A Conversation at Eagle View Lodge – The Future of AfCFTA With Blockchain and Bitcoin

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Location – Eagle View Lodge, Rwanda

A stunning view of Rwanda’s hills provides the perfect setting for a deep conversation about the future of African trade.

Sitting across from me is Briggette Harrington, representing the bold ambitions of the AfCFTA (African Continental Free Trade Area) and its potential to transform Africa’s economic landscape.

Eldridge Cooke: “Briggette, it’s a pleasure to sit with you here in Rwanda, a country that represents so much progress across Africa. To start, can you share your journey with AfCFTA and what motivates your work?”

Briggette Harrington: “Thank you, Eldridge. AfCFTA is a remarkable opportunity for Africa. It unites 54 countries into one of the largest free trade areas in the world, with access to over 1.3 billion people and a collective GDP (gross domestic product) of $3.4 trillion.

“For me, AfCFTA is about more than just trade – it’s about transforming how African businesses engage with the world. Instead of exporting raw materials, AfCFTA gives us the chance to add value to our resources here in Africa.

“It’s about empowering African entrepreneurs to process, package and trade goods across the continent, keeping profits and jobs within Africa.”

Eldridge Cooke: “That’s exactly what I find exciting about AfCFTA. The idea that Africa can keep the value of its own resources by moving away from exporting raw materials and instead focusing on finished goods – it’s a powerful vision.

“But how has it been working out in practice?”

Briggette Harrington: “AfCFTA is a game-changer, no doubt, but it also comes with its challenges. My company, Igire Coffee, works directly with women farmers in Rwanda, many of whom are genocide survivors.

“Through AfCFTA, we’ve been able to export our coffee to places like Ghana, which is a huge step forward for us. But we face significant obstacles.

“Logistics are complex and costly, customs procedures between countries can be inconsistent and currency exchange is another big issue.

“Moving goods across African borders isn’t as seamless as it could be, and converting currency between African nations often cuts into our profits.”

Eldridge Cooke: “This is exactly why I think technology – specifically blockchain and Bitcoin – could be critical to AfCFTA’s success. AfCFTA is a bold framework, but without modern tech solutions, we risk not fully realizing its potential.

“Let’s…