The African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with IBDL Learning Group to develop training and professional education programmes aimed at strengthening trade-related skills, building institutional capacity, and supporting economic transformation across Africa.
The agreement was signed at Afreximbank’s headquarters in Cairo by Stephen Kauma, Managing Director of Human Resources at Afreximbank, and Khaled Khallaf, CEO of IBDL Learning Group.
Under the partnership, the two organisations will jointly design and deliver capacity-building initiatives for professionals, entrepreneurs, businesses, and public institutions to enhance expertise in trade, manufacturing, industrial development, and economic integration.
Stephen Kauma said the agreement represents a strategic investment in developing Africa’s future trade leaders at a time when building specialised skills is becoming increasingly critical to the continent’s economic transformation and competitiveness.
Khaled Khallaf said the partnership seeks to equip professionals and institutions with internationally recognised qualifications and practical skills that support trade, innovation, and sustainable economic growth across Africa. He added that the collaboration will also help prepare current and future trade leaders to capitalise on opportunities created by the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
As part of the agreement, the Afreximbank Academy will deliver a broad range of training and capacity-building programmes designed to strengthen Africa’s trade, industrial, and manufacturing capabilities.
The cooperation will include the development of joint professional certification programmes in intra-African trade, manufacturing, and trade intelligence, alongside specialised boot camps on supply chain management and e-commerce delivered in collaboration with industry partners.
The two institutions also plan to organise advanced masterclasses for African diplomats, building on the Distinguished Certificate in African Diplomacy, which they jointly launched in 2024. Future initiatives will include trade and economic programmes for non-African diplomats, as well as conferences, workshops, policy dialogues, and the Trade Voices Webinar Series to promote knowledge sharing and raise awareness of opportunities under the AfCFTA.
Beyond training, the partnership will expand access to digital learning by making selected IBDL courses available through the Afreximbank Academy’s learning management platforms. The two organisations will also collaborate on joint marketing initiatives and explore additional opportunities to broaden their educational and professional development offerings.
Under the agreement, IBDL Learning Group will also support the Afreximbank Academy in obtaining full academic accreditation from Missouri State University, strengthening the academy’s international academic standing.
Afreximbank said the partnership forms part of its broader strategy to strengthen Africa’s human capital, enhance workforce capabilities, and support the continent’s trade integration and industrial development agenda through high-quality professional education and skills development.
