AfCFTA Boost: Africa Trade Engine to Close $50 Billion Import Gap and Drive Local Manufacturing

TRT Manufacturing and TradeDepot have unveiled the Africa Trade Engine (ATE), a groundbreaking initiative designed to tackle Africa’s $50 billion annual import deficit. The joint venture seeks to strengthen local production and boost intra-African trade, positioning itself as a private-sector accelerator for the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). By integrating industrial capacity, digital trade tools, and logistics networks, ATE aims to transform how goods are produced and distributed across the continent.

ATE founders, Adam Molai of TRT Manufacturing and Kachi Izukanne of TradeDepot, envision the platform as a key driver for Africa’s shift from import dependence to domestic production and regional self-sufficiency. “Africa Trade Engine ensures industrialisation, intra-continental trade, and sustainable job creation are not future aspirations but operational realities,” Molai stated, emphasizing the initiative’s homegrown, enterprise-driven approach.

At the heart of ATE’s mission is localising production of essential consumer goods, particularly fast-moving consumer products like household and personal care items. The venture intends to replace billions of dollars’ worth of imports with locally manufactured alternatives, closing the continent’s $50 billion import gap. Izukanne explained that the shift represents not only an economic boost but also a job creation and climate-positive opportunity, supporting Africa’s growing youth population.

ATE’s model also focuses on environmental sustainability, producing goods closer to consumers to reduce shipping emissions and support national decarbonisation goals. “Every kilometre of reduced shipping is a tangible carbon win,” Izukanne said, highlighting the initiative’s dual focus on livelihoods and climate resilience. The initiative emerged from lessons learned during the COVID-19 supply chain crisis, ensuring Africa is better prepared for future global disruptions.

To ensure accountability and measure progress, ATE will launch a Localisation Africa Index, a data-driven tool tracking how brands localise production, sourcing, and distribution. This ESG-aligned framework will guide investors, governments, and businesses, promoting transparent, Made-in-Africa production. By aligning with AfCFTA’s objectives across 54 countries, ATE positions itself as a strategic enabler of continental trade, economic growth, and industrial transformation.

source: Nairametrics