A continental initiative to build digital infrastructure to facilitate intra-Africa trade with sovereign support from the Republic of Seychelles
ACCRA, Ghana & VICTORIA, Seychelles — 31 August 2026 — The AfCFTA Secretariat and Quest Ghana Limited today announced their signing of a definitive joint venture agreement for the establishment of the AfCFTA Digital Trade Corridor, a continental initiative to build digital infrastructure that will power intra-African commerce through the development of a digital African Minerals and Commodities Exchange, a digital marketplace and a continental cross-border interoperable payment system. The Republic of Seychelles will provide sovereign support for the joint venture, which will be headquartered in Victoria, the capital of Seychelles.
The joint venture comes as all parties deepen their commitment to accelerating digital transformation and unlocking the full potential of the African Continental Free Trade Area, with the shared ambition of increasing intra-African trade from $200 billion to $500 billion and beyond.
The signing follows a Memorandum of Understanding concluded in March of this year and formal Cabinet approval granted by the Government of Seychelles in July, marking a decisive step from shared vision to implementation.
The joint venture will design, develop and operate the digital trade infrastructure of the Corridor: a digital marketplace, cross-border interoperable payments, logistics, and trading, tracking and settlement services for minerals and commodities across the continent. QUEST Ghana Limited values the project at US$5.17 billion.
The AfCFTA Digital Trade Corridor builds upon the AfCFTA’s long-term vision of creating a single, integrated market of over 1.4 billion people by removing the barriers that have historically constrained trade between African nations, and by accelerating access to the digital technologies that underpin modern commerce, cloud services and next-generation trade infrastructure.
“Trade is the engine of Africa’s prosperity, and digital infrastructure is the track on which that engine must run, digital infrastructure will enable accelerated intra-Africa trade. This partnership with Quest reflects our conviction that seamless, secure, and interoperable digital infrastructure will empower African businesses, especially micro, small and medium enterprises, youth and women traders to trade seamlessly across the continent. We are especially grateful to the Government of Seychelles for its leadership in hosting and championing this venture.”
H.E. Wamkele Mene — Secretary-General of the AfCFTA Secretariat
“Seychelles is proud to lend its sovereign support to the AfCFTA Digital Trade Corridor and to host its headquarters in Victoria. Since signing the Memorandum of Understanding in March, our Government has moved with purpose, securing Cabinet approval in July because we believe deeply in this project’s potential to transform how our continent trades. Seychelles has long served as a bridge between markets, and we are honoured to anchor an initiative that will connect African economies through trusted, modern digital infrastructure. This is an investment in Africa’s shared prosperity, and in the promise of a truly integrated continental market. Hosting the AfCFTA Digital Trade Corridor signifies Seychelles’ ambition to contribute to boosting intra-Africa trade and the leadership role that a small island nation can play in promoting greater socio-economic prosperity across the continent.”
Hon. Pierre Laporte — Minister of Finance, Economic Planning, Trade and Investment of the Republic of Seychelles
“We are honoured to partner with the AfCFTA Secretariat and the Government of Seychelles on an initiative of this magnitude and ambition. Africa’s future depends on the flow of goods, services, and capital across its borders. By developing the AfCFTA Digital Trade Corridor, we are creating the platform for transparent, efficient, and inclusive trade that connects over 1.4 billion people. This is both a requirement and a catalyst to Africa’s economic integration and shared prosperity. Prosperity that will not leave anyone behind, because this is not just for the multinational manufacturers, but also for small businesses and traders across the continent. This is for all of Africa.”
Mr. Philip Gamey — Executive Chairman, Quest Ghana Limited
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ABOUT THE AFCFTA SECRETARIAT
The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) is one of the flagship projects of Agenda 2063: The Africa We Want, the African Union’s long-term development strategy. The Agreement establishing the AfCFTA entered into force on 30 May 2019 and brings together the 55 Member States of the African Union in a single market of about 1.4 billion people with a combined GDP of approximately US$3.4 trillion. The AfCFTA is the largest free trade area in the world by number of participating countries. The AfCFTA Secretariat, based in Accra, Ghana, and led by Secretary-General H.E. Wamkele Mene, coordinates implementation of the Agreement in cooperation with State Parties, the Regional Economic Communities and continental institutions.
ABOUT THE REPUBLIC OF SEYCHELLES
The Republic of Seychelles is an archipelagic nation in East Africa and a committed member of the African Continental Free Trade Area. With a strong tradition of financial services, open trade, and regional cooperation, Seychelles serves as a strategic gateway between African, Indian Ocean, and global markets, and is dedicated to advancing the continent’s economic integration and digital transformation.
ABOUT QUEST GHANA LIMITED
Quest Ghana Limited is a technology and digital solutions company committed to advancing Africa’s digital economy through innovation in trade infrastructure, payments and cross-border commerce. The company partners with public and private institutions to deliver scalable, secure and inclusive platforms that connect African markets and enable participation in the global digital economy.
MEDIA CONTACTS
| AfCFTA Secretariat Alexandre SieweSenior Advisor, Communications Tel: +233 054 766 6885 alexandre.siewe@au-afcfta.org | Government of Seychelles Michelle MarengoMinistry of Finance and Trade Tel: +248 2723776 michelle.marengo@finance.gov.sc | Quest Ghana Limited Melissa Ghansah Tel: +233 273 072 887 melissa@questghana.com |
