That question set the tone in Kigali as Afreximbank convened the Africa Trade Gateway (ATG) Digital Trade Workshop under the theme “Boosting Trade in Rwanda through the Africa Trade Gateway.” The event brought together government leaders, financiers, innovators, and entrepreneurs united by a shared vision: a borderless Africa powered by digital trade.
In his opening address, Emeka Onyia, Director of Digital Banking at Afreximbank, captured the mission succinctly:
“You can’t trade without trust. You can’t grow without payments. You can’t expand without data. And you can’t scale without partnerships.”
He envisioned a continent where a Rwandan coffee producer sells to Ghana, an Egyptian manufacturer pays instantly in Rwandan francs, and a young entrepreneur in Kigali connects with investors in Lagos and buyers in Dakar—all through one digital gateway.
That gateway is ATG—Afreximbank’s integrated digital ecosystem, built in partnership with the AfCFTA Secretariat to bring Africa’s single market to life. ATG connects buyers, sellers, financiers, and logistics partners through verified identities, instant payments, and real-time data. It is not just an idea—it’s operational, linking 90+ banks across 35 countries, 9,000 verified companies, and facilitating over USD 145 million in closed deals.
Rwanda proved an ideal backdrop for this dialogue. Representing the government, Hon. Prudence Sebahizi and Dr. Kabayiza Alexis reaffirmed Rwanda’s commitment to digital transformation.
“The AfCFTA is not just about policy—it’s about building systems that allow African businesses to connect, transact, and grow,” said Dr. Alexis.
From the financial sector, Tony-Francis Ntore, CEO of the Rwanda Bankers’ Association, added:
“As bankers, we have full confidence in the Africa Trade Gateway and are committed to using it.”
A panel moderated by Annerose Ngemu—featuring Christine Nyairo, Briggette Harrington, and Gerald Ndosi—explored how ambition meets readiness. Ndosi highlighted Afreximbank’s commitment to SMEs through both bank partnerships and direct exporter financing, turning digital handshakes into tangible growth.
Emily Mburu-Ndoria of the AfCFTA Secretariat emphasized:
“The AfCFTA aims to connect 55 countries into one single market, and the Africa Trade Gateway is the pathway.”
Esther Magiti of the Kenyan High Commission added:
“While governments make policies, it’s the enablers and doers who drive progress.”
And Dr. Ayub Shitseswa of Real Sources Africa concluded:
“Rwanda’s readiness to digitize trade reflects the true spirit of the AfCFTA. The Africa Trade Gateway is the highway—let’s take the journey together.”
The Africa Trade Gateway is open. The future of trade is African, digital, and connected.
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