Closer intra-Africa trade has been forecasted by the International Data Corporation.

Information communication technology (ICT) initiatives will assist in breaching trade barriers by removing obstacles, increasing efficiency and encouraging transparency.

The ICT initiatives include digital payment systems, financial inclusion initiatives and cross-border payments.

Recently released predictions for Africa in 2015 by the IDC noted Nigeria, Kenya and Rwanda as the key countries in which ICT growth will be a strong driver of GDP growth in 2015.

“Africa has gotten real. Suppliers need to be more relevant and focused in the year to come,” said Mark Walker, director of insights and vertical industries at the IDC for Middle East, Turkey and Africa.

Speaking at a press briefing in Johannesburg this week on the IDC Top 10 predictions for Africa in 2015, Walker said vendors delivering services in international markets need to apply the same standard of service to key players in Africa.

ICT spend is expected to grow by 6% in the region, according to IDC research, reported ITWeb.