Africa’s push for stronger economic integration received a boost as a Pan-African organisation unveiled a digital marketplace aimed at transforming trade across the continent under the African Continental Free Trade Area, AfCFTA.
The platform was launched in Abuja during the 2026 Africa Day celebration alongside the inauguration of the Pan-African AU Agenda 2063 Diplomatic Mission and the PAC-SM Secretariat. The event, themed “Unity, Youth & Sustainable Water for Africa’s Future,” brought together stakeholders advocating a more connected African economy.
Chairman of the Pan-African Continental Super Marketplace, Dr Patrick Sule Ugboma, described the initiative as a gateway for African businesses to move beyond local borders and compete globally.
He said the marketplace would directly connect producers with buyers, promote locally made goods and dismantle long-standing trade barriers that have slowed intra-African commerce for decades.
Beyond online trading, Ugboma explained that the project includes processing centres to help producers improve packaging, certification and product quality to meet international standards.
According to him, many African products struggle to access wider markets due to poor processing and limited support systems rather than lack of demand.
The platform also features integrated logistics and payment solutions aimed at easing cross-border transactions, particularly for small and medium-scale enterprises.
President of the Pan-African AU Agenda 2063 Diplomatic Mission, Dr Stephen Ben-Joel, said Africa was still trading far below its true capacity, with intra-African trade standing at only about 15 per cent.
He noted that the initiative seeks to bridge critical gaps by combining digital trade opportunities with financial support systems, training and market access structures.
Vice President of the mission, Dr Felix Ojoniko Arome, stressed the need for collaboration among African foreign affairs ministries to ensure seamless movement of goods and payments across borders.
Organisers say the broader vision is to build a digitally connected African market powered by innovation, stronger institutions and empowered local entrepreneurs.