African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) and ZEP-RE have signed a three-year partnership aimed at strengthening professional and institutional expertise in trade, insurance, reinsurance and risk management across Africa.
The memorandum of understanding links Afreximbank Academy and ZEP-RE Academy and provides for joint training, research, knowledge exchange and capacity-building programmes.
The infrastructure behind cross-border trade
Africa’s trade constraints are often discussed in terms of tariffs, transport corridors, border delays and access to finance. But cross-border commerce also depends on institutions and professionals capable of assessing risk, structuring trade finance, arranging insurance and reinsurance and supporting complex transactions.
That expertise becomes increasingly important as implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area expands the number and complexity of transactions crossing African borders.
Building institutional capacity
Under the agreement, the two institutions plan to combine their respective experience in trade finance and risk management to develop programmes for African professionals and institutions.
The partnership is a capacity-building agreement rather than a new financing facility. Its significance lies in developing the skills and institutional knowledge needed to support trade and investment rather than providing a specific pool of capital.
Sources
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