Afreximbank moves to boost AfCFTA gains with corporate training push

African businesses are being positioned to better harness opportunities under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) through a targeted training programme spearheaded by African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank).

The third edition of the AfCFTA Training Programme, to be held in Cairo, Egypt, will bring together corporates seeking to deepen their understanding of the trade pact and translate its provisions into practical business strategies.

Developed in collaboration with the American University in Cairo (AUC) and the AfCFTA Secretariat, the initiative is designed to equip participants with the skills, knowledge and technical expertise required to navigate Africa’s evolving intra-African trade landscape.

Despite the AfCFTA’s significant potential to drive economic growth across the continent, limited understanding of its technical provisions and real-world applications has continued to constrain its full impact. The programme seeks to close this gap by providing practical insights into identifying and capitalising on trade opportunities, managing export and import operations, and navigating trade finance, supply chains and the broader international trade environment.

It will also offer clarity on how the AfCFTA framework addresses capacity constraints and expands market access for producers of goods and services across Africa, effectively translating complex legal provisions into actionable, business-ready strategies.

As a key strategic partner to the African Union on AfCFTA implementation, Afreximbank has led multiple initiatives aimed at strengthening intra-African trade and investment, with capacity-building programmes playing a central role.

Commenting on the initiative, Yemi Kale, the bank’s Group chief economist and managing director of Research described the programme as “a strategic platform” to deepen understanding and adoption of the AfCFTA among corporates and broader private sector players. He said the training reinforces the bank’s commitment to equipping businesses with the capabilities needed to take advantage of opportunities under the agreement.

Participants, he added, are expected to gain a comprehensive understanding of the AfCFTA, including its origins, evolving negotiations, and the opportunities and challenges embedded within the framework, enabling them to better align their operations with the agreement’s objectives.

Mohamed Ali, director of trade in goods and competition at the AfCFTA Secretariat said the programme represents a critical step toward unlocking intra-African trade through targeted capacity building and strengthened partnerships, noting that it will provide businesses with the tools and institutional support required to effectively utilise the agreement.

Also speaking, Stephen Tio Kauma, Afreximbank’s managing director for Human Resources said the programme, delivered through the bank’s academy, reflects a broader commitment to building practical trade capacity across the continent. He added that the initiative aims to empower businesses to scale operations, innovate and compete effectively within Africa’s single market while contributing to the continent’s economic transformation.