By Favour Ulebor, Abuja

The Pan-African AU Agenda 2063 Diplomatic Mission has commissioned a community water project in Garam, Bwari Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, and unveiled the African Digital Trade Centre under the Pan African Continental Super Marketplace, PAC-SM, as part of activities marking Africa Day 2026 in Abuja.

The projects were unveiled on Saturday in Abuja, organised by the Mission to promote sustainable development, economic integration and community welfare under the African Union Agenda 2063 framework.

Speaking during the commissioning of the water project in Garam, Global President of the Mission, Amb. Dr. Stephen Gbatigbi Ben Joel, said the intervention was designed to improve access to clean water and support healthier living conditions in underserved communities.

He said access to potable water remains one of the major development challenges confronting many African communities, stressing that water security is closely linked to public health, agriculture and economic growth.

According to him, the 2026 Africa Day theme, “Assuring Sustainable Water Availability and Safe Sanitation System to Achieve the Goals of Agenda 2063,” reflects the urgent need for stronger investments in water infrastructure and sanitation systems across the continent.

Dr. Ben Joel said the Garam project demonstrates the Mission’s commitment to practical community based interventions capable of improving the living conditions of ordinary Africans.

He also urged residents of the community to protect and properly maintain the facility to ensure long term sustainability.

A community leader, Baba Sallah, said residents previously faced difficulties accessing clean water for domestic and farming activities.

He noted that women and children were among those most affected, often travelling long distances in search of water before the intervention.

According to him, the project has significantly reduced the burden on residents and improved access to safe water within the community.

As part of the Africa Day celebration, the Mission also unveiled the African Digital Trade Centre under the Pan African Continental Super Marketplace initiative aimed at deepening intra African trade and economic integration.

Speaking during the unveiling, Chairman of PAC-SM, Dr. Patrick Ugboma, described the platform as a technology driven marketplace designed to connect African buyers, sellers and investors across borders.

He explained that the digital trade hub integrates finance, logistics, compliance and business support services to simplify trade operations among African countries.

According to him, the initiative was created to remove long standing barriers limiting trade within Africa while opening up new market opportunities for local producers and businesses.

“It is a strategic platform to support intra African trade, promote African products and connect producers to markets across borders,” Ugboma said.

He added that the platform would support the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area, AfCFTA, by encouraging stronger commercial partnerships and investment growth across the continent.

Ugboma further noted that the initiative is expected to strengthen small and medium scale enterprises by improving market visibility for African products through digital innovation.

Also speaking, Dr. Ben Joel described the trade hub as a practical African solution designed to unlock the continent’s economic potential.

He said Africa’s estimated $3 trillion trade opportunity can only be achieved through stronger economic connectivity and deliberate collaboration among African nations.

According to him, the PAC-SM initiative would help advance the goals of Agenda 2063 and promote sustainable prosperity across the continent.

Other activities marking the Africa Day celebration included a Liberation Walk and policy discussions focused on sustainable development, water access and African economic cooperation.