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GVCs, digitalisation and services in Africa: What we know and what we would like to know

Author

Listed:
  • Andrea Ariu

    (UNIMI - Università degli Studi di Milano = University of Milan)

  • Jaime de Melo

    (FERDI - Fondation pour les Etudes et Recherches sur le Développement International, UNIGE - Université de Genève = University of Geneva)

  • Jean-Marc Solleder

    (UNIGE - Université de Genève = University of Geneva, FERDI - Fondation pour les Etudes et Recherches sur le Développement International)

Abstract

Broadband connectivity, data-driven logistics, e-commerce, cloud services, and fintech reduce coordination costs and loosen the ties between production and physical proximity, opening the door to participation in Global Value Chains (GVCs). These technologies expand opportunities both to embed services into goods exports and to export services directly. This policy brief reviews the evidence on the extent and pattern of Africa's participation in supply chain networks. Research gaps—data, Methodological, and Conceptual Obstacles— that prevent African countries from breaking into high-skilled, tradable service exports are identified. The paper concludes by proposing three research areas: understanding services-led integration; exploring the mechanisms of change; building the data foundations.

Suggested Citation

  • Andrea Ariu & Jaime de Melo & Jean-Marc Solleder, 2026. "GVCs, digitalisation and services in Africa: What we know and what we would like to know," Post-Print hal-05455840, HAL.
    • Handle: RePEc:hal:journl:hal-05455840
    Note: View the original document on HAL open archive server: https://hal.science/hal-05455840v1
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