Торговельні виміри цифрової трансформації країн Близького Сходу та Африки

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The purpose of the article is to determine the impact of digital trade on the transformation of the countries of the Middle East and Africa, and to define models of cooperation between them. The concepts of digital commerce, e-commerce and related issues have been researched and generalized. The concept of «digital trust» as a key asset for the development of digital trade and a list of stakeholders are considered. The study analyzes the prospects for economic growth in the Middle East and Africa in conditions of turbulence of the internal and external environment. Using data from international institutions, computations and analysis of the participation of countries of the region in international trade in services with digital delivery are carried out. Examples of companies based in the Middle East and Africa and involved in digital trading are provided. The article highlights approaches to regulation at the unilateral, bilateral and multilateral levels of digital trade processes and examines the peculiarities of trade policy in the region as a whole. It is noted that restrictive economic and trade policies towards international and local companies operating in the digital economy can significantly affect their competitiveness (for example, in the field of data exchange). The recommendations of international institutions on the regulation of digital policy are analyzed and systematized. It is proposed to identify priorities for stimulating digital trade in the countries of the region, including: improving the efficiency of data management and its accessibility for stakeholders; reforming the education system with prioritization of obtaining the knowledge and skills necessary for digital transformation. It is determined that the limiting factor is the current insufficient institutional capacity to regulate the digital economy at both the national and the regional levels. Further study and deeper research requires the issue of development of mechanisms for improving the efficiency of trade policy and accelerating digital transformation in the countries of the region.