ECOBANK CAMEROON : A renewed commitment to boost African Trade

(LVDE) – At the first edition of the Ecobank Trade Expo 2025, the pan-African bank unveiled innovative solutions designed to support businesses in their expansion into the international market. Gwendoline Abunaw, Managing Director of Ecobank Cameroon, emphasized the importance of overcoming financial challenges to unlock the continent’s trade potential.

On September 1, 2025, in Douala, Ecobank Cameroon hosted the inaugural edition of the Ecobank Trade Expo under the theme “Unlocking Trade Potential : Financing Solutions for Growth.” The event reflects the bank’s clear commitment to strengthening trade in Africa by providing its clients and partners with the right tools and knowledge.

Gwendoline Abunaw, Managing Director of Ecobank Cameroon, opened the session by highlighting the resilience of Cameroon’s economy in the face of both global and local challenges. According to her, international trade plays a vital role in maintaining this stability, offering wider market access for both exports and imports. She pointed to emerging trends such as fintech-driven digitization and the rise of SMEs, which are paving the way toward a promising future despite a complex business environment.

Abunaw also discussed the obstacles businesses face, including limited access to financing, regulatory complexities, and the need to mitigate transaction-related risks. In response, Ecobank presented a range of financing solutions, including letters of credit, guarantees, and a new service called Single Market Trade Up, which facilitates connections between buyers and sellers across the continent. Already boasting more than 12,000 users, the platform illustrates the bank’s commitment to supporting intra-African trade.

Guest of honor Kate Fotso, CEO of Telcar Cocoa, stressed that banks’ flexibility and the coaching of entrepreneurs are essential to driving business growth. She called for dedicated committees within banks to analyze clients’ specific needs, thereby enhancing their competitiveness in international markets.

Trade finance remains a major challenge for many companies. The African Development Bank (AfDB) estimates Africa’s trade finance gap at $120 billion per year, with over $2.5 trillion in unmet demand globally. SMEs are particularly affected, representing a significant share of rejected financing requests. The International Chamber of Commerce reports that more than 40% of SME applications are declined, underscoring the inequality of access to finance in emerging markets.

According to Abunaw, more than half of SMEs in Central Africa identify limited access to financing as their main obstacle to exporting. She stressed that the theme of the Ecobank Trade Expo is not just a slogan but a genuine call to action to break down trade barriers hindering African businesses’ ambitions.

Through this platform, Ecobank aims to demonstrate how well-structured financing solutions can not only mitigate risks in cross-border transactions but also improve cash flow and working capital management. In doing so, businesses can strengthen their credibility in the international market, gain access to new suppliers, and optimize their supply chains.

Raphael Mforlem