The African Export Import Bank (Afreximbank) has urged African nations to strengthen trade finance infrastructure and deepen collaboration among financial institutions to transform the continent’s resource wealth into sustainable development.
Ms. Gwen Mwaba, Managing Director for Trade Finance and Correspondent Banking at Afreximbank, delivered the call while opening the 25th Afreximbank Trade Finance Seminar in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire. She emphasized that Africa’s abundant natural resources require responsible and well structured financing to generate meaningful progress.
“Africa is richly endowed with natural resources such as minerals, hydrocarbons, agricultural commodities, and a growing array of value added opportunities across energy, metals, and logistics,” Mwaba stated. She described these assets as presenting immense development potential when supported by efficient financing and rigorous risk management.
The banking executive stressed the importance of investing in skilled financial professionals who can structure complex deals. She argued that well trained bankers with sophisticated capabilities can tailor financing to capital intensive value chains while aligning projects with local development needs and environmental protections.
Mwaba characterized trade finance as the lifeblood of commerce and job creation, insisting it must reach firms that need it most. She called for ensuring its benefits are distributed broadly across African economies rather than concentrated among select beneficiaries.
Senior officials from Côte d’Ivoire’s Ministry of Trade, the Central Bank of West African States (BCEAO), and the local Bankers Association attended the opening. Their presence reflected growing regional commitment to building resilient financial systems capable of supporting intra African trade.
This year’s seminar marks a significant milestone as the program celebrates 25 years of empowering African bankers, lenders, and policymakers. The initiative has evolved into one of the continent’s strongest capacity building platforms, equipping financial professionals with tools to structure and deliver complex trade finance transactions.
Mwaba reflected on Afreximbank’s three decades of operations, highlighting the institution’s portfolio supporting regional integration, value addition, and employment generation. She noted the bank’s leadership in providing innovative financing for export sectors and infrastructure while introducing risk sharing and credit enhancement mechanisms to attract private capital.
The three day event, running from November 4 to 6, focuses on strengthening trade finance capabilities for inclusive and sustainable growth in Africa. Participants include bankers, policymakers, and fintech representatives exploring how digitalization, technology, data, and transparency can reshape trade finance amid global economic volatility.
Mwaba expressed optimism that discussions would produce tangible outcomes rather than remaining theoretical. She hopes the seminar will help Africa construct stronger, more inclusive trade finance systems that serve its populations effectively.
A one day Factoring Workshop will follow the seminar on November 7, extending the knowledge sharing initiative.
