Afreximbank’s Calls for Stronger Trade Finance Capabilities to Accelerate Inclusive Growth

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 at Afreximbank, called for stronger trade finance capabilities and deeper collaboration among African financial institutions to accelerate inclusive and sustainable growth across the continent.

“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. These resources present immense potential for development when they are financed responsibly, efficiently, and with rigorous risk management. 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.

She emphasized the pivotal role of skilled financial professionals in shaping Africa’s trade future and the importance of capacity building in translating Africa’s abundant natural and human resources into tangible economic development.

“Well-trained bankers with sophisticated deal-structuring capabilities can tailor financing to capital-intensive value chains and align project finance with local development needs and environmental safeguards,” said Ms. Mwaba.

“Trade finance built on trust, risk assessment, and liquidity remains the lifeblood of commerce investment, and job creation. Our collective task is to ensure that this lifeblood flows reliably to the firms that need it and that its benefits are broadly shared.”

The opening ceremony was attended by among others representatives from the Government of Côte d’Ivoire, including Mr. Patrick Olivier Daipo, Deputy Director of Cabinet, Republic of Côte d’Ivoire, Ministry of Trade, Mr Chalouho Coulibaly, National Director of the Central Bank of West African States (BCEAO) who represented Dr. Jean-Claude Kassi Brou, Governor, BCEAO, and Mr. Jérôme Ahua, Deputy Managing Director of BNI Bank who also represented the Bankers Association.