COMESA Launches Digital Payment Platform to Boost Cross-Border Trade

Africa is taking a bold step toward seamless regional trade. The Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) has officially launched a Digital Retail Payments Platform designed to simplify and speed up cross-border transactions.

This new system allows traders across member states to settle payments in local currencies, reducing reliance on U.S. dollars and cutting transaction costs. The platform is expected to enhance financial inclusion, empower small businesses, and strengthen economic integration across Africa.

According to COMESA officials, the initiative aligns with Africa’s broader digital transformation goals and supports the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) vision of a unified market.

As more governments adopt digital finance tools, cross-border e-commerce and trade are likely to grow faster, powered by fintech innovation.

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