The Africa Trade Gateway (ATG), a pioneering digital trade ecosystem designed to transform Africa’s trade landscape, has launched a national awareness initiative in Rwanda, marking a major milestone in advancing the continent’s economic integration agenda.
A collaboration between the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat, the ATG serves as a one-stop digital ecosystem that enables businesses to find trusted partners, access financing, complete cross-border payments, and explore new markets seamlessly. The platform links buyers, sellers, financial institutions, and logistics providers across Africa, driving greater intra-African trade, job creation, and economic growth.
The Government of Rwanda, a key partner in local implementation, called on the private sector to embrace the platform, describing it as “a huge leap in trade liberalisation that will deliver the promise of the AfCFTA.”
“The Africa Trade Gateway represents more than technology; it symbolises Africa’s readiness to define its own digital destiny,” said Alexis Kabayiza, Chief Technical Advisor at Rwanda’s Ministry of Trade and Industry. “As we deepen our integration under the AfCFTA, let us ensure that digital trade becomes a cornerstone of industrialisation, inclusion, and resilience. Rwanda stands ready to play its part as a committed partner, a digital innovator, and a champion of continental cooperation.”
The launch event brought together senior government officials, representatives from Afreximbank, the Private Sector Federation, Rwanda Bankers Association, business leaders, diplomats, and entrepreneurs.
Speaking during the event, Mr. Emeka Onyia, Director of Digital Banking at Afreximbank, described the ATG as “a game-changer for African trade.”
“It is the boldest economic project of our time — Africa’s gateway to transformation,” said Mr. Onyia. “Intra-African trade still accounts for less than 15 percent of total trade. This initiative is about moving from concept to community, from potential to impact.”
Felix Kabara Chege, CEO of Real Sources Africa, the AfCFTA Trading Company, noted that the ATG is “the gateway to Africa’s next economic era.”
“Africa’s trade future is digital, integration is achievable, and the Africa Trade Gateway is the highway that will get us there,” he said.
The launch in Rwanda marks an important step in realising the AfCFTA’s vision of a unified African market. With its innovative digital infrastructure and inclusive approach, the Africa Trade Gateway is positioned to redefine how the continent conducts trade and accelerates sustainable economic development.
