The promise of cross-border trade under the AfCFTA ultimately hinges on the day-to-day realities faced by our SMEs on the ground. Across East Africa and the Great Lakes region, one of the most persistent bottlenecks remains payment settlement friction, driven by foreign exchange scarcity, excessive bank charges, and clearing delays that throttle modern business momentum.
Overcoming these structural hurdles requires pragmatic, interoperable technological answers. By connecting localized mobile money networks directly to open, instant settlement protocols, we remove unnecessary intermediaries and empower enterprises to move value as effortlessly as sending a message. Building true economic autonomy across our borders depends on deploying open financial architecture designed to lower transaction costs and protect trade margins.
What workarounds or settlement methods are currently helping your business navigate currency scarcity and speed up deals across borders?
I am a dedicated and hardworking professional with experience in business administration, programme support, public health, communication, and community development. I am passionate about creating opportunities, solving problems, and building sustainable businesses that provide value to people and communities. I am also eager to learn, grow, and use technology and innovation to improve my work and business opportunities.
Some of Purpose Playbook attendees and JamiiTraders in Kenya attending the China Trade Week and Africa Technology Show in Nairobi KICC. We had an opportunity to learn on the continental trade and innovation.Thank you Shared Value Africa for the access
I am Kenyan entrepreneur, social innovator, and founder of Akala Step-In. I am passionate about building businesses that solve real-world problems through purpose-driven innovation.
My name is Didymus Nderitu, a Strategic Communication & Brand Architect, media entrepreneur, and storyteller passionate about helping individuals, businesses, and organizations communicate their ideas with clarity and impact.
I am the Founder of Tenmei Media, a media, branding, and communications company specializing in strategic storytelling, creative production, and AI-powered media solutions. My work sits at the intersection of branding, communication, media, and technology, where I help brands transform ideas into compelling narratives that inspire action and build trust.
Beyond media production, I enjoy moderating conversations, facilitating workshops, and developing communication strategies that empower founders, leaders, and organizations to articulate their vision effectively. I believe that the most influential brands are built not merely on what they do, but on the reputation they cultivate and the problems they solve.
I am deeply passionate about innovation, entrepreneurship, AI, leadership, and the power of storytelling to shape culture, influence decisions, and create lasting impact.
Robert Donkor is the Founder and Managing Director of Fruveg Farms Ltd. Co., an agro-based and export-oriented Company. He is a consultant, business coach, mentor and a technical expert with over a decade of experience empowering businesses and innovators in business competencies, ESG and business growth strategies.
He holds Professional Certificates in Data Processing, Analysis and Transaction Processing, Produce Grower Training from Ghana Communication Technology University and Produce Safety Alliance, Tuskegee University, USA respectively. Robert is also a Certified Back-office Services Associate (CBSA) from the BPO Certification Institute, USA. Additionally, he is a GIZ-certified Financial Wellness Planner, equipping individuals and business employees with essential personal financial management skills.
Robert served as an SME Cluster Coach for UNIDO West Africa Competitiveness Programme (WAComp), supporting high- growth SME businesses in the Cosmetics, Cassava, and Horticulture (Mango & Pineapple) value chains. His expertise extends to his role as a UNDP/YAI Expert, a member of the Ghana Hubs Network Expert pool, an Agrico Hub Technical Expert and Facilitator, a mentor with the Fidelity Young Entrepreneurs Mentoring Programme, and a Bridge for Billions Mentor in the Restoration Factory Project, where he guides agribusinesses on sustainable agricultural practices, circular economy models, climate resilience, digital and market development.
Passionate about environmental sustainability and business competitiveness, Robert is committed to driving economic transformation through capacity-building, coaching, and advocacy.
Robert Donkor is the Founder and Managing Director of Fruveg Farms Ltd. Co., an agro-based and export-oriented Company. He is a consultant, business coach, mentor and a technical expert with over a decade of experience empowering businesses and innovators in business competencies, ESG and business growth strategies.
He holds Professional Certificates in Data Processing, Analysis and Transaction Processing, Produce Grower Training from Ghana Communication Technology University and Produce Safety Alliance, Tuskegee University, USA respectively. Robert is also a Certified Back-office Services Associate (CBSA) from the BPO Certification Institute, USA. Additionally, he is a GIZ-certified Financial Wellness Planner, equipping individuals and business employees with essential personal financial management skills.
Robert served as an SME Cluster Coach for UNIDO West Africa Competitiveness Programme (WAComp), supporting high- growth SME businesses in the Cosmetics, Cassava, and Horticulture (Mango & Pineapple) value chains. His expertise extends to his role as a UNDP/YAI Expert, a member of the Ghana Hubs Network Expert pool, an Agrico Hub Technical Expert and Facilitator, a mentor with the Fidelity Young Entrepreneurs Mentoring Programme, and a Bridge for Billions Mentor in the Restoration Factory Project, where he guides agribusinesses on sustainable agricultural practices, circular economy models, climate resilience, digital and market development.
Passionate about environmental sustainability and business competitiveness, Robert is committed to driving economic transformation through capacity-building, coaching, and advocacy.