In a major step forward in the practical implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), the Economic Commission for Africa has launched an online trading platform that will facilitate trading between buyers and suppliers when the agreement starts next year.

Known as the African Trade Exchange (Atex), the business-to-business e-commerce platform will not only improve cross-border trade but also provide businesses with quality products from verified African suppliers in an efficient way at reduced average trading costs based on AfCFTA rules.