Afreximbank Supports African Startups with $250,000 in New Digital Trade Accelerator
The African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) has officially launched the first cohort of its Afreximbank Accelerator Programme, bringing together eight high-potential startups from across Africa and the diaspora to scale the continent’s digital trade ecosystem.
Selected from over 1,600 applicants, the cohort includes ventures operating in cross-border payments, digital logistics, agri-export platforms, AI-powered enterprise solutions, supply chain finance, and diaspora investment mobilisation.
Participating startups include Fincart.io (Egypt), OnePort 365 (Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya), Timon (pan-African), Zowasel (Nigeria, Kenya, Tanzania), Gebeya (Ethiopia and pan-African), Fluna (pan-African), Capsa Technologies (Nigeria), and Daba Finance (Francophone Africa).
The programme provides qualifying startups with investment of up to US$250,000, alongside mentorship, market access, and strategic partnerships designed to accelerate their growth across Africa. The week-long kick-off in Cairo, running from 23–27 March, featured sessions with Afreximbank leadership, industry experts, and ecosystem partners, culminating in a Social Mixer at the Grand Egyptian Museum.
Speaking at the launch, Haytham Elmaayergi, Executive Vice President, Global Trade Bank at Afreximbank, said: “Trade happens through entrepreneurs. This cohort is building the digital infrastructure that will define how Africa trades in the 21st century. Our goal is an integrated African economy where businesses trade seamlessly across borders.”
The Accelerator Programme leverages Afreximbank’s pan-African network, regulatory guidance, market access, and digital trade platforms, including the Africa Trade Gateway (ATG) and the Pan-African Payments and Settlement System (PAPSS). This positions the Bank as a strategic enabler of cross-border trade and continental integration.
Collectively, the eight startups operate across more than 15 African countries. Fluna has facilitated over US$50 million in trade across 10 countries, Capsa Technologies has processed more than NGN70 billion in supply chain finance, OnePort 365 connects Nigeria, Ghana, and Kenya, Timon supports payments in 15 countries with plans for 40, and Zowasel has linked over 4,000 agribusinesses and cooperatives.
The initiative supports the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), unlocking new pathways for economic integration and digital trade across Africa and the wider Global Africa network.
Dr George Elombi, Afreximbank President, said: “The Accelerator Programme is a platform to identify and scale high-impact ventures. We are committed to driving Africa’s digital trade future, creating opportunities for entrepreneurs and boosting economic growth across the continent.”
