# AfCFTA trade and digital infrastructure development > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/afcfta-trade-and-digital-infrastructure-development > Updated: 2026-08-18T07:09:16.000Z. Sources: 5. Developments: 2. The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) is advancing initiatives to modernize trade through digitalization and infrastructure development. Initial steps include a 20-year, $3.1 billion agreement with Nigerian firm Bergmans Security Consultants and Supplies to implement a continent-wide customs system across 50 member states. This project focuses on standardized cross-border procedures and real-time cargo tracking to boost intra-African trade. Subsequent efforts have expanded to emphasize private sector participation and the development of African-owned digital trade infrastructure. Through a partnership with the ADI Foundation, the AfCFTA Secretariat aims to streamline commercial identification and document exchange. These digital improvements are projected to reduce cross-border payment settlement costs by as much as 90 per cent. Pilot projects targeting small and medium-sized enterprises are expected to launch along specific trade corridors toward the end of 2026. ## Timeline ### 2026-08-18: AfCFTA focuses on digital infrastructure and private sector growth The AfCFTA is focusing on digital trade infrastructure and private sector empowerment to reduce cross-border costs and streamline payments across the African single market. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/afcfta-focuses-on-digital-infrastructure-and-private-sector-growth ### 2026-08-17: AfCFTA and Angola announce major infrastructure and trade investments AfCFTA signed a $3.1 billion deal with Nigeria's Bergmans to digitalize continental customs, while Angola authorized €149 million for Mandume Ya Ndemufayo University infrastructure. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/afcfta-and-angola-announce-major-infrastructure-and-trade-investments --- Cite as: AfCFTA trade and digital infrastructure development. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/afcfta-trade-and-digital-infrastructure-development