Afreximbank Launches Inaugural Accelerator Programme for Africa’s Trade Tech Startups

Afreximbank has launched the inaugural Afreximbank Accelerator Programme, bringing eight trade-focused startups from across Africa and the diaspora together for a kick‑off week in Cairo from 23–27 March 2026. Selected from a competitive pool of more than 1,600 applications, the cohort includes ventures operating across key sectors — cross‑border payments, digital logistics, agri‑export platforms, AI‑powered enterprise solutions, supply chain finance and diaspora investment mobilisation — and will receive support including investment of up to US$250,000 per qualifying startup, subject to standard criteria and due diligence.

“Today, we move from promise to execution, because we understand a fundamental truth: trade does not happen within the pages of policy documents. Trade happens through businesses. It happens through entrepreneurs. It happens through builders. What excites me the most about this cohort is not only who you are, but what you represent. You are building the digital rails that will define how Africa trades in the 21st century. This Accelerator Programme is part of a much broader ambition: an Africa where start‑ups scale across the continent as a matter of course, where businesses trade seamlessly across borders, and where the continent operates as a truly integrated economic force. Afreximbank is proud to be a partner, an enabler and a committed stakeholder in the success of the next generation of African trade champions.” — Mr. Haytham Elmaayergi, Executive Vice President, Global Trade Bank, Afreximbank

Programme context and activities

The programme, conceptualised, designed and operated by Afreximbank, kicked off with sessions at the Bank’s headquarters in Cairo on 24 March and will culminate in a Social Mixer at the Grand Egyptian Museum. During the week the startups engaged with Afreximbank President Dr. George Elombi and senior leadership for briefings, mentorship and introductions to the Bank’s ecosystem.

Afreximbank positions the accelerator as a conduit to its pan‑African network: participating startups will gain direct access to governments, financial institutions, corporates and trade partners, along with market access and deal facilitation across major African trade corridors. The programme also offers regulatory and policy guidance leveraging Afreximbank’s relationships with central banks and regulators, and integration pathways into the Bank’s digital trade infrastructure, including the Africa Trade Gateway (ATG) and the Pan‑African Payments and Settlement System (PAPSS).

Cohort companies and traction

• Fincart.io (Egypt)
• OnePort 365 (Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya) — connects the Nigeria‑Ghana‑Kenya trade corridors
• Timon (pan‑African) — active in 15 countries with plans to expand to 40
• Zowasel (Nigeria, Kenya, Tanzania) — has connected more than 4,000 verified cooperatives and agribusinesses
• Gebeya (Ethiopia, pan‑African)
• Fluna (pan‑African) — has facilitated more than US$50 million in trade across 10 countries
• Capsa Technologies (Nigeria) — has processed over NGN70 billion in supply chain finance
• Daba Finance (Francophone Africa)

Collectively, the eight start‑ups operate across more than 15 African countries and span West, East, North and Southern Africa trade corridors. Afreximbank says this roster highlights the scale and potential of solutions building the “digital rails” needed to accelerate implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

Outlook

Beyond seed investment, the accelerator aims to fast‑track commercial partnerships and licensing across jurisdictions, helping startups navigate compliance and market entry while providing integration routes into Afreximbank’s digital trade platforms. If the Bank’s approach succeeds, the programme could supply a pipeline of scaling ventures positioned to support intra‑African trade, market integration and wider economic transformation across the continent.