The IOTA Foundation has launched the ADAPT initiative, which stands for African Digital Access and Public Infrastructure for Trade, with the goal of fundamentally changing trade dynamics across Africa. This initiative aspires to create a unified digital infrastructure that could double intra-African trade by the year 2035, potentially adding over $70 billion to annual trade figures.
ADAPT is set to implement its advanced technology across 55 African nations, aiming to slash border clearance times by as much as 80%. The initiative is bolstered by partnerships with significant organizations such as the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change, and the World Economic Forum. These collaborations are vital, uniting groups with considerable expertise and established networks throughout the continent.
The launch event held in Johannesburg marked a crucial milestone for the initiative, facilitating discussions with various stakeholders. During this event, IOTA“s co-founder, Dominik Schiener, engaged with H.E. Secretary General Wamkele Mene of AfCFTA, who expressed strong endorsement for efforts to tackle challenges associated with the ADAPT initiative.
Despite the ambitious vision, IOTA recognizes the obstacles in aligning diverse stakeholders and interests in African trade. However, the foundation is confident in its technological capabilities, having successfully implemented solutions in countries such as Kenya, Rwanda, and the UK. This proven effectiveness lends credibility to the project”s scalability across Africa.
In an interview with CNBC Africa”s Godfrey Mutizwa, Schiener reiterated IOTA“s commitment to this transformative endeavor. He acknowledged the setbacks experienced by previous attempts to streamline intra-African trade, emphasizing that the success of ADAPT will depend on strategic partnerships and the robustness of IOTA“s technological offerings.
The next steps for the ADAPT initiative are poised to begin in early 2026, with the launch of the program in its inaugural African country. By the end of the year, further rollouts are anticipated, including in Kenya. These developments are seen as the beginning of a long-term strategy aimed at fostering a more dynamic and equitable trade environment across Africa. With foundational elements in place and a compelling business rationale, IOTA is positioned to catalyze substantial changes in African trade, utilizing its technology to drive economic growth and integration throughout the continent.
