The African Union has officially launched the African Continental Digital Trade Platform (ACDTP), a groundbreaking online marketplace designed to facilitate commerce among the continent's 1.4 billion people. The platform, developed over three years with $2 billion in investment from the African Development Bank and private partners, went live in 15 pilot countries on Monday.
The ACDTP integrates customs processing, payment systems, and logistics tracking into a single digital interface, addressing the fragmentation that has long hindered intra-African trade. Currently, trade between African nations accounts for only 15 percent of the continent's total commerce — a figure the AU hopes to double within five years.
Features and Capabilities
The platform offers real-time currency conversion across 42 African currencies, automated customs documentation, and an AI-powered matching system that connects buyers with suppliers across borders. Small and medium enterprises, which form the backbone of most African economies, receive subsidized access and dedicated support services.
"This platform is the digital backbone of the African Continental Free Trade Area," said AU Commission Chair Moussa Faki Mahamat. "It transforms the promise of continental free trade into a practical reality that any business, no matter how small, can access."
Early adoption data shows strong interest, with over 200,000 businesses registering in the first week. Nigeria, Kenya, and South Africa lead in registration numbers, but significant growth is also emerging from smaller economies like Rwanda, Senegal, and Ghana. Full continental rollout is expected by the end of 2026.