EXCELLENCE IN PRACTICE AWARDS 2025 : Afreximbank Academy wins Silver Award for Excellence in trade finance skills development

(LVDE) – During the EFMD conference held in Stockholm, Afreximbank Academy was honored with a Silver Award in the Professional Development category. This distinction highlights the impact of its Trade Finance training program across the African continent.

The Afreximbank Academy (Afracad) recently received a Silver Award at the EFMD Excellence in Practice Awards 2025, held in Stockholm, Sweden. This prestigious recognition reflects Afracad’s unwavering commitment to strengthening trade finance capabilities across Africa. The award celebrates the success of the Certificate of Trade Finance in Africa (COTFIA) program, which has contributed to advancing trade finance expertise and professional growth on the continent for nearly a decade.

Dr. Anan Shendy, representing Afracad, had the honor of presenting the bank’s award-winning case study titled “Transcending Borders: A Pan-African Partnership to Support Trade Professionals.” The presentation took place before a distinguished audience and an expert jury at the Stockholm School of Economics, in collaboration with key partners such as the American University in Cairo (AUC) and FCI.

The significance of this award lies in its recognition of Afreximbank’s steadfast commitment to capacity building and excellence in trade development across Africa. The COTFIA program was designed to address the growing need for training and professionalization among the continent’s trade practitioners. Over nearly ten years, it has trained hundreds of professionals, equipping them with the tools to navigate an increasingly complex and dynamic trade environment.

The outcomes of this initiative are substantial. In 2024 alone, more than 1,500 participants from various African countries benefited from the program, leading to a notable improvement in trade finance competencies. COTFIA has not only enhanced individual capacity but also contributed to the growth of intra-African trade by facilitating more efficient exchanges and fostering sustainable partnerships among businesses.

This international recognition also reflects Afreximbank’s broader efforts to promote economic integration across the continent. By supporting robust training programs, the bank is helping to build a dynamic trade ecosystem where African enterprises can thrive and expand. The impact of this approach is already visible, with increased trade among African nations driven by better-trained and more skilled professionals.

The award received in Stockholm further reinforces Afreximbank’s image as a leader in trade and finance development in Africa. Through collaborations with academic institutions and professional organizations, the bank demonstrates its commitment to building bridges between the public and private sectors — fostering an environment conducive to innovation and sustainable growth.

As Afreximbank Academy celebrates this achievement, it remains focused on the future of trade finance in Africa. While much progress has been made, challenges persist. The need for continuous skills development and adaptation to new economic realities is more pressing than ever.

Through programs like COTFIA, Afreximbank Academy is committed to transforming Africa’s trade landscape, making education and professional excellence a cornerstone of economic growth. With this recognition in Stockholm, Afracad stands as a model of success — inspiring similar initiatives across the continent and proving that education and capacity building are key to unlocking the full potential of Africa’s trade future.

Esther Grace