Afreximbank and FCI to Host Major Trade Finance Conference in Kampala

The African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) and FCI have announced a landmark conference on factoring, receivables finance, and credit insurance to be held in Kampala, Uganda on April 15-16, 2026. The two-day event aims to address critical trade finance gaps affecting African small and medium enterprises (SMEs) as the continent moves towards implementing the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

Trade finance remains a significant challenge across Africa, with the African Development Bank estimating a current funding gap of over US$81 billion. According to World Bank data, SMEs account for up to 90% of all businesses in the African market, yet they face the most severe constraints in accessing trade finance. This conference emerges as a crucial platform to address these challenges in the context of growing intra-African trade, which currently stands at just 16% of the continent's total trade volume.

Professor Benedict Oramah, President of Afreximbank, emphasized the conference's strategic importance: "This gathering represents a pivotal moment for African trade finance. With the AfCFTA implementation underway, we must ensure our SMEs have the financial tools they need to participate effectively in regional and global value chains."

The conference will feature workshops on modern factoring techniques, digital trade finance solutions, and risk management strategies. Experts from across Africa's banking sector will share insights on leveraging receivables finance to support cross-border trade. Special attention will be given to emerging fintech solutions that can help bridge the financing gap for African SMEs.

Peter Mulroy, Secretary General of FCI, highlighted the transformative potential of factoring in Africa: "The African factoring market, though still emerging, has grown by 50% since 2020. We see tremendous opportunity to accelerate this growth through knowledge sharing and capacity building at events like this conference."

The choice of Kampala as the host city is significant, given Uganda's strategic position in East Africa and its growing role in regional trade. The Uganda Bureau of Statistics reports that the country's trade with other East African Community members has increased by 27% in the past two years, making it an ideal location to discuss regional trade finance solutions.

The conference is expected to attract over 300 delegates from 40 African countries, including central bank governors, commercial bankers, factoring companies, and fintech leaders. Its outcomes could significantly influence the development of trade finance products and policies across the continent.

Source: AllAfrica