The AfCFTA Association of Commodities Exchanges (A-ACX) has taken a major institutional step with the appointment of its first substantive Secretary-General, as the body accelerates efforts to deepen cooperation among Africa’s commodity markets under the African Continental Free Trade Area framework.
At a recent General Meeting of the Association, Mrs Setutsi Ivowi, also known as Tucci Ivowi, was formally confirmed as Secretary-General, marking what officials described as a defining moment in the evolution of the pan-African commodities platform. The meeting was chaired by Mr Collen Tapfumaneyi, Chief Executive Officer of the Zimbabwe Mercantile Exchange and current Chair of the A-ACX.
Mrs Ivowi is a central figure in the formation of the Association, having convened the initial processes that led to the establishment of A-ACX and serving as the first Chair of its Steering Committee. Her elevation to the role of Secretary-General is expected to provide continuity and stronger institutional coordination as the Association moves from formation to full operational delivery.
The appointment comes at a time when A-ACX is expanding both its membership and its strategic reach. The Association now brings together 18 commodity exchanges from across Africa, including major agricultural and financial market platforms in Ghana, Nigeria, Kenya, Ethiopia, South Africa, Zimbabwe and several other countries, reflecting a growing consensus on the need for structured and transparent commodity trading across the continent.
Discussions at the General Meeting reaffirmed the collective commitment of member exchanges to advancing intra-African trade, improving price discovery, and supporting value addition through organised commodity markets. Participants underscored the role of exchanges in strengthening food security, stabilising markets and supporting smallholder farmers and producers within the AfCFTA market.
The Association also highlighted recent progress on international engagement, following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with the Association of Futures Markets. The agreement is intended to support collaboration in areas such as market development, technical cooperation, capacity building and knowledge exchange between African commodity markets and their global counterparts.
Officials said the partnership with the Association of Futures Markets represents a strategic step towards integrating African commodity exchanges into the global derivatives and futures ecosystem, while ensuring that Africa’s unique market realities are reflected in international standards and practices.
With its leadership structure now firmly in place, A-ACX is positioning itself as a central coordinating body for commodity exchanges on the continent, aimed at driving harmonisation, competitiveness and resilience in Africa’s commodity markets.
The Association believes the combination of strengthened governance, expanding membership and growing global partnerships will enhance its capacity to support sustainable economic growth and unlock new trade opportunities across Africa.
Source:
www.graphic.com.gh
