October 5, 2026 by
Afreximbank, EABC to drive 1.6bn consumer market via Africa Trade Gateway
Small and medium enterprises, including major exporters across the continent, have received a major boost through cooperation between the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) and the East African Business Council (EABC)
The two institutions have signed the Africa Trade Gateway (ATG) Agency Agreement, connecting the region’s enterprises, including SMEs and major exporters, to the 300-million-strong EAC Common Market and the wider AfCFTA market of 1.3 billion consumers through digital trade
The Agreement was signed recently at the inaugural East Africa CEO & Investment Forum in Nairobi, Kenya, marking a significant milestone in the ongoing collaboration between the two organisations
The EABC has been actively promoting the digital ecosystem to its members and supporting their onboarding
The partnership combines EABC’s regional business network with ATG’s digital trade services to help businesses find verified buyers and suppliers across Africa and beyond, access information on trading partners, and connect with finance and payment solutions
The partnership, significant for East Africa and the continent at large, enables the East African Business Council (EABC) to join a growing network of trade-supporting institutions across Africa that work together to connect businesses with <a href="https://usglobalxpress.com/gulf-africa-economic-corridor-taking-shape-as-investment-opportunities-expand-prateek-suri/” title=”Gulf-Africa economic corridor taking shape as investment opportunities expand: Prateek Suri”>opportunities beyond their regional markets
Strengthening these connections will help more businesses expand across borders and capitalise on the opportunities created by the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA)
Mr Haytham El Maayergi, Executive Vice President – Global Trade Bank, Afreximbank, commented: “Trade is built on connections, but for many businesses, identifying trusted partners and accessing the right services to trade across borders can be a significant challenge. The Africa Trade Gateway is designed to bridge that gap by connecting businesses with trusted buyers, suppliers, financial institutions and the services they need to turn opportunities into real transactions
“Our collaboration with EABC is helping more businesses within East Africa access new markets with greater confidence. By leveraging the trusted networks and digital services available through the Africa Trade Gateway, businesses can build meaningful connections, unlock new opportunities and participate more actively in Africa’s growing digital economy. As more businesses successfully connect and trade, the network becomes stronger, creating a virtuous cycle of opportunity and growth across the continent.”
In his remarks, Mr. Ahmed Farah, CEO, East African Business Council said: “EABC is empowering East African enterprises with knowledge on AfCFTA market opportunities, Rules of Origin, tariff concessions, customs procedures and export requirements, complemented by tailored advisory support on market entry and export readiness
“As a trade corridor partner for the Afreximbank Africa Trade Gateway (ATG), EABC is connecting enterprises to the ecosystem, enabling access to business-to-business matchmaking and trade finance solutions that can facilitate intra-African trade under the AfCFTA.”
Africa Trade Gateway (ATG) is Afreximbank’s flagship digital trade ecosystem, connecting businesses, financial institutions, and trade partners across Africa and beyond
From a single integrated platform, it links businesses to trusted counterparties and trade-enabling services—trade finance, payments, compliance, logistics, and market intelligence—to facilitate cross-border transactions
Launched in June 2023, ATG now operates in more than 45 African countries, connecting 45 trade-supporting institutions, 110 commercial banks, and 25,000 verified companies, with an opportunity pipeline of USD 4.5 billion across commodities, minerals, oil and gas, FMCG, and other African-made products. By consolidating the services trade requires, ATG helps businesses trade with greater confidence, efficiency, and scale
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Africa Trade Gateway