By: Nana
Appiah Acquaye
Naspers has called for a
stronger role for Africa’s private sector in shaping and implementing the
African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), arguing that businesses should be
co-architects of the framework rather than simply adapt to rules established by
governments.
The call was made by Naspers
CEO Phuthi Mahanyele-Dabengwa during a panel discussion titled “Rules, Tools,
and Architects: Putting Africa's Private Sector in the AfCFTA Driver's Seat” at
Unstoppable Africa 2026, held on the sidelines of the 81st United Nations
General Assembly in New York.
Mahanyele-Dabengwa said the
AfCFTA is often viewed primarily as a government-led project, but in practice
it provides the framework within which businesses that create jobs and drive
economic activity operate.
She argued that
private-sector participation is therefore important in designing the systems
and processes required to make the continental trade framework work
effectively.
Her remarks focused on the
practical barriers businesses face when attempting to trade across African
borders. She noted that e-commerce depends on the movement of physical goods
across borders, while many founders across the continent lack the capacity and
funding required to operate in multiple markets.
Although Africa is
frequently described as a single market, Mahanyele-Dabengwa said the realities
of cross-border trade continue to present significant challenges, particularly
for small and micro-enterprises supplying larger platforms and businesses.
She called for practical
support to enable these enterprises to trade more seamlessly from one country
to another and participate more fully in regional value chains.
Mahanyele-Dabengwa also
highlighted an artificial intelligence tool developed by Prosus that is
available to entrepreneurs. She said providing small and medium-sized
enterprises with digital tools can help them integrate into larger value chains
and overcome some of the barriers that limit their participation in regional
trade.
The discussion placed
emphasis on moving the AfCFTA from policy commitments to practical
implementation, with greater attention to how businesses operate across borders
and how regulatory, financial and operational barriers to continental trade can
be reduced.
Mahanyele-Dabengwa said the
private sector needs to be “in the driver's seat” if the AfCFTA is to achieve
its intended objectives.
