This study assesses the digital trade readiness of Ghanaian agro processing SMEs ahead of the AfCFTA Digital Trade Protocol and examines whether absorptive capacity AC and social capital SC moderate the relationship between readiness and export propensity. A convergent mixed methods design combines a survey of 387 firms, analysed with partial least squares structural equation modelling PLS SEM , and 28 interviews analysed through reflexive thematic analysis. Self reported export status was validated against Ghana Export Promotion Authority archival records. Because the data are cross sectional, the findings describe association rather than cause. Readiness is positively related to export propensity beta = 0.412, p 0.001 , and the association is stronger for firms with greater AC beta = 0.187, p 0.01 and SC beta = 0.163, p 0.05 . A disaggregated, exploratory analysis suggests the moderating effect is carried mainly by the acquisition and exploitation dimensions, a pattern flagged for replication rather than offered as settled. Qualitatively, severe market access barriers can override readiness. The cross sectional design supports association, not causation reverse causality cannot be excluded, and the dimension level results are exploratory and may be underpowered. The validated instrument doubles as a diagnostic tool for locating readiness deficits by sub sector and region, informing targeted, sequenced capability building during Protocol implementation. The paper offers a validated, Protocol anchored, six dimension firm level readiness instrument and integrated mixed methods evidence on AC and SC as moderators in an under studied sector. AfCFTA Digital Trade Protocol digital trade readiness SME export performance Ghana. 80-94 Issue-4 Volume-10 Ezekiel Bosso Fermah | Dan Zhou