In an effort to strengthen Africa’s position in global trade, the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) and the Egyptian Exporters Association (Expolink) have launched the Export Readiness Programme (RERP), designed to prepare 150 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) for the global export market.
This six-month capacity-building programme, which officially launched on October 1, 2024, aims to address key challenges faced by SMEs in Africa, such as lack of export knowledge, difficulty in meeting international standards, and limited access to global markets. The programme’s opening ceremony took place on November 17, 2024, with the graduation of 25 Egyptian participants. The remaining five cohorts, consisting of 25 participants each, will include SMEs from 10 African countries: Egypt, Cameroon, Cote d’Ivoire, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
Empowering African SMEs for Global Markets
The RERP provides SMEs with the skills, knowledge, and resources necessary to succeed in both regional and global markets. By addressing export challenges, the programme also seeks to stimulate economic growth, job creation, and poverty reduction across the continent.
Ayman Zogby, Director of Trade, Investment & Corporate Finance at Afreximbank, emphasized the program’s goal to bridge the export gap between SMEs and larger corporations. He stated, “We want each of the 150 participating SMEs to enhance their capacity to process, package, and deliver their products to international markets, meeting the highest quality standards. This initiative will open new opportunities for SMEs and help them thrive in global markets.”
Mentorship and Support for Export Success
A key feature of the programme is the mentorship model. Each participant is assigned a mentor who will guide them through the export process and provide personalized support. The programme also includes both theoretical and practical training, equipping businesses with the tools to meet international standards and boost their export potential.
Additionally, the participants will receive free access to Afreximbank’s MANSA platform, which assists businesses in meeting due diligence requirements for international trade. This platform enhances their credibility in the global market and opens doors for new business opportunities.
A Step Toward Economic Transformation
The Export SME Development Programme (ESDP), which reaches 45 countries including 38 in Africa and 7 in the Caribbean, has already benefited over 3,170 SMEs. Notably, 83% of ESDP beneficiaries are women-led businesses, and 68% are youth entrepreneurs—two priority groups for Afreximbank.
The ESDP focuses on industries that hold great potential for economic growth, such as agribusiness, manufacturing, technology, and creative sectors. By investing in these sectors, Afreximbank is helping to unlock the potential of SMEs and strengthen their competitive position in the global market.
Expolink’s Role in Expanding Global Trade
Expolink, one of Egypt’s largest business associations, brings its extensive experience to the partnership with Afreximbank. The association has organized 541 international trade fairs and facilitated partnerships with over 5,000 global trade partners, creating more than 30,000 export opportunities.
Mohamed Kassem, Chairman of Expolink, highlighted the value of this collaboration, stating, “By leveraging the expertise and resources of both organizations, we can provide the support, tools, and opportunities that African SMEs need to succeed in the global export landscape.”
The first cohort of graduates marks the beginning of a transformative journey for 150 African SMEs. By providing these businesses with the tools and guidance to enter international markets, Afreximbank and Expolink are playing a vital role in supporting Africa’s economic growth. The RERP will empower entrepreneurs to scale, diversify, and increase their contributions to Africa’s export economy.
