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Pan-African Digital Trade Platform Aims to Boost Intra-African Trade and Economic Growth
The Africa Trade Gateway (ATG)—a landmark digital ecosystem developed to facilitate and transform intra-African trade—has officially launched its national awareness campaign in Rwanda, marking a major step forward in implementing the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) at a national level.
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Developed through a strategic partnership between the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) and the AfCFTA Secretariat, the ATG serves as a one-stop digital trade platform enabling African businesses to:
- Discover and engage with trusted trade partners
- Access cross-border financing
- Conduct secure and fast payments
- Simplify logistics and shipping
- Enter new regional markets confidently
By connecting buyers, sellers, financial institutions, and logistics providers, the ATG strengthens Africa’s trade infrastructure and supports the AfCFTA’s goal of creating a single, integrated African market.
Rwanda Embraces Digital Trade for Industrialisation and Integration
The Government of Rwanda, a strong supporter of digital innovation and trade liberalisation, has partnered in the local deployment of ATG. At the launch event, Alexis Kabayiza, Chief Technical Advisor at Rwanda’s Ministry of Trade and Industry, highlighted the broader significance of the initiative:
“The Africa Trade Gateway represents more than technology; it symbolizes Africa’s readiness to define its own digital destiny. Rwanda stands ready as a digital innovator and committed AfCFTA partner.”
The awareness event in Kigali brought together key players in Africa’s trade ecosystem, including:
- Senior government officials
- Members of the Private Sector Federation
- Rwanda Bankers Association
- Banking executives and fintech leaders
- Diplomats and development partners
- Entrepreneurs, importers, and exporters
- Trade associations and logistics firms
- Real Sources Africa (AfCFTA Trading Company)
Transforming AfCFTA from Vision to Action
Emeka Onyia, Director of Digital Banking at Afreximbank, described the ATG as “the boldest economic project of our time,” calling it the critical infrastructure to bridge Africa’s low intra-continental trade volumes—currently under 15% of total trade.
“This is the perfect place to take the Africa Trade Gateway from concept to community, from potential to impact,” Onyia said.
The ATG platform also supports the implementation of the AfCFTA Digital Trade Protocol, enabling a digital-first approach to trade that enhances transparency, efficiency, and resilience.
A Game-Changer for Africa’s Trade Future
Felix Kabara Chege, CEO of Real Sources Africa, emphasized that the ATG is more than a system—it’s the foundation for Africa’s economic future.
“Africa’s trade future is digital, integration is achievable, and the Africa Trade Gateway is the highway that will get us there.”
The platform is built to be scalable and inclusive, supporting businesses of all sizes—from startups to large exporters. It is designed to reduce trade barriers, streamline cross-border transactions, and create new opportunities for youth and women-led businesses.
Unlocking Jobs, Growth, and Inclusive Trade
With a unified trade ecosystem, the Africa Trade Gateway is expected to:
- Increase intra-African trade volumes
- Strengthen regional value chains
- Enhance SME participation in cross-border trade
- Drive job creation and economic inclusion
- Support digitally enabled industrialisation across sectors
The Rwanda launch is a critical milestone in scaling the ATG across Africa, reinforcing the continent’s commitment to homegrown digital trade solutions that empower African businesses and realize the promise of the AfCFTA.
