Intra-African trade reached US$220 billion in 2024, yet this represents only 15–18% of Africa's total trade — compared to 60–70% in Europe and Asia. The continent faces an estimated US$100 billion annual trade finance gap, while inefficiencies in payments, currency convertibility and liquidity distribution continue to raise the cost and complexity of cross-border commerce.
Over 65% of the estimated US$450 billion gains from the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) are expected to come from improvements in trade facilitation and financial systems. This underscores the critical role of banking infrastructure, particularly liquidity management, correspondent networks and payment systems, in enabling the next phase of African trade growth.
This breakfast side event will convene senior bankers, CFOs, Heads of Trade Finance and policymakers to explore practical steps to connect banking infrastructure, mobilise liquidity at scale, and build the partnerships needed to unlock AfCFTA's promise.
Please note that attendance requires prior registration for the Afreximbank Annual Meetings. Register for AAM2026
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