Discover African trade patterns through the African Trade Observatory
New functionalities of the African Trade Observatory (ATO) platform reinforce its role as a leading resource for trade intelligence on the continent. New trade indicators and a trade policy simulation are now available to analyse African trade patterns.
The new functionalities help identify and strengthening critical links in regional and global value chains, driving industrial development and economic diversification across the continent.
The International Trade Centre (ITC) and the African Union Commission released the update during African Industrialization Week, at a dedicated side event on ‘Empowering Industrial Policymaking Through Data: The African Trade Observatory’. The event convened policymakers, business leaders, and trade experts to explore the transformative potential of data-driven insights for Africa’s economic growth.
The new functionalities greatly expand the ATO’s capacity to support both policymakers and businesses, highlighting its strategic importance under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
For the first time, more than 10 analytical indicators are publicly accessible in the Monitor module of the platform. These include trade balance, market share, export orientation, level of processing, product diversification, and market diversification. Together, these indicators provide an invaluable resource to complement the existing market analysis enabled by the Compare and Explore Modules, offering a comprehensive understanding of Africa’s trade dynamics.
In addition, a trade Policy Simulation tool is now accessible to registered users. This feature, specifically designed for policymakers and government officials, evaluates the expected impact of AfCFTA implementation on African exports and imports over time. By simulating policy outcomes, this tool equips governments with the strategic insights needed to make informed decisions and track progress toward the goals of the AfCFTA.
‘The African Trade Observatory is an indispensable resource for Africa’s trade and industrial transformation,’ said Brian Mureverwi, Senior Trade Advisor and Coordinator at the ATO Analysis Unit of the African Union Commission. ‘By enhancing its functionalities, we are equipping governments, businesses, and stakeholders with the tools they need to seize opportunities, address barriers, and drive the success of the AfCFTA.’
Wincate M. Muthini, Senior Program Manager at Pan African Chamber of Commerce and Industry, highlighted the importance of accessibility for the private sector.
‘The public availability of the Monitor Module ensures that businesses, particularly small and medium enterprises, have the tools to understand market trends and seize opportunities in regional trade under the AfCFTA.’
As Africa advances its industrialization and trade objectives under the AfCFTA, the ATO stands as a key enabler of progress. By providing access to high-quality trade intelligence and tools to forecast policy impacts, the platform equips governments, businesses, and trade organizations with the insights needed to craft informed strategies and make informed business decisions that foster integration, industrial growth, and resilience.
The ATO project is led by the African Union thanks to the financial contribution from the EU.
