AFLIGA Thought Leadership Series 2026 - Trade, Logistics and Digital Payments Panel

The 2026 AFLIGA Thought Leadership Series brought together policymakers, diplomats, academics and private-sector voices to examine Africa’s economic development priorities under Agenda 2063. The event was attended by H.E. Francisca Tatchouop Belobe, African Union Commissioner for Economic Development, Trade, Tourism, Industry and Minerals, as Chief Guest of Honour, alongside other distinguished guests and contributors.

As moderator of the panel discussion, “Trade, Logistics, Infrastructure and Digital Payment Challenges,” I facilitated a conversation on the practical obstacles limiting cross-border trade across Africa. The discussion explored AfCFTA implementation, the cost and complexity of moving goods across borders, digital payment systems, and the regulatory coordination needed to make regional trade more accessible and efficient.

My role was to connect the perspectives of experts in trade policy, shipping and regional development, draw out practical insights, and keep the conversation focused on what needs to change for African businesses, particularly SMEs, to participate more effectively in intra-African trade.