Digital Transformation and Regional Integration in Africa: Institutional Challenges and Opportunities for Inclusive Development

Digital transformation is increasingly important to Africa's economic development and regional integration. The expansion of broadband networks, digital financial services, digital platforms, artificial intelligence, e-commerce and digital public infrastructure creates opportunities for African countries to reduce transaction costs, connect firms to wider markets and strengthen cross-border economic activity. However, digital connectivity alone does not automatically produce inclusive development or deeper regional integration. Significant differences remain in infrastructure availability, affordability, digital skills, regulatory capacity, data governance and access to finance. This critical review examines the relationship between digital transformation and regional integration in Africa, with particular attention to the institutional conditions that determine whether digital technologies translate into productive economic opportunities. Drawing on literature and policy documents published primarily between 2020 and 2026, the paper argues that Africa's digital transformation should be approached not simply as an infrastructure challenge but as an institutional and regional-governance challenge. Stronger regulatory coordination, interoperable digital systems, affordable connectivity, digital skills, African institutional capacity and greater participation of small and medium-sized enterprises are necessary for digital transformation to contribute meaningfully to regional value chains and inclusive development.