Ecobank launches single market trade hub to drive intra-African trade

Leading pan-African bank Ecobank Group introduces a cutting-edge digital platform to connect traders and facilitate trade within AfCFTA.

Ecobank Group, a leading pan-African bank, has unveiled its single market trade hub, an innovative digital platform that fosters intra-African trade and empowers businesses within the AfCFTA framework. With over 300 businesses from 22 countries already on board, the trade hub aims to bridge information gaps, catalyze partnerships, and provide comprehensive financial solutions for SMEs and corporates.

Ecobank – Connecting traders across Africa

The Ecobank single market trade hub, now live, serves as a pivotal link for traders across Africa within the AfCFTA’s 1.4 billion people single market. By leveraging its extensive coverage and expertise, Ecobank is well-positioned to provide trade information and payment solutions to support SMEs and corporates in seizing opportunities within the single market.

Ecobank Group chief executive officer Jeremy Awori said AfCFTA had created an immense opportunity for African businesses, “As the Pan-African bank with the most extensive coverage of Africa, Ecobank is perfectly placed to provide trade information and payment solutions to support SMEs and corporates seeking to capitalize on the single market,” he said. “The Ecobank single market trade hub is a new and remarkable addition to our portfolio of omni-channels, empowering businesses to thrive within Africa’s single market.”

Enabling intra-African trade

As the AfCFTA transforms the African business landscape, the Ecobank Single Market Trade Hub acts as an enabler for intra-African trade by facilitating partnerships and enhancing access to new markets. Through the MyTradeHub feature, businesses can showcase their goods and services, connect with buyers and suppliers, and maximize their value-addition across regional corridors.

Ecobank Group head of trade Souleymane Diagne added, “The AfCFTA has revolutionised the African business landscape and the Ecobank Single Market Trade Hub, within this context, is an enabler of intra-African trade through catalysing partnerships and facilitating African businesses’ access to new markets.

“Using the MyTradeHub feature, importers and exporters can upload their profile and showcase their goods and services online to find buyers or source them from suppliers within the continent.

Empowering businesses through digital innovation

The Trade Hub, a state-of-the-art digital platform, addresses the evolving trading needs of SMEs and corporates in Africa’s single market. With its extensive client base and network advantages, Ecobank reduces information asymmetry and offers seamless access to financial solutions and digital channels. By leveraging these capabilities, businesses can thrive within the AfCFTA and capitalize on the vast opportunities available.

The launch of the Ecobank single market trade hub reinforces the bank’s commitment to promoting intra-African trade and supporting the economic growth of the continent. As the AfCFTA continues to expand, the trade hub serves as a catalyst for increased exports, stronger regional integration, and sustainable development across Africa.

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