The Afreximbank Academy (AFRACAD), has officially opened registration for its 2026 Certificate of Trade Finance in Africa (COTFIA), a premier programme designed to strengthen Africa’s trade finance capacity. The programme welcomes banking professionals and other practitioners interested in advancing their skills in trade finance.
World-Class Partnerships Power the Programme
Developed in collaboration with Factors Chain International, the American University in Cairo (AUC), and Quarter Bank, COTFIA offers participants a deep dive into all aspects of international trade finance. The curriculum is continually updated to align with global best practices and integrates the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), framework, helping Africa leverage new trade opportunities.
Blended Learning for Maximum Impact
The 2026 programme follows the successful format of 2025: five instructor-led online modules, one in-person module at AUC’s New Cairo campus, and a final online module delivered asynchronously. This blended approach combines flexibility with hands-on engagement for a comprehensive learning experience.
Investing in Africa’s Trade Finance Leaders
Stephen Kauma, Afreximbank Managing Director of Human Resources, emphasized the programme’s strategic role in building a new generation of trade finance professionals who can drive Africa’s competitiveness in global markets. To support access, AFRACAD will award scholarships covering 50% of tuition to the first seven applicants this year.
International Recognition for Excellence
COTFIA earned global acclaim in October 2025, receiving the Silver Award in Professional Development at the EFMD Excellence in Practice Awards in Stockholm, Sweden. The award celebrates innovative and impactful executive and professional education programmes worldwide.
A Proven Track Record
Launched in 2016 as the Certificate of Finance in International Trade (COFIT) and restructured in 2021 with AUC’s Onsi Sawiris School of Business, COTFIA has trained over 150 professionals across Africa. Graduates gain the technical, regulatory, and practical expertise needed to strengthen the continent’s trade finance landscape and expand intra-African and global trade.
You can register for the 2026 Certificate of Trade Finance in Africa (COTFIA), programme through the official Afreximbank Academy portal here: https://mylearning.afracad.com/ — go to “REGISTER AND GET STARTED TODAY.”
Be sure to complete your application before 31 May, 2026, when registration closes.