Head of ATEX, Digital Business, Digital Banking at African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank)

Job Summary

• The Head of ATEX – B2B E-Commerce will be responsible for the strategic leadership, operational execution, and revenue growth of the Africa Trade Exchange (ATEX), a key platform within the Bank’s Africa Trade Gateway (ATG) digital trade ecosystem. 
• This role requires an entrepreneurial, data-driven leader with a deep background in digital commerce, marketplace development, trade enablement, and financial technology, capable of transforming ATEX into Africa’s premier cross-border B2B e-commerce marketplace under the AfCFTA framework.

Key Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership & Ecosystem Growth:

• Develop and execute a comprehensive growth strategy, roadmap, and operational plan for ATEX.
• Drive platform expansion across key African trade corridors, targeting SMEs, corporates, and public sector entities.
• Position ATEX as a cornerstone e-commerce platform under the AfCFTA, in collaboration with the AfCFTA Secretariat, AU, and ECAs.
• Coordinate with other ATG platforms to integrate trade financing, payments, insurance, logistics, and compliance features.

Marketplace Operations & Transaction Management:

• Oversee day-to-day ATEX operations, including supplier onboarding, catalogue curation, RFQ-to-payment flows, and transaction oversight.
• Establish and enforce marketplace rules, pricing frameworks, dispute resolution protocols, and escrow systems.
• Track and optimize platform KPIs (e.g., trade volumes, order conversions, transaction confidence).

Financing Enablement & Trade Structuring:

• Collaborate with Afreximbank and partner institutions to structure ATEX-compatible trade finance products (e.g., AFTRAF-backed LCs, escrow finance).
• Lead the development of ATEX-specific eCommerce finance products, tailored for digital trade.
• Champion the creation of dedicated guarantee and liquidity lines to support transaction closure.

Agent Network & Marketplace Operators:

• Recruit and manage a pan-African agent and verified operator network for local onboarding and deal facilitation.
• Define SOPs, training programs, and performance metrics for agents and operators.
• Monitor performance via CRM dashboards and transaction pipeline tools.

Platform Optimization & Product Evolution:

• Collaborate with Innovation, Product, and Technology teams to refine and evolve ATEX platform features.
• Define user experience enhancements, AI-driven matchmaking, and mobile interface requirements.
• Implement continuous feedback loops for platform improvement.

Strategic Partnerships & Alliances:

• Forge partnerships with Ministries of Trade, Export Promotion Agencies, Chambers of Commerce, RECs, and national marketplaces.
• Organize regional showcases and trade events to drive adoption.
• Advocate for ATEX’s use as a procurement platform for B2G trade.

Commercialisation & Monetisation:

• Design and test monetisation models such as transaction fees, subscriptions, featured listings, and B2G tenders.
• Manage ATEX revenue forecasts, budgeting, and investment return strategies.
• Transition ATEX from the development phase to a scalable and profitable e-commerce solution.

Key Internal & External Interactions
Internal:

• Digital Product Teams
• Innovation, Technology, and Trade Finance Teams

External:

• B2B Customers
• Strategic Trade Partners
• Ministries, Export Agencies, Chambers of Commerce
• Marketplace Agents and Operators

Minimum Qualifications & Experience
Educational Qualifications:

• Master’s Degree in Business Administration, Digital Commerce, Economics, International Trade, or related field.
• Certification or executive training in Marketplace Strategy, Digital Platforms, or Trade Development is a plus.

Experience:

• 12+ years of experience in digital commerce, platform businesses, or B2B marketplaces, preferably in emerging markets.
• Proven success in scaling digital platforms across multiple countries.
• Deep understanding of trade finance, logistics, payments, and digital trade enablement tools.
• Strong cross-functional leadership and ecosystem development experience.
• Track record in platform product design, go-to-market execution, and strategic partnerships.
• Tech-savvy, fluent in data analytics and e-commerce KPIs.
• Fluent in English; French, Arabic, or Portuguese is an added advantage.
• Willingness to travel extensively across the continent.

Technical & Behavioural Competencies:

• Strategic thinking and operational execution in digital platform environments.
• Acts as a subject matter expert, coaching teams and advising senior stakeholders.
• Deep understanding of Afreximbank’s trade mandate and continental economic landscape.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to present technical ideas to varied audiences.
• Demonstrates core Afreximbank values:
  • Commitment to Africa
  • Integrity
  • Innovation
  • Learning and Development
  • Professionalism and Responsiveness