African startups explore cross-border growth opportunities under AfCFTA framework

By:  Nana Appiah Acquaye

African startups participating in the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) Flagship Accelerator Programme have engaged in discussions on scaling their businesses across the continent, with a focus on navigating cross-border trade complexities and leveraging opportunities under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

The session, led by Senior Digital Trade Expert at the AfCFTA Secretariat, Dr. Talkmore Chidede, provided a platform for emerging innovators to examine practical strategies for expanding into multiple African markets while addressing regulatory, operational, and market access challenges.

Discussions centred on the realities of scaling within Africa’s fragmented trade environment, including barriers related to payments, logistics, and policy alignment. Participants also explored how the AfCFTA framework can be utilized to streamline operations, enhance interoperability, and unlock new growth opportunities across borders.

Dr. Chidede highlighted the importance of building solutions that are designed for continental integration, noting that startups must move beyond localised approaches to fully benefit from the single African market envisioned under AfCFTA.

The engagement revealed a strong alignment among participating startups, many of which are developing platforms focused on digital payments, business connectivity, and trade facilitation. These solutions are aimed at enabling seamless transactions and strengthening linkages between enterprises across different African economies.

Beyond identifying challenges, the session also outlined pathways for scaling, including leveraging regional partnerships, aligning with continental trade protocols, and adopting technology-driven models that support cross-border expansion.

The Afreximbank Flagship Accelerator Programme continues to play a key role in supporting African startups by equipping them with the tools, insights, and networks needed to grow and compete within an increasingly integrated continental market.