The African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) has launched its first Accelerator Programme to support startups building Africa’s digital trade ecosystem.
The programme kicked off in Cairo with eight selected startups from across Africa and the diaspora. The cohort emerged from over 1,600 applications.
The startups operate in key areas such as cross-border payments, logistics, agri-export, and supply chain finance.
Participants include Fincart.io (Egypt); OnePort 365 (Nigeria, Ghana, and Kenya); Timon (15 countries); Zowasel (Nigeria, Kenya, and Tanzania); Gebeya (Ethiopia); Fluna (10 countries); Capsa Technologies (Nigeria); and Daba Finance (Francophone Africa).
Afreximbank will provide up to $250,000 in funding to qualifying startups. In addition, participants will receive mentorship, market access, and strategic partnerships.
The goal is to help them scale across African markets.
Driving Continental Trade
Speaking at the launch, Executive Vice President, Global Trade Bank, Haytham Elmaayergi, said the programme focuses on real business impact.
He noted that startups are building the digital systems that will shape Africa’s trade in the future.
He added that Afreximbank aims to support businesses to expand across borders and strengthen Africa’s economic integration.
The programme gives startups access to Afreximbank’s network of governments, banks, and trade partners.
It also provides regulatory guidance and links participants to key platforms such as the Africa Trade Gateway (ATG) and the Pan-African Payments and Settlement System (PAPSS).
This support will help startups navigate regulations and enter new markets.
The selected startups already show strong results. Fluna has facilitated over $50 million in trade, while Capsa has processed more than N70 billion in supply chain finance.
Others are expanding payment systems, trade corridors, and agribusiness networks across multiple countries.
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Afreximbank said the programme supports the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
The Bank aims to strengthen intra-African trade, drive innovation, and promote economic growth across the continent.
Overall, the initiative highlights Afreximbank’s growing role in supporting Africa’s digital economy and trade integration.
Esther Ososanya is an investigative journalist with Pinnacle Daily, reporting across health, business, environment, metro, Fct and crime. Known for her bold, empathetic storytelling, she uncovers hidden truths, challenges broken systems, and gives voice to overlooked Nigerians. Her work drives national conversations and demands accountability one powerful story at a time.
