The Chief Executive of Telecel Group, Moh Damush, has called on African governments and regulators to ease cross-border payment systems to accelerate intra-African trade and deepen economic integration across the continent.

Speaking at the Africa Prosperity Dialogues 2026, Mr. Damush said seamless, affordable, and efficient digital payment platforms are critical to unlocking the full potential of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

He noted that despite policy progress under the AfCFTA, payment bottlenecks continue to limit the ability of businesses to trade easily across borders.

“Through the expansion of cross-border payment corridors, for cross border payments interoperability we become enablers of regional integration, resilience, and inclusive economic growth”, he said.

Telecel Group, a leading pan-African telecommunications company, was a strategic partner to the Africa Prosperity Dialogues 2026, reinforcing its commitment to driving digital connectivity, financial inclusion, and trade across Africa.

The partnership, according to the company, reflects its broader ambition to support conversations and solutions that promote economic growth and private-sector participation.

Addressing participants on the final day of the Dialogue, Mr. Damush emphasised that as a technology and communications enabler, Telecel is championing initiatives aimed at simplifying cross-border transactions and expanding market access for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs).

“We support entrepreneurship at scale through ASIP, our startup and innovation platform, enabling early-stage ventures to access mentorship, technology, networks, and markets. ASIP success stories reflect tangible impact, startups that have refined their products, expanded across borders, created thousands of jobs, and attracted follow-on investment; demonstrating how intentional support can translate innovation into sustainable growth”. 

He explained that improving payment interoperability will significantly reduce transaction costs and improve competitiveness for African businesses.

Mr. Damush further noted that enabling SMEs to trade beyond national borders is essential to inclusive growth under the AfCFTA framework, adding that collaboration between governments, regulators, and the private sector is key to achieving this goal.

Telecel says its partnership with the Africa Prosperity Dialogues aligns with its vision of connecting Africa, enabling digital transformation, and supporting sustainable economic growth across markets, positioning the company as a key player in Africa’s evolving digital and trade ecosystem.