By Esther Oseyiomon
The Pan-African AU Agenda 2063 Diplomatic Mission has unveiled the African Digital Trade Centre of the Pan African Continental Super Marketplace (PAC-SM) as part of activities marking the 2026 Africa Day celebration in Abuja.
The technology driven platform is designed to connect buyers and sellers across Africa, while promoting seamless trade, partnerships, and market access across borders in line with the objectives of Agenda 2063 and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Addressing journalists during the unveiling, Chairman of PAC-SM, Dr. Patrick Ugboma, described the initiative as a strategic intervention aimed at creating opportunities for African products, businesses, and entrepreneurs to thrive within a unified continental market.
He explained that the digital trade centre integrates critical services including finance, logistics, compliance, and business education into one ecosystem to simplify and strengthen trade operations across the continent.
According to him, the platform was established out of the desire to provide African producers and enterprises with direct access to markets while reducing barriers that have hindered intra-African trade over the years.
“It is a strategic platform to support intra-African trade, promote African products and connect producers to markets across borders,” Ugboma stated during the press conference.
He noted that the initiative would contribute significantly to the realization of the AfCFTA by encouraging economic collaboration, investment opportunities, and stronger commercial relationships among African nations.
Ugboma further stressed that the platform is expected to empower small and medium scale enterprises, improve visibility for local products, and drive sustainable economic growth through digital innovation and market integration.
Also speaking at the event, the Global President of the Pan African AU Agenda 2063 Diplomatic Mission, Amb. Dr. Stephen Gbatigbi Ben-Joel, said the platform stands out from existing digital marketplaces because of its practical pan African focus and commitment to economic transformation.
Amb. Dr. Ben-Joel noted that Africa possesses an estimated $3 trillion trade potential, adding that initiatives such as PAC-SM are critical to connecting African economies, expanding prosperity, and advancing the aspirations of Agenda 2063.