Afreximbank Urges Stronger Trade Finance Capacity to Drive Inclusive Growth in Africa
Afreximbank has called for stronger trade finance capabilities and deeper collaboration among African financial institutions to accelerate inclusive and sustainable economic growth across the continent.
Speaking at the opening of the 25th Afreximbank Trade Finance Seminar (ATFS) in Abidjan, Ms Gwen Mwaba, Managing Director for Trade Finance and Correspondent Banking, highlighted the critical role of well-structured, responsible financing in unlocking Africa’s development potential.
She noted that the continent is endowed with vast natural resources – from minerals and hydrocarbons to agricultural commodities – and is increasingly moving into value-added industries across energy, metals, logistics and manufacturing. However, she warned that Africa will only fully benefit from these opportunities if financial institutions possess the expertise and risk management capacity to support major commercial ventures.
“To translate this potential into tangible outcomes, we need banks and financial institutions that are not only risk-aware but structurally proficient,” said Ms Mwaba. “Trade finance built on trust, risk assessment and liquidity remains the lifeblood of commerce, investment and job creation.”
She underlined the importance of capacity building, stressing that skilled financial professionals are essential to structuring deals, aligning project finance with national development needs and safeguarding environmental and social standards.
Now in its 25th year, the Afreximbank Trade Finance Seminar is the Bank’s flagship training platform for African bankers, lenders, financiers and policymakers. Since its inception, it has equipped thousands of professionals with technical expertise needed to support cross-border trade and investment. This year marks a milestone, celebrating a quarter-century of strengthening Africa’s trade finance ecosystem.
The opening ceremony was attended by senior representatives from the Government of Côte d’Ivoire, the Central Bank of West African States (BCEAO) and the banking sector. Participants praised the seminar’s role in modernising financial practices and supporting regional integration.
Over the years, Afreximbank has rolled out a portfolio of programmes designed to boost trade finance, including export-oriented financing, credit enhancement tools to mobilise private capital, specialised commodity and project finance facilities and large-scale capacity-building initiatives.
The 2025 seminar will examine major trends shaping Africa’s financial future: digitalisation, data-driven decision-making, technological innovation, improved transparency and stronger risk management in a changing global economy. Collaboration among African banks, development institutions, fintechs and policymakers will also be key areas of focus.
Ms Mwaba expressed optimism that the discussions would result in concrete outcomes to strengthen Africa’s financial resilience and support sustainable development.
The Afreximbank Trade Finance Seminar runs from 4–6 November 2025 in Abidjan under the theme “Strengthening Trade Finance Capabilities for Inclusive and Sustainable Growth in Africa.” A one-day Factoring Workshop will follow on 7 November.
