The Adamawa State Government has launched the Adamawa Trade Exchange (ATEX) platform (www.atex.adamawastate.gov.ng), an initiative expected to create new opportunities for businesses in the state by connecting them to wider African markets and supporting participation in regional trade.
The launch, held at the Banquet Hall of the Adamawa State Government House, was organised by the Adamawa State State Action on Business Enabling Reforms (SABER) Focal Office and spearheaded by the State Focal Person, Dr Bello Abubakar.
The platform was presented by the Special Adviser to the Governor on ICTs, E-Governance and Policies, Dr Hammajam Ahmed, who explained its relevance to Adamawa State and the opportunities it could create for local businesses, entrepreneurs, producers and other economic stakeholders.
Dr Hammajam described ATEX as an important opportunity for businesses in the state to expand beyond local markets, connect with buyers and suppliers across Africa, and explore emerging opportunities under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
He highlighted the potential of the platform to improve market access, facilitate trade connections and enable businesses in Adamawa to participate more actively in the growing African market.
As part of the measures required to maximise the benefits of the initiative, Dr Hammajam proposed the establishment of an AfCFTA Secretariat in Adamawa State. He explained that such a structure would provide guidance, information and practical support to businesses intending to participate in cross-border trade, helping them understand the opportunities, requirements and processes involved.
He further emphasised the importance of sustained digital transformation, noting that Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri had consistently demonstrated interest in positioning Adamawa as a digitally enabled state capable of identifying and exploiting emerging opportunities.
According to him, the Governor’s commitment to digital development provides an important foundation for initiatives such as ATEX, which depend on digital connectivity, access to information and the ability of businesses to engage with wider markets.
In his remarks, Dr Bello Abubakar highlighted the contributions of the Adamawa State SABER programme to improving the business environment. He outlined how reforms implemented under the programme, with the support and leadership of Governor Fintiri, have helped ease business processes and strengthen the state’s investment climate.
The launch forms part of broader efforts to improve the ease of doing business in Adamawa State, promote private-sector participation and position local enterprises to benefit from national, continental and international economic opportunities.
ATEX, or Adamawa Trade Exchange (www.atex.adamawastate.gov.ng), is a digital business-to-business and business-to-government trade platform designed to connect African businesses with markets, buyers and suppliers, while supporting trade and procurement across the continent.
For Adamawa State, effective participation in the platform could provide an additional channel for local producers, manufacturers, agricultural businesses and other enterprises to reach new customers and explore opportunities beyond the state.
The proposed AfCFTA Secretariat, alongside continued business-enabling reforms and digital infrastructure development, could further strengthen the state’s capacity to support businesses seeking to take advantage of the continental trade framework.
The initiative reflects Adamawa State’s broader ambition to improve its business environment, deepen digital inclusion and create an enabling environment for investment and economic growth.
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