Our Founder’s Message
Since the beginning of time, Trade is the lifeblood that keeps economies thriving, cultures connected, and innovation flourishing. Trade as an instrument of value exchange promotes unity and togetherness, transcending borders and languages.
From rising unemployment to food insecurity, Trade plays an undeniably important role in solving most of our pressing challenges in Africa. Considering the vastness of Africa and the complexities of its diverse markets, trade activities are often hampered, reflecting poorly on the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of local economies and living standards of the African population.
Despite the creation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) which holds immense promise, the challenges still persist. Therefore, it has become critical to pursue more intensely the implementation of the AfCFTA.
As a young female African, I have had firsthand experience of how Trade transforms lives - from witnessing a struggling small business owner who by exporting to new markets begins to thrive, to engaging government trade agencies towards fair trade policy development and implementation.
I have witnessed Trade feeding homes, alleviating poverty, and creating dignified jobs. But I have also witnessed what the lack of access to Trade can do to individuals, families and communities.
Poverty level rises, children are out of school, and communities degenerate. This motivated me to actively ponder and strategize how we can engage Trade, particularly intra-African trade, as a channel to solving some of our issues both in our immediate communities and the continent at large.
I began the journey by engaging with stakeholders who are passionate about driving change in Africa through Trade.
Notably, the former President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the Former Chairperson of the African Union, an active, reliable Advisor to reputable Pan-African organizations, a pioneer and a custodian of Africa-wide prosperity, His Excellency, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo GCFR.
I am privileged to continue to benefit from his vast wealth of knowledge and experiences, as my team and I innovate ways to promote and implement the AfCFTA, and ensure that Trade works for all - for Africa, Africans and all persons with African interests - both intra- and extra-African.
To foster regional trade in Africa by working to actualize the AfCFTA, my team and I set out to build a trade ecosystem that is purpose-driven; that prioritizes the well-being of Africans and sustainable growth of African businesses - most especially, Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs); that preserves the continent's unity and strengthens its position in global trade, hence, the establishment of Tradeflow Africa.
Combining high-level impact-thinking with the power of technology, Tradeflow Africa, through its initiatives, bridges the gap between individuals and trade policymakers, MSMEs and markets, and advocates increased participation of youth and women in trade activities on the continent.
Our organization works to reduce the barriers to business expansion into and across Africa, so that companies can grow, produce more, and create dignified jobs. We believe this will drive down the rate of unemployment and food insecurity.
We envision a future where Africa's entrepreneurial talent drives the continent's economic growth and closes the poverty gap; a future where intra-African trade is seamless; a future where fair and sustainable trade is a norm, where there is a stop in the cycle of trade imbalances; and a future where the resilience and equitability of trade transforms lives.
