Afreximbank Uganda Conference to Boost African Trade Finance for 2000+ SMEs
Major financial conference in Kampala aims to expand access to trade finance for African SMEs. Afreximbank and FCI partner to promote factoring and receivables solutions across the continent.
The African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) and FCI have announced plans to host a landmark conference on trade finance solutions in Kampala, Uganda, targeting over 2,000 small and medium enterprises across Africa. The Africa Regional Conference on Factoring, Receivables Finance & Credit Insurance, scheduled for April 15-16, 2026, comes at a crucial time as the continent pushes for increased intra-African trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) agreement.
Trade Finance Gap and SME Challenges
According to recent data from the African Development Bank, the trade finance gap in Africa stands at an estimated US$81 billion annually, with SMEs being the most affected. Dr. Benedict Oramah, President of Afreximbank, emphasized this challenge: "The trade finance gap remains one of the biggest obstacles to African SME growth and participation in regional trade. This conference aims to present practical solutions through factoring and receivables finance that can help bridge this gap." The World Bank estimates that SMEs account for up to 90% of all businesses in the African market, yet they face significant barriers in accessing traditional banking services.
Conference Impact and Regional Development
The conference is expected to draw over 300 delegates from across Africa's financial sector, including banks, factoring companies, and insurance providers. "This gathering represents a crucial step toward developing Africa's factoring industry, which currently accounts for less than 1% of global factoring volume," stated Peter Mulroy, FCI Secretary General. The event will feature specialized workshops on digital factoring solutions, regulatory frameworks, and risk management strategies tailored for the African market.
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Future Outlook and Implementation Strategy
The initiative aligns with Uganda's position as an emerging East African financial hub and the broader continental agenda for financial inclusion. Uganda's Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development has welcomed the conference, stating: "This event will position Uganda as a key player in Africa's financial services sector while providing our local businesses with vital access to trade finance solutions." The conference organizers aim to facilitate at least US$500 million in new factoring arrangements for African SMEs within the first year following the event.
Source: AllAfrica
Source: AllAfrica
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