Head of ATEX, Digital Business - African Export-Import Bank

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

1. 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.

2. 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).

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. 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.

7. 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.

Minimum Qualifications & Experience

Education:
- 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

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

Application Process

Interested candidates should submit their CVs to Afreximbank@robertwalters.com with the job title “Head of ATEX, Digital Business” clearly stated in the email subject line for proper consideration.