Afreximbank and EABC Launch Digital Trade Gateway for East Africa

The African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) and the East African Business Council (EABC) have signed the Africa Trade Gateway (ATG) Agency Agreement at the inaugural East Africa CEO & Investment Forum in Nairobi, Kenya. This agreement aims to connect East African enterprises, including SMEs and major exporters, to the 300-million-strong East African Community (EAC) Common Market and the broader African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) market of 1.3 billion consumers through digital trade.

The EABC has been promoting a digital ecosystem for its members and supporting their onboarding. The partnership combines EABC’s regional business network with ATG’s digital trade services, enabling businesses to find verified buyers and suppliers, access information on trading partners, and connect with financial and payment solutions.

Mr. Haytham El Maayergi, Executive Vice President – Global Trade Bank at Afreximbank, stated that the Africa Trade Gateway is designed to bridge the gap in identifying trusted partners and accessing necessary services for cross-border trade. Mr. Ahmed Farah, CEO of EABC, emphasized the council's role in empowering East African enterprises with knowledge on AfCFTA opportunities and providing tailored advisory support.