resource use, reduce CO2 emissions, and improve overall operational efficiency. This has the potential to drive progress towards SDG 9, which focuses on industry, innovation, and infrastructure, as well as SDG 13, which aims to combat climate change.

However, the rapid digital transformation also brings about concerns regarding its environmental impact. Another speaker expressed worries about issues such as raw material depletion, energy and water usage, air quality, pollution, and waste generation. It was noted that global data centres alone accounted for approximately 1.3% of global electricity consumption in 2022, highlighting the significant energy demand associated with digital activities.

Furthermore, it was highlighted that digital devices, data centres, and ICT networks account for a substantial portion, ranging from 6% to 12%, of global energy use. These concerns suggest the need for careful management and sustainable practices to mitigate the growing environmental footprint of digitalisation.

To address these concerns, it was emphasised that embracing sustainable practices is crucial in lessening the environmental impact of digitalisation and promoting ecological sustainability. The inclusion of energy efficiency, responsible resource management, renewable energy generation, and e-waste recycling was highlighted as essential components of managing digital transformation sustainably.

Additionally, supporting least developed countries and small island developing states was deemed crucial in helping them navigate the challenges and leverage the opportunities presented by digital technologies. This aligns with SDG 7, which promotes affordable and clean energy, SDG 12, which advocates for responsible consumption and production, and SDG 13, which addresses Climate Action.

Multiple stakeholders were called upon to collaborate and work together in tackling the challenges associated with digitalisation. By fostering partnerships and leveraging collective expertise, these stakeholders can effectively address the multifaceted aspects of digital transformation, including environmental concerns. This collaboration aligns with SDG 17, which emphasises the importance of partnerships for achieving sustainable development goals.

It was also highlighted that developing countries face unique challenges and downsides in relation to digitalisation. These countries often lack the capabilities to fully take advantage of digital opportunities, which can exacerbate inequalities on a global scale. Furthermore, developing countries often receive significant amounts of e-waste, posing environmental and health risks.

These observations reiterate the need for inclusive and equitable digitalisation, as well as support for developing nations to bridge the digital divide and ensure that they can reap the benefits of the digital revolution. Tech platforms were recognised for playing a significant role in shaping digital transformation.

With privileged access and control over massive data resources, these platforms hold considerable power in influencing the direction of digitalisation. It is important to monitor and regulate their practices to ensure that the benefits of digitalisation are equitably distributed and that privacy concerns are adequately addressed.

Global dialogue and collaboration were emphasised as vital in managing the changes brought about by digitalisation. By accelerating the discussion and sharing best practices, stakeholders can collectively navigate the challenges and uncertainties associated with digital transformation. Finding a balanced approach, rather than viewing digitalisation as a black-or-white situation, was highlighted as a crucial solution.

This resonates with SDG 16, which aims to establish peace, justice, and strong institutions. In conclusion, digital technologies offer immense potential in transforming energy management, improving efficiency, and supporting sustainable practices. However, the rapid pace of digital transformation also presents environmental challenges that must be carefully managed through the adoption of sustainable practices.

Collaboration among multiple stakeholders is essential in addressing these challenges and ensuring that digitalisation benefits all nations, particularly developing countries. By embracing a balanced and inclusive approach, we can harness the power of digital technologies while minimizing their negative impact and fostering a sustainable and equitable digital future.

Arguments

Lenovo is committed to meeting net zero targets by 2050

Supporting facts:

• Lenovo started its journey in sustainability 18 years ago

• Lenovo’s net zero target has been approved by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTI)

Topics: Sustainability, Greenhouse gas emissions

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Lenovo is developing innovative, sustainable packaging options

Supporting facts:

• Lenovo is currently developing innovations around packaging

Topics: Resource Optimization, Sustainable Packaging

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Lenovo is focusing on circular economy principles

Supporting facts:

• Lenovo is developing solutions taking into account circular economy principles at the design, use, and return levels

Topics: Circular Economy, Sustainable Design, Use Level, Return Level

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Private sector needs more collaboration with big organizations for environmental sustainability

Supporting facts:

• 46% of our emission is downstream, coming from the way people use our solutions

Topics: Private Sector, Collaboration, Environmental Sustainability

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Important to train consumers to use devices and solutions efficiently

Topics: Consumer Education, Efficiency

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Policy needed enhance collaboration between private, public and institutions

Supporting facts:

• Emphasis on accelerating the transformation in response to the end of the cycle

Topics: digital economy, environmental sustainability, policy making

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Report

Lenovo, a global technology company, is committed to achieving net zero targets by 2050. This commitment has been approved by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTI), and Lenovo has been on their sustainability journey for the past 18 years. They are actively working to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

To achieve their climate goals, Lenovo is focusing on circular economy principles. They are developing solutions that consider the design, use, and return levels of their products. By implementing circular economy practices, Lenovo aims to reduce waste and promote the reuse and recycling of materials.

In terms of packaging, Lenovo is actively developing innovative and sustainable options. This approach aligns with SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production, which emphasizes the need to reduce waste and promote sustainable packaging practices. By prioritising sustainable packaging, Lenovo is demonstrating their commitment to responsible consumption and production.

Lenovo is also aware of the importance of responsible procurement in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. They have found that 56% of their emissions are linked to their upstream ecosystem, and 46% are linked to their downstream ecosystem. To address this, Lenovo is asking its suppliers to disclose emission and ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) data.

They are also promoting energy efficiency and renewable energy practices among their suppliers. Through these efforts, Lenovo aims to reduce emissions throughout their supply chain. Collaboration is another key aspect of Lenovo’s sustainability approach. They recognise that 46% of their emissions come from the way people use their products.

Therefore, they believe that collaboration between the private sector and larger organisations is crucial for achieving environmental sustainability. By working together, these entities can share knowledge and resources to promote sustainable practices. Lenovo acknowledges the changing expectations of consumers. They have observed that consumers now consider ESG criteria when selecting suppliers.

This means that consumers prioritize environmentally responsible and socially conscious business practices. In response to this shift, Lenovo emphasizes the importance of training consumers to use their devices and solutions efficiently. This not only reduces energy consumption but also extends the lifespan of their products.

Policy advancement is another area of focus for Lenovo. They believe that policy initiatives are necessary to enhance collaboration between the private, public, and institutional sectors. Lenovo emphasizes the need for new policies and rules that can support and accelerate the transition towards a more sustainable digital economy.

By aligning policies across sectors, there is potential for greater collaboration and unified efforts towards environmental sustainability. In conclusion, Lenovo is committed to sustainability and has set ambitious net zero targets for the future. They are incorporating circular economy principles into their solutions, developing sustainable packaging options, and working to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through responsible procurement.

Lenovo recognizes the importance of collaboration across sectors and emphasizes the need for training consumers to use their products efficiently. They also advocate for policy advancements to foster collaboration and accelerate the transition towards a sustainable digital economy.

Arguments

The Femtech market is expected to double in size in the next five years, focusing on pregnancy, nursing, reproductive and menstrual health, and contraception.

Supporting facts:

• Advanced maternal care is a key part of Femtech.

• Women use their own data to track and manage their health.

Topics: Femtech, Pregnancy, Nursing, Reproductive health, Menstrual health, Contraception

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The growth of Femtech is breaking down barriers of stigma related to women’s health issues.

Supporting facts:

• Breastfeeding is stigmatized in many parts of the world.

• Social media giants ban and restrict many educational content on women’s health.

Topics: Femtech, Women’s health, Stigma

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Inclusive startups, particularly those focusing on underrepresented communities, can stimulate economic growth.

Supporting facts:

• Startup20 focussed on this issue.

• Activation of underrepresented communities can translate to an increase in GDP.

Topics: Inclusion, Startups, Underrepresented communities

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Establishing Lactamo faced many pre-market obstacles

Supporting facts:

• Etta Watts Russel personally experienced the challenges of breastfeeding.

• She noted IP, clinical validation, market validation, regulatory compliance, funding and manufacturing as obstacles faced during the establishment of her startup.

• Government grant funds and support from the Australian startup system were beneficial in her journey.

Topics: Breastfeeding, Startup, Accelerator programs, Government funds

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Startup20 provided an opportunity for diverse startups to learn from each other

Supporting facts:

• Startup20 engagement meeting allowed each country to present on their strengths and weaknesses in the startup space.

• The variety of delegates from founders to VCs and professional firms added diversity to Startup20

• Etta stated that she benefited from the recommendations and focus areas highlighted during Startup20.

• Different definitions of startups in various countries indicate the need for a unified understanding.

Topics: Diversity, Global Interactions, Startup20

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Femtech sector is anticipated to evolve hugely in next 5-10 years

Supporting facts:

• Taboo subjects are turning into focus areas

• Industry statistics predict that this area will double in the next five years

• Women’s health is closely related to data, which gives power to women

Topics: Femtech, Industrial Growth, Women’s Health

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Digitalization in Femtech space can bring numerous opportunities

Supporting facts:

• Digital solutions can make women more comfortable discussing their health solutions

• Digitalization can help to tackle fertility journeys, pregnancy and postpartum journeys

Topics: Femtech, Digitalization of Healthcare Solutions, Women Empowerment

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Report

The Femtech market, which encompasses technology-based solutions catering to women’s health needs, is projected to double in size within the next five years. This growth is primarily focused on areas such as pregnancy, nursing, reproductive and menstrual health, and contraception.

Advanced maternal care is identified as a key component of Femtech, highlighting the importance of providing comprehensive healthcare solutions for expectant mothers. One significant aspect of the Femtech market is its ability to empower women to track and manage their own health by utilizing their personal data.

By empowering women to take control of their health, Femtech plays a crucial role in promoting gender equality and supporting SDG 5 (Gender Equality). The rapid growth of Femtech is also breaking down societal barriers and overcoming stigmatization associated with women’s health issues.

Breastfeeding, for example, is stigmatized in many parts of the world. However, the growth of Femtech is gradually removing the barriers by providing support and education to mothers. In addition, social media platforms have implemented policies to restrict educational content on women’s health, but the development of the Femtech market challenges these restrictions and provides valuable resources and information for women.

Furthermore, inclusive startups, particularly those focusing on underrepresented communities, have the potential to stimulate economic growth and contribute to SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities). Activation of underrepresented communities has been linked to an increase in GDP, highlighting the positive impact of inclusive startups on the economy.

Etta Watts Russell, a prominent advocate for the integration of Femtech in the healthcare sector, emphasizes the importance of addressing stigmatized women’s health issues and empowering underrepresented communities. She underscores the economic benefits of investing in breastfeeding and the significant market potential for Femtech.

Establishing a Femtech startup comes with its own set of challenges. Obstacles such as intellectual property (IP), clinical validation, market validation, regulatory compliance, funding, and manufacturing impact the success of such ventures. However, government grant funds and support from the startup ecosystem can prove instrumental in overcoming these barriers.

The international platform Startup20 provides an opportunity for diverse startups to learn from each other. Through engagement meetings, various countries present their strengths and weaknesses in the startup space, promoting global interactions and the exchange of knowledge. The diversity of delegates, ranging from founders to venture capitalists and professional firms, adds richness to the startup ecosystem.

Support and education are crucial for the success of Femtech solutions. Etta Watts Russell emphasizes the need for educating mothers and raising awareness about solutions like Lactamo. Without proper support, the ability of Femtech products to improve breastfeeding statistics and women’s health outcomes may be limited.

The future of the Femtech sector looks promising, with industry statistics predicting a significant evolution in the next 5-10 years. Taboo subjects related to women’s health are emerging as focus areas, highlighting the growing recognition and acceptance of previously neglected issues.

The use of data in women’s health gives power to women, enabling them to make informed decisions about their well-being. Femtech solutions promote proactive approaches to healthcare, countering negative trends and bridging gaps in access to healthcare services. By empowering women to handle their own health issues, Femtech contributes to SDG 3 (Good Health and Wellbeing).

Digitalization has the potential to revolutionize the Femtech space. By providing digital solutions, women can comfortably discuss their health concerns and find support. The use of technology can also aid in tackling fertility journeys, pregnancy, and postpartum experiences. Overall, the growth and development of the Femtech market present numerous opportunities to address women’s health needs, break down societal barriers, and empower underrepresented communities.

By integrating Femtech solutions into the healthcare sector, prioritizing education and awareness, and embracing digitalization, significant progress can be made towards achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

Arguments

Femtech market is expected to grow rapidly, with major categories including pregnancy, nursing, reproductive and menstrual health, and contraception

Supporting facts:

• The Femtech market is expected to double in size in the next five years

• the COVID pandemic significantly accelerated the rise and adoption of digital health solutions

Topics: Femtech, Growth, Pregnancy, Nursing, Reproductive health, Menstrual health, Contraception

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Women are more likely to use digital tools for healthcare

Supporting facts:

• Working age women are 75% more likely to use digital tools for healthcare than men

Topics: Women , Digital health tools, Healthcare

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Many Femtech offerings unfortunately go hand in hand with society’s labeling of supposed taboo subjects

Supporting facts:

• Breastfeeding, a crucial life-saving intervention for infants, is heavily stigmatized in most countries in the world

Topics: Femtech, Taboo Topics, Society

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Despite its growth, the Femtech market so far is primarily limited to the developed world

Supporting facts:

• Main development of the Femtech market has occurred predominantly only in the developed world

Topics: Femtech, Development Gap

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Initiatives like Startup20 aim to address the challenges faced by entrepreneurs, focusing in particular on underrepresented groups

Supporting facts:

• Startup20 is the first of its kind engagement group under the Indian presidency of G20

• Its task forces are empowered to develop key priorities for the global startup ecosystem

• One task force, Include, works to promote startups addressing challenges faced by underrepresented groups

Topics: Startup20, Entrepreneurship, Underrepresented Groups

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Etta Watts Russell stresses the importance of providing support and education for mothers in the context of breastfeeding and femtech solutions

Supporting facts:

• Etta’s own negative experience with breastfeeding motivated her to approach the problem

• Lactamo is a world-first product with a 100% clinical validation success rate

Topics: Femtech, Lactamo, Breastfeeding, Motherhood, Startup20

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There has been a major shift in what is considered acceptable and priority, especially in women’s health.

Supporting facts:

• Industry statistics project doubling of opportunities in women’s health in the next five years.

• Technology is enabling women, especially in remote/rural areas, to better access health solutions.

Topics: Women empowerment, Women’s health, Femtech

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Report

The Femtech market is expected to double in size within the next five years, focusing on areas such as pregnancy, nursing, reproductive and menstrual health, and contraception. This growth is partly due to the accelerated rise and adoption of digital health solutions during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Additionally, women of working age are 75% more likely than men to use digital tools for healthcare, indicating their greater engagement and interest in leveraging technology for managing their health. However, despite the positive growth prospects, many Femtech offerings still face societal stigma due to their association with taboo subjects.

This stigma hinders the widespread acceptance and usage of these products and solutions. Another concern is the limited development of the Femtech market in the developed world, leaving out significant portions of the global population and creating an inequality in access to innovative healthcare technologies and solutions.

To address these challenges and promote inclusivity, initiatives like Startup20 have emerged. Startup20, as the first engagement group under the Indian presidency of G20, empowers task forces to develop key priorities for the global startup ecosystem. One particular task force, Include, focuses on promoting startups that address the challenges faced by underrepresented groups.

In the context of Femtech and breastfeeding, providing comprehensive support and education for mothers is crucial. Etta Watts Russell, an advocate in this field, emphasises the importance of solutions like Lactamo, which has achieved a 100% clinical validation rate and aims to improve the support available to mothers.

Furthermore, there has been a shift in society’s perception of women’s health and priorities. Industry statistics project a doubling of opportunities in women’s health over the next five years. Technology enables better access to health solutions, particularly for women in remote or rural areas.

In conclusion, the Femtech market is poised for significant growth, driven by digital solutions and innovations addressing various aspects of women’s health. However, challenges related to societal stigmas and limited accessibility need to be addressed to ensure a more inclusive and global impact.

Initiatives like Startup20 and the advocacy of individuals like Etta Watts Russell play a vital role in promoting equality and proactive approaches to women’s health.

Arguments

Peru has many signed trade agreements and bilateral investment treaties which have resulted in several demands worldwide.

Supporting facts:

• Peru has 22 trade agreements signed, many of them are still in force despite expiration.

• For two consecutive years, Peru has been the country with most demands worldwide.

Topics: Trade Agreements, Investment Treaties, Demands

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Commercial policy and agreements in Peru do not guarantee sustainability, human rights, and citizens’ participation.

Supporting facts:

• Civil society organizations have been expressing concerns about the impacts of commercial agreements.

• Policies that weaken environmental institutionality and promote investments without accounting for human rights have been approved in Peru.

Topics: Commercial Policy, Sustainability, Human Rights, Public Participation

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Peru has high environmental concerns due to abusive use of water, deforestation, pesticide use, and oil spills.

Supporting facts:

• Peru lost 203,000 hectares of forest in 2020, the highest figure in recent decades.

• Monitoring in Peru revealed over 21 food items are highly contaminated by pesticides.

• Repsol oil spill affected more than 10,300 people partaking in fishing activities.

Topics: Environment, Water Abuse, Deforestation, Pesticide Use, Oil Spills

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Commercial policy implemented in the Andean region, reinforces primary exporting countries, and an asymmetric trade without technology transfer.

Supporting facts:

• The commercial policy has not ensured that Peruvian exports have higher added value or a higher technological level.

• This policy has also led to more flexibility in environmental norms.

Topics: Commercial Policy, Primary Exporting Countries, Asymmetric Trade, Technology Transfer

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Report

Peru has signed 22 trade agreements, many of which are still in effect despite their expiration. However, these agreements have resulted in numerous global demands, making Peru the country with the most demands worldwide for two consecutive years. This indicates that Peru’s trade agreements and bilateral investment treaties have led to significant challenges and disputes.

One major concern raised by civil society organizations is the impact of Peru’s commercial policies. These policies do not guarantee sustainability, human rights, and citizen participation. This raises questions about the effectiveness of Peru’s approach to commercial policy and its ability to balance economic interests with social and environmental concerns.

Peru also faces significant environmental issues such as water abuse, deforestation, pesticide use, and oil spills. In 2020 alone, Peru lost 203,000 hectares of forest, the highest figure in recent decades. Additionally, monitoring in Peru has revealed that over 21 food items are highly contaminated with pesticides.

The Repsol oil spill further affected more than 10,300 people involved in fishing activities. These environmental concerns highlight the need for stronger regulations and sustainable practices in Peru. Another issue is the commercial policy implemented in the Andean region, which reinforces primary exporting countries and leads to asymmetric trade without technology transfer.

This means that Peru’s exports lack higher added value or a higher technological level. Additionally, this policy has resulted in more flexibility in environmental norms, which can have adverse effects on sustainability and economic growth. In light of these challenges, it is imperative for Peru to promote trade that contributes to sustainable development.

With political, economic, and climatic crises affecting the country, linked trade that addresses social, environmental, and economic concerns becomes an urgent need. It is essential for Peru to re-evaluate its trade agreements, commercial policies, and environmental regulations in order to achieve enduring and sustainable development.

Overall, Peru’s trade agreements, commercial policies, and environmental concerns raise questions about the country’s approach to sustainable development and the balance between economic growth and environmental protection. It is crucial for Peru to address these challenges and promote trade that supports long-term sustainability and contributes to the well-being of its citizens and the global community.

Arguments

Liability for actions should not be automatically attributed

Supporting facts:

• The example of Facebook not being responsible for what is shown on marketplace was given

Topics: Regulation, Governance, Facebook

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There are existing policies and protocols that can guide decisions.

Supporting facts:

• The Kyoto Protocol is a declaration for countries to abide by.

• UPOB 91 is a charter that recognizes the patent of seeds, restricting countries in their seed policies.

• The UN Seed Protocol protects the rights of indigenous people regarding seed harvesting and cultivation.

Topics: Policy Spaces, Kyoto Protocol, UPOB 91, UN Seed Protocol

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Private companies should not be the judge to decide whether some publications are harmful.

Supporting facts:

• Laws exist for the purpose of delegating judgement on such matters.

• If a company denies the harm of a content, they can be held liable if a judge orders otherwise.

Topics: Private Companies, Harmful Content, Liability

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Report

The discussion focused on the regulation and governance of the digital economy, touching upon various viewpoints. One argument stated that liability should not be automatically attributed for actions in the digital economy. The example of Facebook being exempt from responsibility for content shown on its marketplace was cited.

This argument advocated for a more nuanced approach to assigning liability. Another speaker emphasized the significance of considering existing regulatory frameworks and international organizations in mitigating the impact of the digital economy. The Kyoto Protocol was mentioned as an example, as it provides regulations for waste disposal and has provisions for countries to abide by.

The speaker argued for the development of similar frameworks to regulate the digital economy. Existing policies and protocols that can guide decision-making were also emphasized, with references to UPOB 91, a charter recognizing seed patents and restricting countries’ seed policies, and the UN Seed Protocol, which protects indigenous people’s rights in seed harvesting and cultivation.

However, it was acknowledged that not all international policies and protocols are equal. Trade rules were identified as potential underminers of policy spaces, and violating these rules can result in dispute settlements with financial consequences. The importance of not allowing private companies to solely determine harmful content was highlighted.

Laws exist to delegate judgment on such matters, and if a company denies the harm of certain content, they can be held liable if a judge orders otherwise. Lastly, the discussion emphasized the need for global-scale solutions to address global-scale problems.

Established international conventions, such as the Kyoto Protocol, were suggested as tools to regulate the digitalization process. The idea of creating a model treaty on digitalization and engaging in discussions to mitigate problems at a global scale rather than focusing on specific sectors was also presented.

Overall, the discussion provided diverse perspectives on the regulation and governance of the digital economy, highlighting arguments for nuanced liability approaches, consideration of existing frameworks, and the significance of global-scale solutions. The examples and evidence presented added depth to the conversation, illustrating the potential applicability of existing policies and protocols in addressing the challenges of the digital economy.

Arguments

Digital economy regulations are largely directed at limiting government control while benefiting corporations.

Supporting facts:

• Big tech companies’ business models involve evading regulations and taxes.

• Trade disciplines restrain governments’ ability to control foreign corporations.

• Proposed digital rules give corporations rights to operate in countries without contributing significantly to the economy.

Topics: Digital Economy, Trade Regulations, Government Control

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Countries need to maintain regulatory space for future digital innovations.

Supporting facts:

• The US has recently realized and acted upon the fact that it requires regulatory space.

• The need to regulate new technologies like AI is embryonic but crucial.

• Tying up regulatory space in trade agreements would inhibit future governing.

Topics: Digital Innovation, Regulation, Trade agreements

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Facebook’s business model promotes misinformation

Supporting facts:

• Facebook whistleblowers exposed that there is no monitoring of misinformation in certain regions

• The business model is such that it allows electoral manipulation, fomenting of violence and discrimination for more profits

Topics: Facebook, Misinformation, Social media

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Online exemption from regulation comparable to the physical world leads to problems

Supporting facts:

• In US, Section 230 of telecommunications law exempts online intermediaries from liability

• This has led to such actions that are prohibited in the real world to be conducted online such as trafficking

Topics: Internet Law, Regulation, Section 230

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Lack of enforceable digitalization regulation is worrying

Supporting facts:

• The only negotiated rules in the digital sphere are free trade agreements.

• UNESCO principles of Ethics on AI and the global digital compact at the UN are not enforceable, they are just good practices.

Topics: Kyoto Protocol, Trade agreements, Digital Protocols

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Report

The ongoing debate centres around the necessity of implementing digital economy regulations and their potential impact on government control and corporate interests. One perspective argues that these regulations tend to limit government control while favouring corporations. It is claimed that big tech companies evade regulations and taxes through their business models.

Additionally, trade disciplines are said to restrain governments’ ability to control foreign corporations. Proposed digital trade rules have come under scrutiny for granting excessive power and profit to tech corporations while hampering the effectiveness of government regulation. It is highlighted that these rules would allow tech giants like Google, Apple, Facebook, Amazon, and Microsoft to access tax evasions, the non-disclosure of proprietary algorithms, and unrestricted data flows.

The United States has recently withdrawn its support for some of these proposals due to the recognition of the need for further regulation. Furthermore, it is argued that the existing digital trade rules do not align with the development objectives set forth by developing countries.

On the other hand, proponents of maintaining regulatory space for future digital innovations contend that it is crucial to ensure countries have the capacity to regulate emerging technologies like artificial intelligence (AI). They caution against tying up regulatory space in trade agreements, as it could inhibit future governance and hinder the ability to effectively regulate new technologies.

Regarding social media platforms, Facebook’s business model is criticised for promoting misinformation. Whistleblowers have exposed the lack of monitoring of misinformation in certain regions. It is alleged that Facebook’s business model enables electoral manipulation and the fomenting of violence and discrimination for the sake of generating more profits.

In terms of online content liability, the viewpoint is that online platforms should be held accountable for illegal or harmful content. Several supporting facts underpin this argument, including cases where harm was caused, such as a girl committing suicide due to continuous exposure to harmful content.

In another instance, the trafficking of women and children was facilitated electronically, highlighting the lack of regulation in the digital realm compared to the physical world. The exemption of online intermediaries from liability, similar to the physical world, is deemed problematic.

This exemption is instated by Section 230 of telecommunications law in the United States. It has been pointed out that such an exemption leads to prohibited actions, like trafficking, being conducted online with minimal consequences. Concerns are raised about the lack of enforceable regulation in the digital sphere.

The only negotiated rules in the digital domain are found within free trade agreements, while principles of ethics on AI and global digital compacts lack enforceability, functioning primarily as good practices. Lastly, the necessity of fair trade, anti-monopoly rules, pro-competition, and global taxation is acknowledged, but it is highlighted that these rules are often deemed non-binding due to the significant power held by large corporations.

Big tech companies are purportedly advocating for self-regulation, while developing countries face challenges in achieving fair tax rules for digitalisation, primarily due to resistance from developed countries. Overall, the debate on digital economy regulations encompasses a range of viewpoints and considerations.

It is evident that balancing government control, corporate interests, regulation of emerging technologies, and liability for online content pose significant challenges. As the digital landscape continues to evolve, finding effective solutions that promote equitable and responsible digital governance remains a pressing issue.

Arguments

Trade applies not only to material aspects of the economy, but also to the digital economy.

Supporting facts:

• Trade is becoming increasingly digital, and the digital economy is becoming the leading area of the global economy.

Topics: Trade, Digital Economy, Global Economy

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Digital trade has serious environmental impacts from increased resource use and pollution.

Supporting facts:

• The production of technology hardware and its waste contributes to pollution.

• Data centers require significant energy and water resources and contribute to urban housing problems.

Topics: Digital Trade, Environmental Impact

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The current digital governance model accelerates international trade and logistics, leading to more environmental damage.

Supporting facts:

• Accelerated international trade requires more energy, fuel, and other resources.

• Data storage also represents a huge environmental cost.

Topics: Digital Governance, International Trade, Environment

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There is a need for regulation in the rapidly evolving technology sector as its impact has massive implications on the economy and environment

Supporting facts:

• Ambassador Tai of the U.S. indicated the U.S.’s lack of a robust regulatory infrastructure for technologies such as artificial intelligence

• The use of algorithms has both positive and negative environmental implications like preventing poaching or creating misleading crime patterns

• Digital economy has become a double-edged sword for developing countries, promising economic growth while leading to environmental degradation

Topics: Digital Technology, Regulation, Economy, Environment

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Protocols and policy spaces exist, but they do not offer the same level of protection

Supporting facts:

• The WTO rules are powerful in undermining policy spaces

• Mexico is part of the UPOB 78 which is more lax, and EU is pushing for Mexico to go to the UPOB 91

• If a country violates trade rule, it can lead to a dispute settlement which will cost them money

Topics: UPOB 91, Trade rules, UN seed protocol, Indigenous rights

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Report

The digital economy is rapidly growing and becoming the dominant sector of the global economy. Trade itself is also evolving into a more digital format. However, concerns have been raised regarding the implications of the digital economy within the context of trade negotiations.

One argument is that trade applies not only to material aspects of the economy but also to the digital economy. The increasing digitisation of trade has significant environmental implications. The production of technology hardware and its waste contribute to pollution.

Additionally, data centres require substantial energy and water resources while also contributing to housing issues in urban areas. Another concern is that the current digital governance model is accelerating international trade and logistics, resulting in more environmental damage. The accelerated growth of international trade requires increased energy consumption, fuel consumption, and resource usage.

Moreover, the storage and processing of data have a significant environmental cost. Furthermore, the provision prohibiting the transfer of algorithms and source codes in digital trade agreements is seen as problematic. Access to technology is crucial for a sovereign and just transition to greener technologies.

It is argued that artificial intelligence and automation systems must adhere to certain ethical standards, including environmental standards. Regulations should be in place for tech products to ensure they respect the environment, fundamental human rights, and national sovereignty. For instance, the illegal sale of protected animals or plants on platforms such as Facebook is harmful.

Additionally, the management of pesticides through technological means like drones should be checked and controlled through access to the source code. On the other hand, levying taxes on electronic transmissions could provide the necessary resources for states to address climate change.

The implementation of taxes can help countries invest in renewable energy, strengthen their control capabilities, and raise awareness through campaigns. Developing countries are losing billions in potential revenue due to the lack of customs duties on electronic transmissions. The rapid growth of the digital economy necessitates the need for regulation in the ever-evolving technology sector.

The impact of technology on the economy and the environment can have massive implications. While technology progress is inevitable, it must be handled responsibly to avoid exacerbating global inequalities and leading to environmental exploitation. The current trade rules have been criticised for perpetuating economic disparities and a pattern of exploitation.

Companies like Amazon have made significant profits but paid little to no taxes in developing countries. Moreover, the existing rules protect intellectual property and allow powerful multinationals to monopolise resource-rich regions. Protocols and policy spaces do exist, but they do not offer the same level of protection.

The WTO rules have been influential in undermining policy spaces. For instance, if a country violates trade rules, it can lead to a dispute settlement that will cost them money. The UPOB 91, which recognises the patenting of seeds, has been seen as a problematic space.

The European Union pushes for countries to join the UPOB 91 through trade agreements. If a country like Mexico decides to join, it becomes liable for lawsuits if it fails to implement certain policies. In conclusion, the growth of the digital economy and the increasing digitisation of trade present both opportunities and challenges.

Concerns have been raised about the environmental impact, the need for regulations to protect the environment and human rights, as well as the current trade rules perpetuating economic disparities. The discussion around these issues highlights the importance of responsible handling of technology to avoid exacerbating global inequalities and environmental exploitation.

Moreover, there is a need for more comprehensive and protective protocols and policy spaces to address these concerns and strive for a more sustainable and equitable digital economy.

Arguments

The digital revolution leads to acceleration in logistics, creating an environmental burden.

Supporting facts:

• An acceleration in international trade leads to more shipments and movements of packages.

• The digital revolution aims to have a door-to-door movement of packages.

Topics: Digital revolution, Environmental impact, Logistics

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Free flow of data principle may impact the environment negatively.

Supporting facts:

• Data centers require a lot of water and energy, and generate pollution.

• Most data centers are placed in tax havens or large cities, which are not necessarily environmentally friendly.

• Data centers in populated cities contribute to housing problems.

Topics: Data centers, Free flow of data principle, Environment

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The prohibition of restrictions on source code transfers impacts environmental and social standards.

Supporting facts:

• States cannot ensure that technologies adhere to environmental and social standards.

• Artificial intelligence must meet ethical standards, which includes considering environmental standards.

Topics: Source code, Artificial intelligence, Environment, Social standards

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Moderation of content on platforms can impact environment conservation.

Supporting facts:

• Illegal trade of animals, plants, and minerals at risk are being conducted through Facebook groups.

Topics: Moderation of content, Social media platforms, Environment conservation

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Preclusion of customs duties on electronic transmissions are losing countries revenue.

Supporting facts:

• Countries are missing out on collecting enormous amount of fiscal terms.

Topics: Electronic transmissions, Customs duties, Revenue

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The world needs urgent answers and digital is a sphere that will continue to grow exponentially

Supporting facts:

• Digital is a sphere that not only involves us today, but will also grow exponentially in the years to come.

Topics: Digital sphere, Urgent answers

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States should have the room to regulate companies and enforce better practices

Supporting facts:

• Thinking of leaving room for states to regulate and force companies to have better practices

Topics: State regulation, Company practices

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Verification of companies’ compliance and potential slowing down of the economy is necessary

Supporting facts:

• Verifying their compliance, and even slowing down the economy is necessary.

Topics: Verification of compliance, economy

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Social media companies may not be directly responsible for the harmful content posted, but they are responsible for their algorithms spreading it.

Supporting facts:

• Case of a 14-year-old girl in Britain who committed suicide because Pinterest, TikTok, and Facebook wouldn’t stop showing her suicidal messages.

Topics: Social Media, Algorithms, Content Moderation

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Digital regulation is currently being discussed in trade agreements

Supporting facts:

• Trade agreements are really enforceable with tribunals and penalties for non-compliance

Topics: Digital regulation, Trade agreements

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Need for enforceable rules in the digital sphere

Supporting facts:

• The global digital compact at the UN and the UNESCO principles of Ethics on AI are not enforceable but should be.

Topics: Digital regulation, Enforceability

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Report

The analysis raises several concerns about the impact of the digital revolution on the environment and logistics. It argues that the increased international trade and accelerated logistics associated with the digital revolution have led to a significant environmental burden. The rise in trade has resulted in more shipments and movements of packages, which further contribute to carbon emissions and unsustainable resource consumption.

This negative sentiment is supported by evidence that highlights the need for a more sustainable approach to the transportation and delivery of goods. Additionally, the free flow of data principle, which promotes the unrestricted movement and transfer of data, is seen as having negative consequences for the environment.

Data centres, which are essential for storing and processing large amounts of digital information, require vast amounts of water and energy, leading to increased pollution. Additionally, the majority of data centres are located in tax havens or large cities, which may not be environmentally friendly.

This geographic concentration of data centres in populated areas exacerbates housing problems and puts further strain on urban infrastructure. The argument suggests that the unchecked growth of data centres should be addressed to mitigate their environmental impact. The analysis also highlights concerns regarding the impact of the digital revolution on social and ethical standards.

It argues that the prohibition of restrictions on source code transfers, a characteristic of the digital revolution, has implications for environmental and social standards. The argument posits that without proper regulation and oversight, technologies cannot be guaranteed to adhere to these standards.

Additionally, artificial intelligence, a key component of the digital revolution, is expected to meet ethical standards, including considering environmental factors. Therefore, the analysis argues for the importance of incorporating and enforcing environmental and social standards within the digital sphere. Another area of concern raised in the analysis is the moderation of content on social media platforms.

It is noted that illegal trade of animals, plants, and minerals at risk of extinction has been facilitated through Facebook groups. The analysis emphasises the need for effective content moderation measures to combat this issue and ensure environmental conservation efforts are not undermined.

Moreover, the analysis identifies the preclusion of customs duties on electronic transmissions as a significant loss of revenue for countries. This omission is seen as a disadvantage, as countries miss out on collecting significant fiscal terms from the growing digital economy.

The argument suggests that the current approach to customs duties on electronic transmissions needs to be reevaluated to ensure fair taxation and revenue generation. On a more positive note, the analysis underscores the urgent need for digital solutions in an increasingly digitised world.

It recognises that the digital sphere is a rapidly growing sector that not only affects us today but will continue to expand exponentially in the future. This observation highlights the importance of addressing the impact of the digital revolution on the environment, logistics, and other social and ethical domains.

Additionally, the analysis suggests that giving states room to regulate and enforce better practices within the digital sphere is crucial. This approach acknowledges the role of governments in shaping policies and regulations that can guide companies towards more sustainable and responsible practices.

Furthermore, it is argued that the verification of compliance with environmental and social standards, even if it may slow down the economy, is necessary. This observation stresses the importance of holding companies accountable for their actions and ensuring they adhere to established standards to safeguard the environment.

Notably, the analysis supports the idea of a regulated digital sphere and the need to preserve policy space for countries. The argument proposes that instead of imposing extensive rules on the digital economy, it is essential to carefully consider what policy space countries require to effectively navigate the challenges posed by the digital revolution.

Lastly, the analysis raises concerns about the enforceability of rules within the digital sphere. The global digital compact at the UN and the UNESCO principles of Ethics on AI are recognised as important frameworks, but the analysis highlights the need for more robust enforcement mechanisms to ensure compliance with ethical and environmental standards.

In conclusion, the analysis highlights the environmental burden and negative impact associated with the digital revolution, emphasising the need for sustainable approaches to logistics, data centres, source code transfers, and content moderation. It advocates for the enforcement of environmental and social standards, revenue generation through customs duties, and the regulation of the digital sphere to preserve policy space and ensure responsible practices.

The analysis also recognises the urgent need for digital solutions in an increasingly digitised world while calling for the accountability of companies and the enforceability of rules and standards.

Arguments

Atsushi Yamanaka is a Senior Advisor of Digital Transformations at the Office of Science and Technology Innovation and Digital Transformation at Japan International Cooperation Agency.

Topics: Digital Transformations, Science and Technology Innovation, Japan International Cooperation Agency

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Japan International Cooperation Agency (JAICA) is the implementing arm of the official development assistance of government to Japan, with about $16 billion worth of portfolios in more than 115 countries and regions and oversees offices in about 96 countries and regions.

Topics: JAICA, Development Assistance, Government, Japan

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JAICA has more than 1700 ongoing projects in various different areas of the field, including digital transformation or technologies for development.

Topics: JAICA, Projects, Digital Transformation, Technologies for Development

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Yamanaka argues that startups can address development issues where governments are limited

Supporting facts:

• Government is supposed to provide public services yet struggles due to limited resources

• Private sector, especially startups, have the technology and ability to create jobs.

• Private sector can also raise their own funds and thus create sustainable business models

Topics: Startups, Government limitations, Development issues

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Initial funding is a major challenge for startups in developing countries

Supporting facts:

• Startups struggle to translate their technical solutions into business models

• Startups have difficulty identifying needs and challenges

• Initial funding to develop minimum viable product and business is difficult to obtain with a need for $5,000-$10,000. After that stage, there are different levels of venture capitalists available.

Topics: Startups, Funding, Developing countries

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Public and private sectors should work together to address financial challenges and create a conducive ecosystem

Supporting facts:

• JICA undertakes various initiatives to support startups to grow and provide services to solve development challenges

• The support includes creating open innovation challenges, providing acceleration support, investing in venture capital, and providing human development and institutional strengthening

Topics: Public-private partnership, Financial challenges

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Startups and SMEs need a clear growth path

Supporting facts:

• Different supports are provided at different stages of the startups’ growth

• Development partners like JICA can support startups at the beginning stages and then venture capitalists and accelerators can take over in subsequent stages

Topics: Startups, Growth path

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Report

Atsushi Yamanaka, a Senior Advisor of Digital Transformations at the Office of Science and Technology Innovation and Digital Transformation at Japan International Cooperation Agency (JAICA), plays a key role in promoting digital transformations within the agency. JAICA, as the implementing arm of Japan’s official development assistance, has successfully executed projects in over 115 countries.

During an event, Yamanaka expressed regret for being unable to attend in person and had to participate remotely from Manila. This highlights the challenges faced by individuals trying to connect and engage with global events in the digital age. Yamanaka argues that startups have the potential to address development issues where governments have limited resources and capabilities.

He believes that the private sector, particularly startups, have the technology and ability to create jobs and stimulate economic growth. Moreover, startups can raise their own funds and create sustainable business models, contributing to a country’s overall development. However, Yamanaka acknowledges that startups in developing countries face significant hurdles, with initial funding being a major challenge.

Startups struggle to translate their technical solutions into viable business models and often have difficulty identifying market needs and challenges. Additionally, obtaining the necessary funding, especially in early stages of development, is a daunting task. Yamanaka highlights the need for access to seed capital and mitigating the initial risks faced by startups, suggesting that development agencies like JAICA can play a crucial role in this regard.

To overcome these challenges, Yamanaka emphasizes the importance of collaboration between startups, governments, development partners, and venture capitalists. He encourages startups to engage and lobby their respective governments for support, while also engaging with agencies like JAICA to foster growth.

Open innovation challenges and acceleration programs can provide valuable opportunities for such collaborations. Yamanaka’s insights also highlight the need for a clear growth path for startups and small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Different stages of a startup’s growth require distinct forms of support.

Initially, development partners like JAICA can provide assistance, followed by the involvement of venture capitalists and accelerators in subsequent stages. In conclusion, Yamanaka’s perspective sheds light on the intersection of startups, development agencies, governments, and venture capitalists in addressing development challenges.

He advocates for the provision of seed capital, the mitigation of initial risks, and collaborative efforts to create a conducive ecosystem for startup growth. These efforts have the potential to bolster economic growth, create employment opportunities, and contribute to overall sustainable development.

Arguments

Interest in investment in Africa and Asia Pacific

Supporting facts:

• Audience is based in Brussels working for United Nations Capital Development Fund primarily focusing on investment in Africa

• Mentioned interest specifically in Asia and the Pacific

Topics: Investment, Africa, Asia Pacific

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Business operations in various sectors across multiple countries

Supporting facts:

• From Egypt with business in Egypt

• Interest in MENA region, Lagos, Nigeria in Mobility Space and logistics, finance

• Interest in Nairobi, Kenya in the field of technology, e-commerce

• Mentioned Southeast Asia, in B2B, e-commerce, SaaS, and fintech

• Interest in South Africa

Topics: E-commerce, Mobility Space, Logistics, Finance, SaaS, Fintech

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The speaker expresses concern about the investment gap for female-led companies

Supporting facts:

• She is a founder of a company called Shotlass, similar to Suivo

• Her company recently did their first series round five, six months ago

• There’s a noticeable data gap from seed to series A, series B, C, D, E for female-led companies

• Cannot find a single female-led unicorn in Africa or in emerging markets, as compared to 83 in the U.S.

Topics: Investment, Enterprise, Female entrepreneurship

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The speaker queries the panel on their awareness and actions towards closing the gender-based investment gap

Supporting facts:

• Asks if the panel is aware of the investment gap and if they are interested in closing it

• Queries about specific efforts made to support female founders

• Cites her interaction with fellow founders Yasmin, Gide and Caroline

Topics: Investment, Enterprise, Female entrepreneurship, Investment gap, Gender gap

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Investment is needed in harder markets such as Burundi, Malawi, and Nigeria, as well as smaller countries such as Tonga or Samoa, where digital business models don’t work well

Supporting facts:

• Challenging markets like Burundi, Malawi and Nigeria are mentioned

• Smaller countries such as Tonga and Samoa have less than half a million in population.

• Digital business models do not work well in those kinds of markets

Topics: Investment, Developing Markets, Digital Business Models

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The founder is confused due to different expectations from investors regarding growth and profitability

Supporting facts:

• The founder encountered many investors who focused on growth

• The founder was heavily criticized for focusing on unit economics instead of rapid growth

• The transition to focusing on profitability was sudden with no transition period

Topics: Startups, Investment

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Investors and bankers should clarify their expectations regarding profitability

Supporting facts:

• The founder is seeking clarity on what investors and bankers want in terms of profitability

Topics: Startups, Investment, Profitability

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Bankers base their decisions on data and market performance, but the founder believes the data point towards investing in the MENA region and Africa

Supporting facts:

• Data from the informal sector and microfinance data support the potential of the MENA region and Africa

• The founder wants to understand the decision-making process of investors and bankers

Topics: Investment, Emerging market, Africa, MENA

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Audience is interested in understanding why Venture Capitalists may terminate deals even after signing agreements

Supporting facts:

• Recent events where startups have had investment rounds closed prematurely

• Personal experiences within the logistics and finance space

Topics: Venture Capital, Startups, Finance

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Report

The panel discussion revolved around investment opportunities in Africa, Asia Pacific, and the MENA region, with each speaker highlighting different aspects and concerns. One speaker expressed concern about the investment gap for female-led companies and advocated for more intentional investment in female-founded businesses in Africa and emerging markets.

They highlighted the noticeable data gap from seed to series A,B,C, and D funding rounds for female-led companies, stating that there are no female-led unicorns in Africa or emerging markets compared to 83 in the US. They emphasised the need for investors to view female founders as more than just SME founders and provide sufficient support for their growth.

The speaker, working with the Itrait for Women organisation, is actively involved in advocating for female founders in the Anglophone region. Another speaker focused on the need for investment in harder markets such as Burundi, Malawi, and Nigeria, as well as in smaller countries like Tonga or Samoa where digital business models do not work well.

They discussed the challenges faced in these markets and the potential for investment to create opportunities for decent work and economic growth. A founder highlighted the importance of capital injection for achieving sustainable profitability in startups. They mentioned encountering different expectations from investors regarding growth and profitability.

The founder emphasised that while profitability can be achieved by cutting certain business functions, it may not be sustainable in the long run. They emphasised the need for capital injection during periods of negative profitability for sustainable growth. The potential of the MENA region and Africa for high growth and low default rates was mentioned.

The speakers cited the highest growth rates among all continents and a default rate for financing of less than 1%. The nascent nature of these markets and their high growth potential make them attractive for investment. There was also a discussion on the decision-making process of investors and bankers.

One founder believed that the data points towards investing in the MENA region and Africa, and questioned why bankers may not be fully capitalising on this potential. Lastly, the audience expressed concern about Venture Capitalists terminating deals even after signing agreements.

They sought advice from the speaker to help avoid such pitfalls and ensure the security of the financing process. Overall, the panel discussion shed light on the investment opportunities and challenges in Africa, Asia Pacific, and the MENA region. The need for intentional investment in female-founded businesses, investment in harder markets, and the importance of capital injection for sustainable profitability were among the key takeaways.

The discussion also highlighted the potential of the MENA region and Africa for high growth and low default rates. The audience’s concerns regarding Venture Capitalist termination of deals underscored the need for transparency and security in the financing process.

Report

The session on Secure Assessed Financing for Digital Startups and Fast-Growing Small Businesses in Developing Countries aimed to address the challenges faced by digital startups and SMEs in securing financing. The moderator, Qiu from MEFG Innovation Partners, introduced the session as a panel discussion, emphasizing the need for interactivity.

Qiu invited participants to share their projects and raise questions during the Q&A session. The session began with a discussion on the increasing presence of digital startups in developing countries and the potential of their technology and innovation to address development objectives in those regions.

The main focus of the discussion was the key challenge of securing assets to finance these startups and SMEs. The panel consisted of investors, entrepreneurs, and government officials who provided their insights on the opportunities and obstacles in developing countries and discussed public-private partnerships in facilitating technical assistance and access to finance.

Two venture capital investors were asked about the geographies they actively invest in within emerging markets and the opportunities they see in those regions. The panelists highlighted the potential of digital startups to facilitate local economies and promote financial inclusion.

They recognized the difficulties faced by startups and SMEs in accessing financing and acknowledged the need for innovative solutions. Two startup founders also shared their experiences in building financial solutions for SMEs, focusing on financial inclusion. They discussed the challenges faced by startups and SMEs in accessing finance and highlighted the importance of technology innovation in addressing the credit gap.

The founders discussed how their solutions aimed to tackle the lack of credit information and the difficulties in raising equity. The panelists discussed the alternative avenues startups can consider in challenging markets and provided advice on financing. They emphasized the importance of collaboration between the public and private sectors in addressing the issue of access to financing.

The role of government organizations, such as JICA, in collaborating with digital startups and empowering SMEs through funding and technical collaborations was also highlighted. The session concluded with a Q&A session, during which participants engaged with the panelists and posed further questions.

The panelists expressed their gratitude for the thoughtful questions and encouraged participants to reach out to them for further discussions. Overall, the session provided valuable insights into the challenges faced by digital startups and SMEs in securing financing in developing countries.

It emphasized the opportunities in these regions and the importance of public-private partnerships in addressing the issue. The session aimed to promote knowledge sharing and encourage further dialogue on the topic.

Arguments

Started company FASt to provide financial services to businesses

Supporting facts:

• FAST has changed the way businesses operate, especially due to the pandemic.

Topics: Financial Services, Business Transformation

---

FAST has begun to expand across Southeast Asia starting from Singapore

Supporting facts:

• FAST started in Indonesia.

Topics: Business Expansion, Southeast Asia

---

FAST has innovatively digitised payment methods

Supporting facts:

• All things that have been done offline have started to shift online due to the pandemic.

Topics: Financial innovation, Mobile Payments

---

FAST collaborates with traditional banks

Supporting facts:

• FAST works significantly with the banks, one of which is with MUFG and its subsidiaries in Indonesia.

Topics: Banking, Collaborations

---

FAST has provided services to a new type of customer

Supporting facts:

• Online shops and street shops have been paper-based in the past. Now they have smartphones and FAST enabled them to bank and access credits.

Topics: Financial Inclusion, Digital Transformation

---

FAST is building a financial system for SMEs in emerging markets

Supporting facts:

• FAST started by building a system that allowed SMEs to work efficiently as digital tools

• They managed to convince almost all banks in Indonesia to work with them

• FAST serves SMEs from various sectors like retail, agriculture, chicken farmers, fish farmers, etc.

• They help SMEs build a data record that banks can trust

• The banks’ revenue has increased significantly after partnering with FAST

Topics: FinTech, SMEs, Finance, Emerging Markets

---

Access to financing is still possible for startups and SMEs despite macroeconomic volatility

Supporting facts:

• There are many banks willing to offer debt, although interest rates are high

• The equity venture capital has stepped back, but debt financing is still interested in lending if the business model is sound

Topics: Financing, Startups, SMEs, Macroeconomics

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Use of technology like apps and devices in assessing and enhancing the credit need of businesses

Supporting facts:

• Henda uses the analogy of a runner using apps and devices like Garmin to gauge progress and assess goals.

• Business tools that help companies comprehend their financial standing can make them more credit worthy.

Topics: Technology, Business, Credit Assessment

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Information gathering being a crucial step in understanding credit worthiness

Supporting facts:

• Banks can use the collected data to recognize differences between businesses and evaluate credit standing.

• The first step is for the SME to understand and accumulate data about their financial status.

Topics: Data Gathering, Credit Worthiness

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It’s hard to balance economic growth and profitability at the same time

Supporting facts:

• Historically, we’ve been profitable during the first two years we were bootstrapping. Then we got a very massive global well-known investors, we needed to go to the massive growth, and then coffee strikes.

Topics: Economic growth, Profitability, Venture Capital

---

Report

FAST, a financial services company, has made significant changes in how businesses operate amidst the pandemic. It started the FASt company itself, aiming to provide financial services to businesses. FAST has expanded across Southeast Asia, starting from Singapore, reflecting its ambition to reach a wider customer base and support economic growth.

By digitizing payment methods, FAST has innovatively adapted to the online shift caused by the pandemic, aligning with Sustainable Development Goal 9. Additionally, FAST collaborates with traditional banks like MUFG in Indonesia, promoting financial inclusion for businesses. Its services have also benefited online and street shops, previously reliant on paper-based transactions, providing them with banking services and access to credit.

FAST’s focus on building a financial system for SMEs in emerging markets helps bridge the data gap between banks and SMEs, improving access to credit and supporting SDGs 8 and 9. Despite macroeconomic volatility, access to financing remains possible for startups and SMEs, emphasizing the importance of exploring multiple avenues for funding.

Caution should be exercised, considering the potential impacts of macroeconomic factors and avoiding over-optimism. FAST utilizes technology in credit assessment, enhancing the creditworthiness of businesses. Information gathering is crucial for understanding creditworthiness, and FAST actively supports this. Innovative approaches like using business platform accounts as collateral and implementing payment systems ensure repayment and increase credit limits, supporting reduced inequalities.

overall, FAST’s commitment to digital transformation in banking and its focus on financial inclusion and innovative financial solutions have positively impacted businesses.

Report

During the conversation, both participants confirm their ability to hear and see each other, establishing clear communication. The speaker acknowledges their visual perception of the other person but notes their limited field of vision, as they are unable to see the audience.

They express gratitude for the help provided. The speaker mentions the arrival of someone, suggesting a new participant joining the conversation. They indicate the need to wait for additional participants before proceeding, possibly planning to call someone outside to notify or invite them to join the ongoing discussion.

The phrases “switch” and “let’s see” imply a potential change in topic or activity, indicating a forthcoming transition in the conversation. The speaker concludes with agreement by affirming “okay.”

Arguments

Ruzgar Barisik is a technology investor.

Supporting facts:

• Ruzgar Barisik is a partner at a firm that he started called Next Billion Ventures.

Topics: Investment, Technology

---

Ruzgar focuses on investing in technology and technology-enabled companies across emerging markets.

Supporting facts:

• His specialization is around the digital opportunity, digitalization of the economies in emerging markets.

Topics: Investment, Emerging Markets, Technology

---

Ruzgar also works with a Swiss asset manager called Responsibility.

Topics: Investment, Asset Management

---

He supports companies that have a high impact on the population including households, women or SMEs.

Topics: Investment, Social Impact

---

Ruzgar aims to deliver strong financial returns to investors.

Topics: Investment, Financial Performance

---

Ruzgar Barisik focuses investment on Southeast Asia, Middle East Africa, South America – major population centers

Supporting facts:

• Investments are targeted towards local technology companies servicing these populations

• There are a few exclusions like China and Eastern Europe due to preference and specialties of the investors

Topics: investments, emerging markets, population

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Barisik’s investment philosophy is driven by the potential for impact at large scales

Supporting facts:

• Sees more potential for a technology champion originating from Nigeria or Kenya rather than smaller markets like Tanzania or Uganda

• Believes investing in large economies can drive both financial returns and have large-scale impact

Topics: investment strategy, impact investing, emerging markets

---

He believes in utilizing digital tools to improve access to finance, markets and essential goods/services

Supporting facts:

• About 50-60% of people’s income in emerging markets is spent on food, clothing, and transportation

• Sees great opportunity in bringing essential services to consumers who lack access in emerging markets

Topics: fintech, access to markets

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As an impact investor, Ruzgar Barisik focuses on delivering both outsized financial returns and positive societal impact

Supporting facts:

• Impact investors have a dual mandate of financial returns and impact

• When screening for investment opportunities, Barisik looks to optimize both commercial opportunities and impact element

Topics: Impact Investing, Financial Returns, Societal Impact

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There is less capital available for startups, especially as they grow and need larger amounts of funding

Supporting facts:

• Most of the capital for fintech, tech and VC in emerging markets comes from abroad

• Funding from abroad has slowed down and reversed

Topics: Startups, Equity raising, Investment

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Developing finance institutions, like JICA, play an important role in these situations

Supporting facts:

• In an environment where capital flows out of emerging markets, DFIs play an enhanced role

Topics: Development finance institutions, Investment, Startups

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Startups have to do more with less funding

Supporting facts:

• Investors are much more focused on sustainability and profitability

• Startups have to prove that what they’re doing is less risky and faster to results in order to attract the scarcer capital

Topics: Startups, Funding, Equity raising

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Ruzgar Barisik emphasizes the need for DFIs and MDBs to take risks and be innovative in challenging markets.

Supporting facts:

• Ruzgar mentions the need for these institutions to be comfortable with taking risks and bringing other investors into the market.

• He highlights the effectiveness of first loss guarantees and the seal of approval in attracting investment.

Topics: Equity, Market Dynamics, DFIs, MDBs, Investment, Risk Management, Innovation

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An increased awareness and interest in female-led businesses and SMEs within investors

Supporting facts:

• They have a female GP and are a gender lens investor

• They’re targeting a large proportion of their investments toward SMEs and women

Topics: Female-led businesses, SMEs, Investment

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Startups must ensure product-market fit not just for their product, but also while approaching investors

Supporting facts:

• Founders must spend time thinking about product-market fit with investors, not just customers

• VC expectations and needs differ and change over time

Topics: Product-Market Fit, Investment, Startups

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Venture Capital may not be suitable for every startup at every stage

Supporting facts:

• Depending on the stage of the startup, VC may not be the best answer

• Startups may need to find other ways to get to the next stage if VC isn’t suitable

Topics: Venture Capital, Startups

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Venture capitalists not wiring money after signing agreements is an incredibly rare occurrence

Supporting facts:

• Contracts are customarily signed before money is wired

• This situation happens 99% of the time

Topics: Venture Capital, Startups, Finance

---

Report

Ruzgar Barisik is a technology investor and partner at Next Billion Ventures. His investment strategy focuses on delivering strong financial returns while supporting companies that have a high impact on populations, such as households, women, and SMEs. Specializing in technology investments, he primarily invests in technology and technology-enabled companies across emerging markets.

Ruzgar’s investment philosophy is driven by the potential for impact at large scales. He believes that digital tools are essential in accessing the next two to three billion consumers and SMEs. As such, he targets his investments towards local technology companies that serve these populations, particularly in Southeast Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and South America – major population centers.

However, he excludes China and Eastern Europe due to the preferences and specialties of the investors. In addition to his work at Next Billion Ventures, Ruzgar also collaborates with Swiss asset manager Responsibility. He believes that development finance institutions (DFIs) play an important role in attracting more investments.

He emphasizes the need for DFIs to be comfortable with taking risks and bringing other investors into the market. Ruzgar advocates for innovation and the use of first loss guarantees and the seal of approval to attract investment in challenging markets.

When it comes to startups, Ruzgar understands that venture capital may not be suitable for every startup at every stage. He advises startups to ensure product-market fit not only for their product but also when approaching investors. Additionally, he mentions that reputable investors rarely withdraw from agreements after signing contracts.

Through his experience and expertise, Ruzgar highlights the importance of technology-enabled businesses that provide essential goods and services to large populations in a commercially sustainable way. He believes that these business models are key drivers of financial inclusion. He also emphasizes the need for alignment between management teams and investors’ impact mandates to achieve successful execution of business models.

In conclusion, Ruzgar Barisik, a technology investor and partner at Next Billion Ventures, focuses on delivering strong financial returns while supporting companies that have a high impact on populations. His investment strategy centers around technology investments in emerging markets and the potential for impact at large scales.

He emphasizes the use of digital tools to access untapped markets and the role of DFIs in attracting more investments. Ruzgar’s insights shed light on the importance of product-market fit, alignment between management teams and investors, and reputable investors in the startup and investment landscape.

Arguments

MEFG Innovation Partners invests globally in startups with potential for partnership as a banking group.

Supporting facts:

• MEFG Innovation Partners is a corporate venture capital firm under the MEFG banking group.

• They’ve invested in more than 40 companies worldwide in the past five years.

• MEFG is the 7th/8th largest financial group globally in terms of assets under management.

Topics: Investment, Startups, Global Banking

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Investing heavily in Asian markets, with a specific focus on Indonesia and India

Supporting facts:

• Started doing India investment initiatives last year

• Invested in Africa two years ago partnered with MFG

• Asia is a key region for their fund

Topics: Investment, Venture Capital, Emerging Markets

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2020 and 2021 were great years for equity finance, with more access to financing than a decade ago

Supporting facts:

• The equity was cheap in 2020 and 2021

• Financing is more accessible now compared to a decade ago.

Topics: equity finance, startups, investment

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The reduction in mega-round funding is due to a focus on past profitability and sustainability

Supporting facts:

• Unless businesses can show past profitability, financing has been challenging

• The number of mega-rounds of funding over $100 million has drastically dropped

Topics: funding, sustainability, profitability

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Profitability matters now, and closing the gap to profitability can still be outstanding and attractive to investors.

Supporting facts:

• Equity investors may look drastically different at companies that are making a profit, given how common it is to find negative profit companies.

• A focus on productivity and effort can help in closing the profitability gap.

Topics: Profitability, Investment, Startups

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Understanding potential investors and their investment strategies can be beneficial and make interaction more fruitful.

Supporting facts:

• Studying potential investors’ fund sizes, capacities, stages, regions, and countries of operation can make sessions with them more productive.

• A good personal introduction from someone in the network can make a startup more noticeable to an investor.

Topics: Investment Strategy, Startups, Equity, Investor Relations

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Institutional backing can significantly help emerging managers in underrepresented markets.

Supporting facts:

• Emerging managers often face challenge in raising fund due to lack of track record or being first in a specific market.

• Small institutional investment can help in legitimizing these managers and encourage more investments.

Topics: Institutional Investment, Emerging Markets, Venture Capital

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Increasing female participation in venture capital sector is crucial and must be initiated now.

Supporting facts:

• Gender ratio in venture capital sector is far from equal.

• Developing female investors who understand the gap between female founders and smaller emerging markets is important.

Topics: Gender Equality, Venture Capital

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Investors usually have different risk profiles, expectations, and appetites. Founders should do their due diligence, research, and dialogue with potential investors to understand their risk profile and expectations.

Topics: Investment, Risk Profile, Due Diligence

---

Startups need equity financing to grow, but endless burning of cash and never achieving profitability is not ideal.

Topics: Startups, Equity Financing, Profitability

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A balance between equity financing for exponential growth and debt financing for stable growth can make a great company. History has shown this.

Topics: Equity Financing, Debt Financing, Growth

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Report

MEFG Innovation Partners is a leading global corporate venture capital firm that focuses on investing in startups with potential for partnership as a banking group. Over the past five years, they have made investments in more than 40 companies worldwide. With assets under management, MEFG is ranked as the 7th or 8th largest financial group globally.

Takashi Sano, the Chief Investment Officer of MEFG Innovation Partners, strongly supports fostering partnerships with startups and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) on a global scale. He firmly believes in investing in their potential and aims to work together with these companies to achieve mutual growth and success.

MEFG Innovation Partners places heavy emphasis on investing in Asian markets, particularly in Indonesia and India. They recognise the immense potential for growth and development in these regions. Startups and fintech companies are seen as instrumental in addressing the challenges faced in these markets.

They have the ability to provide risk capital and complement the traditional banking groups. By enabling faster movement and innovative solutions, fintech startups can bridge the gaps in the financial industry. However, SMEs and startups in emerging markets continue to face challenges in accessing finance.

The traditional banking sector is often slow-moving and heavily regulated, making it difficult for these businesses to obtain the necessary funding. Additionally, the focus on past profitability and sustainability has led to a reduction in mega-rounds of funding over $100 million.

In discussions about business growth, startups and investors are seen as equal partners. The founders and investors have an equal stake in determining how the business can expand and reach new heights. Seeking equity investments is thus a collaborative process aimed at charting the course for growth.

Institutional backing plays a crucial role in supporting emerging managers operating in underrepresented markets. These managers often face difficulties in raising funds due to their lack of track record or being the first of their kind in a specific market.

Small institutional investments can help legitimise these managers and attract further investments. The gender imbalance in the venture capital sector remains a concern. Increasing female participation is seen as vital to bridge the gap between female founders and smaller emerging markets.

The development of female investors who understand these dynamics is essential for fostering gender equality within the sector. Large institutions are encouraged to take on more risk and invest in emerging markets. By providing stakes in relatively small or emerging markets, these institutions can contribute to the market’s growth and reduce economic inequality.

Understanding potential investors and their investment strategies is crucial for founders seeking financing. Conducting thorough due diligence, research, and dialogue with potential investors can help founders align with investors’ risk profiles and expectations. Lastly, a balanced approach to financing is emphasised.

Equity financing is essential for exponential growth, while debt financing provides stability. Striking a balance between the two can contribute to building a strong and successful company. Overall, MEFG Innovation Partners and Takashi Sano advocate for fostering partnerships, investing in potential, and supporting the growth of startups and SMEs globally.

They recognise the need for collaboration between traditional banking groups, startups, and fintech companies to address challenges and drive sustainable economic growth.

Arguments

M.O.V.E. is an African-born global mobility startup focused on providing financial services to mobility entrepreneurs.

Supporting facts:

• The company launched in Nigeria and has now expanded to seven countries across Africa, Middle East, Asia, and Europe.

Topics: Financial Services, Mobility Startups, Gig Economy, Ride Hailing, Logistics

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Tingting Peng identified a problem in the credit accessibility within the Sub-Saharan Africa, leading to low car ownership and high road fatality rates.

Supporting facts:

• Over 90% of people in Sub-Saharan Africa have never borrowed money due to lack of credit visibility and employment history.

• 1 billion gig workers worldwide, with 20-25% in mobility and half of these don’t have access to financial services

Topics: Credit Accessibility, Sub-Saharan Africa, Car Ownership, Road Fatality

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Through a B2B partnership with Uber, M.O.V.E. underwrites customers that traditional banks are unable to serve, using Uber’s alternate data set.

Supporting facts:

• M.O.V.E. kicked off by addressing Uber’s vehicle supply problem in Nigeria

• The solution is designed to help increase car ownership and reduce road fatalities by increasing access to credit.

Topics: B2B Partnership, Uber, Alternate Data Set, Underwriting, Traditional Banks

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M.O.V.E. started with vehicle finance, but they’ve branched out to other financial services including health and life insurance.

Supporting facts:

• M.O.V.E. helps customers generate sustainable income through vehicle ownership.

Topics: Vehicle Finance, Health and Life Insurance

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Equity investment remains challenging but viable for early-stage startups

Supporting facts:

• Over the recent years, the early-stage ecosystem in Africa and Southeast Asia have been thriving for pre-seed and seed investments.

Topics: Investment, Equity Investment, Startups

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Raising debt can be particularly challenging

Supporting facts:

• Debt financing requires taking a lot of efforts and work to articulate the narrative to potential investors.

Topics: Debt Financing, Startups, Investment

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Business growth is being sustainable in a rising interest rate environment

Supporting facts:

• Maintaining and growing the business involves working with partners and ensuring that the product cost is affordable to customers in the face of increasing input costs and inflation.

Topics: Business, Growth, Interest Rate

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FemTechs can solve the lack of financing in small businesses by leveraging alternate data sources and technology to redefine what looks like a good credit standing.

Supporting facts:

• Move, Tingting Peng’s enterprise, is leveraging technology to look at information related to trips and driver performance data to assess credit worthiness.

• Technology can speed up processes and remove administrative burdens in developed markets.

Topics: FemTech, Financing, Data, Technology

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Awareness of funding gap for female founders

Supporting facts:

• Less than 1% of capital globally goes to female founders

• Tingting Peng is an angel investor who supports female founders

Topics: Funding Gap, Female Founders, Investment, Angel Investment

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Effort to involve female leaders

Supporting facts:

• Tingting Peng tries to encourage female investors and GPs within their investor group

• Over 60% of her team are women

Topics: Female Leadership, Investment, Workplace Diversity

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Communication is crucial in ensuring funds are delivered after contracts are signed

Supporting facts:

• If there’s a potential delay in delivering funds, it’s advisable to communicate during the fundraising course and give a timeline because sometimes VCs need time to call capital from their limited partner

• During fundraising rounds, it’s always a little bit of herding of cats, getting all the signatures done on time

Topics: Business Communication, Fundraising, Investment

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Report

M.O.V.E. is an African-born global mobility startup that aims to provide financial services to mobility entrepreneurs. The company has successfully expanded its operations to seven countries across Africa, the Middle East, Asia, and Europe. This expansion highlights the company’s growing influence in the global market.

One of M.O.V.E.’s key focuses is the electrification of transportation. Recognising the importance of moving towards cleaner and more sustainable transportation solutions, M.O.V.E. is investing in the ecosystems required to enable and support the electrification of transportation.

This demonstrates the company’s commitment to creating a greener future. In addition to driving environmental change, M.O.V.E. is also dedicated to promoting gender equality. The company recognises transportation as a key economic driver and believes that facilitating access to financial services for female drivers and entrepreneurs can help empower women and contribute to greater gender equality.

By developing opportunities for female drivers and entrepreneurs to access financial services throughout their mobility journey, M.O.V.E. is actively working towards this goal. The lack of credit accessibility in Sub-Saharan Africa is a significant challenge that M.O.V.E.

is addressing. This issue has resulted in low car ownership levels and high road fatality rates. By partnering with Uber, M.O.V.E. is able to underwrite customers whom traditional banks are unable to serve. This innovative solution not only increases access to credit but also aims to increase car ownership and reduce road fatalities, addressing two critical issues simultaneously.

M.O.V.E. offers a range of financial services, including vehicle finance, health, and life insurance. Their primary focus is to help customers generate sustainable income through vehicle ownership. This approach allows individuals to earn a living through mobility entrepreneurship while also providing them with the necessary financial protection.

The success and viability of M.O.V.E.’s model outside of Nigeria have been demonstrated through their expansion into South Africa, Ghana, Kenya, and even outside of Africa, like in the UK. This highlights the potential applicability of their services in other countries facing similar challenges related to credit invisibility.

The early-stage ecosystem in Africa and Southeast Asia has witnessed significant growth in pre-seed and seed investments in recent years. However, raising debt financing remains a challenging task for startups. This observation underscores the need for further support and innovation in this area to ensure the sustainability and growth of early-stage ventures.

Moreover, M.O.V.E. understands the importance of maintaining affordable prices and sustainable margins in the face of increasing input costs and inflation. By managing their finances and margins sustainably, the company aims to provide affordable vehicles to customers while ensuring their own growth and profitability.

Leveraging technology, M.O.V.E. assesses creditworthiness by looking at information related to trips and driver performance data. This approach allows them to redefine what constitutes good credit standing, addressing the lack of financing in small businesses. It also demonstrates the potential of technology and alternate data sources in solving financial challenges.

While fintech innovation has brought about significant benefits, it is crucial to strike a balance between innovation and customer protection. M.O.V.E. recognises this and strives to implement customer protection mechanisms and ethical product design to prevent debt traps.

This responsible approach ensures the sustainability of their business model and protects customers from falling into financial difficulties. Furthermore, M.O.V.E.’s founder, Tingting Peng, is an angel investor who supports female founders. She is aware of the funding gap that exists for women and believes in giving them equal opportunities to prove themselves.

Tingting also strives to involve more female leaders within the investor group, promoting workplace diversity and gender equality. Effective communication plays a critical role in securing funds after contracts are signed. It is important to maintain open lines of communication and provide updates to investors to ensure the timely delivery of funds.

This ensures smooth fundraising processes and enhances the reputation of investors, which in turn impacts their ability to source future investment opportunities. In conclusion, M.O.V.E. is a global mobility startup that is making significant strides in providing financial services to mobility entrepreneurs across the globe.

Their focus on the electrification of transportation, promotion of gender equality, and addressing credit accessibility challenges in Sub-Saharan Africa showcases their commitment to driving positive change. Through partnerships and a range of financial services, M.O.V.E. is pioneering innovative solutions that empower individuals and create a more sustainable future.