Africa’s trade development is shifting, with homegrown solutions taking precedence over imported models. The Certificate of Trade Finance in Africa (COTFIA), a partnership between the American University in Cairo, Afreximbank, and FCI, equips trade professionals with practical, context-driven skills through hybrid learning, case studies, and group projects. With 91 graduates from 18 countries, the programme has sparked promotions, sharper strategies, and revenue growth—demonstrating that sustainable transformation comes from collaboration, capacity building, and solutions tailored specifically to Africa’s own dynamic markets and talent.
In a continuously evolving global landscape, traditional paths towards economic development are constantly challenged, particularly models that have long stood as the rulebooks, claiming the right way to move forward. For decades, Africa’s trade development has been framed through external narratives in attempts to fit the continent’s economic trajectory into a one-size-fits-all approach. However, with the youngest population and the highest reserve of natural resources globally, Africa’s development is not a question of economic remedies but about harnessing its inherent potential. Now is the time for Africa to turn inward and seize its golden opportunities, unlocking its own power by exploring Pan-African opportunities to collaborate, grow, and achieve a sustainable, contextually-motivated move forward.
At the heart of this transformation lies trade finance. While agreements and frameworks can open doors, their success means little without professionals who bring them to life. It is the bankers, advisors, and practitioners on the ground who determine whether deals move across borders, whether businesses expand, and whether economies sustain momentum. Africa’s trade future will be written not only by policies, but by people, most importantly, through approaches that fit the continent into the global picture on its own terms.
A Partnership Built with Purpose
The Certificate of Trade Finance in Africa (COTFIA) grew out of this need. Launched in 2022, it is a partnership between Onsi Sawiris School of Business Executive Education (ExecEd) at the American University in Cairo (AUC), Afreximbank, and FCI. From the start, it was designed as a practical response to Africa’s evolving trade landscape and need for a sustainable path toward economic growth.
“At Afreximbank, we are deeply proud to partner with the American University in Cairo (AUC) and FCI in implementing the Certificate of Trade Finance in Africa (COTFIA). This collaboration is not only strengthening the professional capacity of our people but also nurturing the next generation of trade finance leaders across Global Africa. By equipping professionals with world-class knowledge and skills, we are fulfilling our mandate to transform trade, accelerate growth, and unlock Africa’s full potential in the global economy,” indicated Stephen Tio Kauma, Managing Director of HR at Afreximbank.
In the same vein, Mohamed AbdelSalam, Executive Director of ExecEd added, “This collaboration addresses a significant market need: equipping trade practitioners with practical tools and contextual insights to navigate Africa’s diverse regulatory landscapes, cultural nuances, and regional trade dynamics, thereby catalysing vibrant economic growth across the continent.”
For ExecEd, COTFIA reflects its role as more than an academic institution, linking learning with practice, offering programmes that sit at the intersection of knowledge and application. As for Afreximbank, the renowned financial institution is committed to expanding intra- and extra-African trade as well as empowering local talent through its academy (AFRACAD). While FCI brings over five decades of expertise in advancing cross-border trade through connecting export and import factors with its powerful network of 400 members in over 90 countries.
Aysen Cetintas, Education Director at FCI, highlighted, “The three organisations share a commitment to professional development, financial inclusion, and capacity building in trade finance, with particular interest in supply chain finance. The collaboration aligns with our mission of fostering knowledge exchange, strengthening financial infrastructure, and supporting economic growth through trade facilitation.”
Learning Designed for the Frontlines
What sets the design apart is its balance between breadth and depth. Modules move from core concepts such as receivables finance and regulatory frameworks to advanced applications in market identification, supply chain dynamics, and client advisory. By weaving in real African case studies, the programme ensures that learning is not theoretical but immediately applicable. Each assignment, discussion, and simulation was built to reflect the realities of operating across diverse African markets.
The Measure of Impact
Now in its fifth round, COTFIA has graduated 91 participants from 18 African countries, representing a diverse cross-section of trade and finance professionals. Most were between the ages of 35 and 44, with half bringing more than 15 years of experience and the other half between six and 14 years. This mix created space for shared insights—where mid-career professionals and senior leaders learned from each other as much as from the instructors.
The outcomes have been significant. In follow-up surveys, seven participants reported promotions or moves into more senior roles. Others spoke of sharper advisory skills, stronger market strategies, and direct improvements in their institutions’ performance.
Mulai Saikou Kanagie, Head of Corporate Banking at Vista Bank Gambia Limited, described the transformation clearly, “As a direct result of studying this certificate, the trade finance revenue grew by 40% in my institution.”
For Simeon Balogun from Afreximbank’s Trade Intelligence Solutions Department, the value lay in the exchange of perspectives as he highlighted, “The exposure to diverse perspectives from fellow participants has also broadened my understanding of intra-African trade dynamics, contributing to more unique approaches to market analysis and strategic advisory.”
Participants left not only with a broader grasp of the continent’s trade dynamics but with tested tools they could apply in their own contexts—whether through improving internal processes, advising clients with greater confidence, or charting new growth strategies for their institutions.
A Growing Footprint and a Deeper Mission
The strength of the programme has opened new doors. Building on COTFIA’s success, Afreximbank expanded its collaboration with ExecEd by launching a new programme focused on the African Continental Free Trade Area Agreement and titled AfCFTA: Its Genesis, Dimensions and Prospects. This initiative is designed to deepen understanding of Africa’s continental trade agreement, exploring opportunities, regulations, and the role of trade finance in unlocking its potential.
Meanwhile, COTFIA itself continues to grow with plans to extend the programme’s reach in the years to come. Each new cohort not only builds capacity but reinforces a growing network of practitioners across Africa who share knowledge, approaches, and confidence.
More Than a Certificate
COTFIA is not just another professional qualification. It is a reflection of what happens when specialised institutions work together to design solutions that fit African realities.
As Mohamed Kadah, ambassador and Assistant Secretary General (Programs) at COMESA, described, “The unique value of COTFIA is that it offers an unparalleled holistic package that gives participants a full grasp of the various dimensions of trade in the African continent so that they can immediately navigate this realm with hands-on knowledge and confidence.”
ExecEd, Afreximbank, and FCI have proven that collaboration can move beyond policy discussions to real, measurable impact. COTFIA equips professionals with more than technical skills—it strengthens their ability to lead, to adapt, and to inspire confidence across institutions.
In a world where global turbulence often threatens to disrupt trade, Africa’s ability to invest in its own people is not just important, it is essential. COTFIA demonstrates that the future of African trade will be shaped by Africans themselves, bringing knowledge, leadership, and vision to the forefront.
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