IOTA integrates in Africa to optimize digital commerce

Africa has launched ADAPT, a platform powered by IOTA technology that seeks to digitize continental trade, reduce cross-border costs and double intra-African trade by 2035.

The African continent is undergoing a major commercial transformation thanks to the launch of ADAPT, an ambitious initiative that seeks to modernize the way its countries connect and trade with each other. 

This new platform, based on IOTA's innovative technology, aims to break down historical barriers that have limited the economic integration of Africa's 55 nations. So, more than just a digital tool, ADAPT aspires to create a single marketplace that facilitates and enhances trade across the continent.

ADAPT: The digital revolution that will connect Africa to the world

Speaking in an interview on CNBC, Dominik Schiener, co-founder of the IOTA Foundation, revealed that ADAPT will be rolled out gradually to cover all 55 countries on the African continent by 2035. statementsSchiener maintained that this project is based on three fundamental pillars that seek to drive a profound digital transformation, capable of breaking down historical barriers and accelerating economic integration in Africa.

In essence, ADAPT is based on an advanced technological infrastructure that combines secure digital identitiesEfficient cross-border data management and interoperable financial systems. Thanks to digital identities based on decentralized identifiers (DIDs), businesses, governments, and commercial operators will be able to verify the authenticity of transactions, reducing fraud risks and facilitating reliable identity mechanisms. This technology integrates with national initiatives such as the eCitizen program in Kenya, connecting local experiences with a continental framework.

Another crucial aspect of the project is the Standardization and unification of commercial documents —invoices, certificates, and logistics records— which allows for customs clearance times to be reduced to less than three days, compared to the current 14 days. This improvement will not only expedite trade but will also eliminate obstacles that have long hindered the flow of regional exchange.

Finally, ADAPT promotes the financial interoperabilityLinking traditional banks, mobile money systems, and digital currencies within a single collaborative platform, Schiener believes this opens the door to faster and cheaper international payments, with the expectation of reducing fees to below 3%—a significant relief, especially for small and medium-sized enterprises that rely on cross-border transactions. 

With the support of key institutions such as the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat, the IOTA Foundation, the Tony Blair Institute, and the World Economic Forum, ADAPT is more than just a technological initiative. It is a comprehensive strategy aimed at accelerating processes, reducing costs, and simplifying procedures, positioning Africa strategically for its economic development and integration into the global economy.

A digital marketplace that unites the continent

The rollout of ADAPT will not be immediate, but rather progressive and carefully structured. Between now and 2026, pioneering countries like Kenya and Ghana will begin pilot programs to assess interoperability and adjust the technical and legal frameworks. Subsequently, starting in 2026, the expansion will encompass other AfCFTA members, strengthening digital integration in various African regions. By 2035, the platform will be operational in all 55 countries of the continent, consolidating a single digital marketplace.

Regarding economic projections, ADAPT is expected to drive unprecedented growth: it could double intra-African trade, generating over $70.000 billion in additional revenue annually. Efficiency improvements resulting from digitalization, optimized logistics, and streamlined payments would contribute another $23.600 billion per year. These figures reflect the direct economic impact and transformative potential of an infrastructure that aims to surpass traditional systems and position Africa as a key player in the global economy.

On the other hand, the AfCFTA, the world's largest free trade area in terms of number of countries, sees ADAPT as a strategic partner for achieving continental integration. This platform not only addresses technical demands but also represents a cultural shift towards digitalization and regional collaboration. 

In a global context where competitiveness depends on the ability to adapt to the digital economy, Africa is moving towards a model that combines technological innovation with institutional pragmatism. This will allow the continent to advance towards greater connectivity, efficiency, and preparedness to face the challenges of the global market.

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IOTA redefines Africa's economic future

IOTA is a revolutionary technology designed to transform how connected devices exchange data and value. Its main innovation lies in the use of a structure called Tanglewhich allows for fast, commission-free, and highly scalable transactions, making it ideal for the Internet of Things (IoT). 

Unlike traditional blockchains, IOTA can handle a growing volume of transactions without congesting the network, guaranteeing the security, immutability, and authenticity of the data being transferred. This feature is key for applications ranging from secure medical data management to supply chain traceability and device interoperability.

In the context of the African market, the integration of IOTA into the ADAPT platform represents a qualitative leap that goes beyond mere technological modernization. As explained, ADAPT is not just a digital infrastructure; it is a forward-looking proposal that seeks to boost economic inclusion and competitiveness on a continent with enormous potential for digital growth. 

With the development of this platform, Africa is on the cusp of a profound economic transformation, where intra-African trade is expected to double and billions in new business opportunities will be generated. Therefore, the partnership with IOTA provides a solid technological foundation that will enable millions of African individuals and businesses to access a more efficient, secure, and connected digital ecosystem, opening doors to shared prosperity based on innovation.

In short, this collaboration reflects the African continent's spirit of resilience and adaptation, demonstrating how technology can be a crucial driver for breaking down historical barriers and fostering an inclusive digital market. In other words, ADAPT and IOTA together are shaping a future where technology not only connects devices but also empowers entire communities to actively participate in the global economy.