While financing for African trade remains hampered by an estimated shortfall of more than $100 billion per year, banks on the continent are seeking to strengthen their capabilities and modernise their tools. In Abidjan, on 5 November 2025, the second day of the Trade Finance Seminar 2025, organised by Afreximbank, focused on training and the digitalisation of trade finance, which are essential levers for stimulating African economic integration.
Faced with a financing deficit for African trade estimated at over $100 billion per year, banking stakeholders on the continent are working to find sustainable solutions. It is in this context that the second day of the 2025 Trade Finance Seminar, organized by Afreximbank, is being held in Abidjan on November 5, 2025, focusing on training and the digitalization of trade finance.
I believe that Afreximbank is doing something very essential by bringing together all the different banks across Africa to address the needs of our clients. Not only large corporate clients, but also the clients discussed in the various presentations, giving us an overview of how we can better offer Trade Finance solutions to all our different segments, all our different target clients.
Ariane Duchelle Dadjo, Commercial Director at CCA BANK
The crucial role of development banks in reshaping global trade is also a priority in these discussions. According to Duarte Pedreira, Global Director of Trade and Working Capital Finance at Crown Agents Bank, African institutions should now establish themselves as true levers of financial sovereignty.
The first day was very informative. We learned more about trade and exchanges involving oil and hydrocarbons. I am really excited to find out what we will be studying today. We learned a lot more about the African Trade Gateway, and it’s clear that there are many opportunities for African financial firms. I can’t wait to see what tomorrow has in store for us.
Gillian Ofori, Product and Execution Analyst, Oakwood Green Africa
While intra-African trade increased by 12.4% in 2024, reaching over $220 billion, the Afreximbank Trade Finance Seminar (ATFS) aims to consolidate this momentum through training, innovation, and regional cooperation.
