Ecobank Group has launched the Ecobank Single Market Trade Hub to promote trade in Africa.
The Ecobank Single Market Trade Hub (the Trade Hub) is live at tradehub.ecobank.com. It has with over 300 businesses from 22 countries having signed onto the digital platform so far. The Trade Hub connects traders across Africa, within the 1.4 billion people single market framework of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Jeremy Awori, Chief Executive Officer, Ecobank Group, said: “AfCFTA has 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. 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.”
The Trade Hub has the following essential features and services:
• MyTradeHub: An online match-making platform, enabling importers and exporters to create their company profiles, exhibit their goods and services, and connect with buyers and suppliers across Africa.
• AfCFTA expertise: A valuable repository of knowledge and information on the African Continental Free Trade Area, to help SMEs and corporates to familiarize themselves with the single market and ways to expand their trade into new African markets.
• Trade and Payment Solutions: A gateway into Ecobank’s full range of products and digital solutions, including trade finance and services, cash management solutions (including RapidCollect), domestic and cross-border payments, investment banking, Capex financing, and more.
Souleymane Diagne, Group Head Trade, Ecobank Group, 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. Combining the matchmaking capabilities of MyTradeHub, extensive AfCFTA information resources, and a seamless access to Ecobank’s comprehensive suite of financial solutions and digital channels, the Trade Hub will help businesses thrive within the AfCFTA and maximise their value-addition across regional corridors.”