Afreximbank Ignites Intra-African Trade with Inaugural Accelerator Programme
The African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) has officially launched its pioneering “Afreximbank Accelerator Programme,” heralding a new era for digital infrastructure development aimed at bolstering intra-African trade. The inaugural cohort, comprising eight high-potential startups from across the African continent and its diaspora, convened in Cairo for an intensive kick-off week held from March 23-27, 2026.
These selected ventures, chosen from an exceptionally competitive pool of over 1,600 applications, represent some of the most promising innovators dedicated to building the digital frameworks essential for seamless trade within Africa. The participating startups operate across a diverse range of critical sectors, including cross-border payments, digital logistics, agri-export platforms, AI-powered enterprise solutions, supply chain finance, and the mobilization of diaspora investment.
The dynamic group of startups in this inaugural cohort includes:
- Fincart.io (Egypt)
- OnePort 365 (operating across Nigeria, Ghana, and Kenya)
- Timon (a pan-African entity active in 15 countries)
- Zowasel (active in Nigeria, Kenya, and Tanzania)
- Gebeya (with roots in Ethiopia and pan-African reach)
- Fluna (a pan-African startup engaged in 10 countries)
- Capsa Technologies (Nigeria)
- Daba Finance (covering Francophone Africa)
Under the auspices of this Afreximbank-conceived, designed, and operated programme, qualifying startups are set to receive significant support. This includes potential investment of up to US$250,000, contingent upon standard investment criteria and rigorous due diligence. Beyond financial backing, the programme offers invaluable mentorship, expanded market access, and strategic partnerships meticulously crafted to accelerate their expansion across the African continent.
The Cairo kick-off week, commencing at Afreximbank’s headquarters on March 24, 2026, was marked by a series of high-level engagements. Participants interacted with Afreximbank’s leadership, renowned industry experts, dedicated mentors, and key ecosystem partners. The week’s proceedings were symbolically capped with an exclusive Social Mixer held at the Grand Egyptian Museum. This event served as a powerful juxtaposition, linking Africa’s profound historical heritage with its rapidly advancing innovation landscape.
Driving Africa’s Digital Trade Future
During the opening sessions, Mr. Haytham Elmaayergi, Executive Vice President of the Global Trade Bank at Afreximbank, emphasized the profound significance of the initiative. “Today, we move from promise to execution, because we understand a fundamental truth: trade does not happen within the pages of policy documents. Trade happens through businesses. It happens through entrepreneurs. It happens through builders. What excites me the most about this cohort is not only who you are, but what you represent. You are building the digital rails that will define how Africa trades in the 21st century.”
He further elaborated on the programme’s broader vision: “This Accelerator Programme is part of a much broader ambition: an Africa where start-ups scale across the continent as a matter of course, where businesses trade seamlessly across borders, and where the continent operates as a truly integrated economic force. Afreximbank is proud to be a partner, an enabler and a committed stakeholder in the success of the next generation of African trade champions.”
In addition to the core programme sessions, the eight selected startups had the distinct opportunity to meet with Afreximbank President, Dr. George Elombi, and the senior leadership team. These meetings included expert-led briefings on a wide array of critical topics relevant to their growth and impact.
A Differentiated Value Proposition
The Afreximbank Accelerator Programme distinguishes itself through a unique value proposition that synthesizes several key components:
- Direct Access to Afreximbank’s Pan-African Network: Startups gain privileged access to Afreximbank’s extensive network, which includes governments, financial institutions, major corporations, and trade partners operating across the continent.
- Market Access and Deal Facilitation: The programme actively facilitates market entry and deal-making opportunities across vital African trade corridors, helping startups navigate complex regional markets.
- Regulatory and Policy Guidance: Leveraging the Bank’s strong relationships with central banks and regulatory bodies, participants receive crucial guidance on navigating licensing requirements and policy landscapes in different jurisdictions.
- Integration into Afreximbank’s Digital Trade Ecosystem: Startups are provided with pathways to integrate into Afreximbank’s cutting-edge digital trade ecosystem, notably including the Africa Trade Gateway (ATG) and the Pan-African Payments and Settlement System (PAPSS).
This multi-faceted approach positions Afreximbank as a pivotal strategic enabler for cross-border trade and continental scalability. It empowers startups to overcome challenges related to licensing, compliance, and market entry across diverse African nations. Furthermore, Afreximbank plays a central role in architecting Africa’s digital trade landscape, fostering an environment where market access, strategic partnerships, and robust infrastructure converge to support the development and expansion of continent-wide solutions.
The Accelerator Programme underscores Afreximbank’s escalating role as a catalyst for trade and innovation across Africa. It provides a structured and supportive platform designed to identify and nurture high-impact ventures. Through this initiative, the Bank is actively contributing to the development of the digital infrastructure that is fundamental to the successful implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) agreement. This strategic engagement places Afreximbank at the forefront of efforts to drive intra-African trade, enhance market integration, and catalyze economic transformation throughout the continent.
The collective reach of the eight participating startups is substantial, spanning over 15 African countries and encompassing key trade corridors in West, East, North, and Southern Africa. Their current achievements are a testament to the immense scale and potential of African innovation:
- Fluna has facilitated over US$50 million in trade across 10 countries.
- Capsa Technologies has processed more than NGN70 billion in supply chain finance.
- OnePort 365 plays a crucial role in connecting the Nigeria-Ghana-Kenya trade corridors.
- Timon currently supports payments in 15 countries and has ambitious plans for expansion into 40 countries.
- Zowasel has successfully connected more than 4,000 verified cooperatives and agribusinesses.
Collectively, these dynamic ventures are constructing the essential digital infrastructure for intra-African trade, thereby accelerating the realization of the AfCFTA and unlocking unprecedented pathways for economic integration across the continent and the broader Global Africa network.
