Zimbabwe and other African corporates will have a unique opportunity to learn how to maximise the benefits of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) when the third edition of the AfCFTA Training Programme takes place in Cairo, Egypt, from 16 to 18 June 2026.
Developed and led by the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) in collaboration with the American University in Cairo (AUC) and the AfCFTA Secretariat, the programme is designed to equip participants with the skills, knowledge and practical expertise required to navigate and succeed within Africa’s evolving intra-African trade landscape.
While the AfCFTA holds significant potential to drive economic development across the continent, limited understanding of its technical provisions and practical applications continues to hinder the full realisation of its benefits.
The programme is designed to provide businesses with practical, actionable insights on identifying and capitalising on trade opportunities, managing export and import operations and navigating trade finance, supply chains and the broader international trade environment. It will also offer a clear understanding of how the AfCFTA framework addresses capacity constraints and expands market access for producers of goods and services across the continent.
By translating the AfCFTA’s legal and treaty provisions into business-ready strategies, the programme provides clarity on the regulatory, operational and market requirements necessary for companies to fully leverage opportunities within the rapidly expanding AfCFTA market.
As the African Union’s key strategic partner in implementing the AfCFTA, Afreximbank has spearheaded multiple initiatives to advance both intra- and extra-African trade and investment, with training playing a key role in capacity building.
Commenting on the programme, Dr Yemi Kale, Group Chief Economist and Managing Director of Research at Afreximbank, described it as “a strategic platform for advancing the adoption and deepening the understanding of the AfCFTA among key stakeholders, particularly corporates within the broader private sector ecosystem”.
He added that the initiative “reinforces the bank’s commitment to equipping businesses with the insights and capabilities required to effectively leverage opportunities under the agreement”.
Dr Kale said: “I have full confidence that participants in this training will leave with a holistic understanding of the AfCFTA, its genesis and dimensions, enabling them to assess the outcomes of the ongoing negotiations and to examine the challenges and opportunities that underlie the negotiations and the agreement at large.
“They will also be able to explore the prospects of the AfCFTA and to capitalise on the agreement while supporting its objectives to the benefit of their corporations and the continent.”
Mr Mohamed Ali, Director of Trade in Goods and Competition at the AfCFTA Secretariat, said: “This programme represents a critical step towards unlocking the full potential of intra-African trade through targeted capacity building and strategic partnerships.
“Our collaboration with Afreximbank reinforces a shared commitment to equip African businesses with the practical knowledge, tools and institutional support required to effectively utilise the agreement.”
Commenting on the programme, Mr Stephen Tio Kauma, Managing Director of Human Resources at Afreximbank, stated: “Delivered through the Afreximbank Academy (AFRACAD), this programme reflects our commitment to equipping African businesses with the practical skills needed to fully leverage the opportunities under the AfCFTA.
“AFRACAD continues to serve as a leading trade knowledge hub, empowering participants to compete and thrive in Africa’s single market. Through our strong partnerships and innovative learning approach, we are empowering businesses across Global Africa to scale, innovate and play a leading role in the continent’s economic transformation.”-herald
