Head of ATEX: Digital Business

Our client, AfreximBank, is seeking a highly experienced technical specialist to take on the role of Head of ATEX, Digital Business. This is an exciting opportunity for an entrepreneurial and data-driven leader with deep expertise in digital commerce, marketplace development, and trade enablement. The successful candidate will be instrumental in transforming ATEX into Africa’s “Alibaba”—the premier digital marketplace for intra-African and global trade under the AfCFTA. This role offers a unique chance to contribute to the transformation of Africa’s trade through the ATG - a Digital trade ecosystem designed to scale Africa’s trade activities in Africa and Beyond.

• Lead the strategy execution and oversee operations of the Africa Trade Exchange (ATEX)
• Drive business development, increase RFQ conversion to closed transactions to grow e-commerce trade volumes
• Work closely with Product, Innovation, and Technology teams to inform future versions of ATEX

What you'll do:

As Head of ATEX: Digital Business at AfreximBank, you will be at the forefront of driving digital commerce within Africa. Your primary responsibility will be leading the strategy execution and overseeing operations of the Africa Trade Exchange (ATEX). You will guide the development of an end-to-end growth strategy for ATEX while ensuring seamless operations across target sectors. Your role will involve driving business development efforts by onboarding verified buyers and suppliers and increasing RFQ conversion rates. You will also work closely with various teams within AfreximBank to inform future versions of ATEX.

• Guide the development of an end-to-end growth strategy for the Africa Trade Exchange.
• Lead the execution of the growth strategy and roadmap implementation.
• Drive platform growth through strategies targeted to SMEs, corporates, and public sector entities.
• Oversee day-to-day platform operations, supplier onboarding, and catalogue curation.
• Work with Afreximbank and financial partners to structure trade finance options for ATEX transactions.
• Recruit, manage, and incentivise a pan-African network of agents responsible for local outreach.
• Work closely with Product, Innovation, and Technology teams to inform future versions of ATEX.
• Build strategic alliances with Ministries of Trade, Export Promotion Agencies, Chambers of Commerce.

What you bring:

As the ideal candidate for the Head of ATEX: Digital Business role, you bring a wealth of experience in digital commerce and platform businesses. You have a proven track record of scaling digital platforms from concept to commercialisation, preferably in multi-country settings. Your strong experience in managing cross-functional teams and international partnerships will be crucial in this role. You are analytical and tech-savvy with fluency in data tools and e-commerce KPIs. Your excellent stakeholder management, negotiation, and communication skills will enable you to build strategic alliances and foster supplier aggregation programs.

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, International Trade, Economics or related field.
• 10+ years of experience in digital commerce or platform businesses.
• Proven track record of scaling digital platforms from concept to commercialisation.
• Experience in trade finance structuring and digital trade enablement tools.
• Strong experience in managing cross-functional teams and international partnerships.
• Excellent stakeholder management, negotiation, and communication skills.
• Analytical and tech-savvy with fluency in data tools and e-commerce KPIs.

What sets this company apart:

AfreximBank is a leading pan-African financial institution dedicated to financing and promoting intra- and extra-African trade. The Bank was established in October 1993 by African governments, African private and institutional investors, and non-African investors. AfreximBank deploys innovative structures to deliver financing solutions that support the transformation of the structure of Africa’s trade, accelerating industrialisation and intra-regional trade, thereby boosting economic expansion in Africa.

What's next:

Ready to transform Africa's trade through digital commerce? Apply now!

Apply today by clicking on the link provided. Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.