Afreximbank and FCI Strengthen Trade Finance at Africa Regional Conference on Factoring and Receivables Finance in Kampala, April 2026
The African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) and FCI are set to host the Africa Regional Conference on Factoring, Receivables Finance, and Credit Insurance on April 15–16, 2026, in Kampala, Uganda. This event is particularly significant as Africa strives for a unified market, with factoring and receivables finance emerging as critical tools to bridge the trade finance gap, especially for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
Context and Importance of the Conference
As the African economy continues to evolve, the need for innovative financial solutions becomes increasingly apparent. The conference, themed “Beyond Traditional Lending: The Continued Rise of Factoring and Supply Chain Finance in Africa,” aims to gather senior representatives from financial institutions, development finance entities, insurers, regulators, and government bodies. This diverse assembly will focus on advancing alternative financing solutions tailored for African businesses, particularly SMEs.
The discussions will encompass various topics, including market development, legal and regulatory frameworks, credit insurance, and the role of digitalization in enhancing access to working capital. These conversations are vital for strengthening the financial ecosystems across the continent, particularly as institutions explore alternatives to traditional lending models.
The Role of Factoring in Trade Finance
Factoring and supply chain finance are increasingly recognized as essential mechanisms for supporting business growth and improving liquidity. These financial tools facilitate domestic and cross-border trade, making them indispensable in the current economic landscape. The conference aims to foster greater awareness and understanding of the conditions necessary for continued development in this area.
The event will also serve as a platform for knowledge exchange, allowing participants to engage with market practitioners, policymakers, and industry leaders. This strategic engagement is crucial for strengthening connections within the receivables finance and broader trade finance community.
Insights from Industry Leaders
Ahead of the conference, Mrs. Kanayo Awani, Executive Vice President of Intra-African Trade and Export Development at Afreximbank, emphasized the necessity of factoring for African businesses. She stated that immediate liquidity is essential for competitiveness. By hosting this dialogue in Kampala, Afreximbank aims to collaborate with FCI to ensure that the necessary legal and financial frameworks are established to convert receivables into working capital, thereby driving the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) engine.
Ms. Betül Kurtuluş, Deputy Secretary General of FCI, highlighted that the ongoing development of factoring and receivables finance in Africa hinges not only on awareness but also on practical dialogue among market participants, regulators, and institutions. The conference represents a shared commitment to exploring how these solutions can evolve across the region.
Commitment to Market Development
Through this initiative, Afreximbank and FCI reaffirm their dedication to supporting market development and advancing practical financing solutions that can contribute to trade expansion and broader economic growth across Africa. The conference is not just a gathering; it is a strategic move to enhance the financial landscape of the continent.
Registration for the conference is currently open, and further details regarding the program and participation can be found at Zawya.
About Afreximbank
Afreximbank is a Pan-African multilateral financial institution dedicated to financing and promoting intra- and extra-African trade. Over the past 30 years, the bank has implemented innovative financing structures to transform Africa’s trade dynamics, fostering industrialization and intra-regional trade. A staunch supporter of the AfCFTA, Afreximbank has established the Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS) and a US$10 billion Adjustment Fund to assist countries participating in the AfCFTA. As of December 2024, the bank’s total assets exceeded US$40.1 billion, with shareholder funds amounting to US$7.2 billion.
About FCI
FCI serves as the global representative body for factoring and financing of open account domestic and international trade receivables. Established in 1968 as a non-profit global association, FCI boasts nearly 400 member companies across more than 90 countries, facilitating cooperation in cross-border factoring. The organization focuses on three primary areas: connecting members for cross-border activities, educating on best practices, and influencing industry stakeholders and policymakers.
For more information, visit Afreximbank and FCI.
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