Digital trade is one of the promising areas for the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and a factor of succcess of the African Union Digital Transformation Strategy (DTS) for Africa (2020–2030). However, the benefts of digital trade are not automatic and require an adequate regulatory environment. The objective of this study is to show how an adequate regulatory framework can boost the intra-African digital trade in the AfCFTA context.

We study the effect of the labor clauses (LCs) in preferential trade agreements (PTAs) on the informal economy. Using a sample comprising 112 countries for the period 2000-2017, we show that PTAs increase informality in low- and middle-income economies (LMIEs), regardless of whether LCs are included or not. This result is confirmed when accounting for the heterogeneity of parties to the agreement. Finally, PTAs with LCs whose implementation relies on deep cooperation mechanisms decrease informality in LMIEs when their partners are high-income economies.

Purpose – Using panel data for the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) member states, the present study explored the role of RCEP negotiations on tourism development.
Design/methodology/approach –Adynamic econometric model, namely the panel autoregressive dynamic lag model (PARDL) has been used. To test for panel causality, Dumitrescu–Hurlin panel causality tests were used.