Tana Malinga
Johannesburg, South Africa.The newly launched Africa Trade Engine (ATE) aims to power a new age of African manufacturing and trade. Formed as a joint venture between TRT Manufacturing and TradeDepot, ATE is built to strengthen the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) by helping brands produce and distribute goods within Africa faster and more reliably.
FROM TRADE TALK TO TRADE IN ACTION
“Africa Trade Engine turns Africa’s industrial dreams into working reality,” said Adam Molai, ATE Chairman. “It shows that Africa can make products competitively, move them efficiently, and grow its economies inclusively.”
ATE brings together TRT’s deep manufacturing skills, including product design, production, and quality control with TradeDepot’s strong digital distribution network and market data tools. The platform connects factories and logistics hubs across South Africa, Benin, Nigeria, Ghana, and Kenya, creating a seamless regional trade system.
RESHAPING AFRICA’S ECONOMIC FUTURE
According to Kachi Izukanne, ATE CEO and TradeDepot co founder, Africa’s shift from imports to local manufacturing is key for jobs, stability, and sustainability. “Each facility builds technical skills, strengthens local economies, and keeps supply chains running even in times of global disruption,” he said.
With AfCFTA’s 54 member countries, 1.4 billion people, and a US$3.4 trillion market, ATE plans to close Africa’s $50 billion annual import gap by producing essential household and personal care goods locally. This will also cut transport emissions and support national climate goals.
DATA AND IMPACT DRIVEN GROWTH
ATE will track and encourage local production through:
The Localisation Africa Index, a new measure showing how much brands produce and source within Africa.
Shared trade data and insights to guide smarter business and policy decisions.
Partnerships between industry and technology for sustainable growth.
“The Localisation Index gives a clear view of which brands are truly ‘Made in Africa,’ creating transparency for investors and governments,” said Izukanne.
A BLUEPRINT FOR AFRICA’S RESILIENCE
By linking factory floors with digital trade systems, ATE offers a new model for continental collaboration. “Africa’s strength lies in cooperation,” said Molai. “Through ATE, we are building the infrastructure that will keep trade flowing across borders and opportunities growing at home.”
