Afreximbank Academy Opens Registration for 2026 Africa Trade Finance Certification Program
Afreximbank has announced the opening of registration for the 2026 edition of its flagship Africa Trade Finance Certification (ATFC) program, aimed at strengthening the continent’s capabilities in trade finance and enhancing Africa’s competitiveness in global markets.
According to the institute, registration for the program—open to banking professionals and trade finance practitioners—will close on May 31, 2026.
The program is developed by the Afreximbank Academy in partnership with International Factors Group, The American University in Cairo, and Quartier Bank. It aims to provide participants with a comprehensive understanding of international trade finance, while continuously updating its curriculum to align with global best practices.
It also addresses key aspects of implementing the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which is expected to significantly boost intra-African trade.
Similar to the 2025 edition, the 2026 program will be delivered in a blended format. Five modules will be conducted virtually through instructor-led sessions, one module will be held in person at the New Cairo campus of The American University in Cairo, and the final module will be delivered online in a self-paced format.
Stephen Kauma, Director of Human Resources at Afreximbank, highlighted the strategic importance of the program in developing a new generation of highly skilled trade finance professionals capable of advancing Africa’s trade agenda and strengthening its global competitiveness.
He also encouraged African professionals to apply, noting that the Afreximbank Academy will offer scholarships covering 50% of tuition fees for the first seven applicants this year—underscoring the bank’s commitment to expanding access to high-quality capacity-building programs.
The certification received international recognition in October 2025, winning the Silver Award in the Professional Development category at the EFMD Excellence in Practice Awards held in Stockholm, Sweden. The awards celebrate impactful partnerships in executive education, professional learning, and talent development.
Originally launched in 2016 as the International Trade Finance Certificate, the program was restructured in 2021 in collaboration with the Onsi Sawiris School of Business at The American University in Cairo to enhance its academic rigor and regional relevance.
Since its inception, the program has trained more than 150 professionals from across Africa, equipping them with the technical, regulatory, and practical skills needed to advance trade finance and unlock new opportunities for intra-African and global trade.