In 2019, the continent produced almost 1 billion tons of minerals worth $406bn. Africa is home to about 30% of the world’s mineral reserves, 12% of the world’s oil and 8% of the world’s natural gas reserves.

However, despite the significant and strategic natural resources potential, the African continent remains a niche market with just 3% of global trade, while Trade is the cornerstone of African economies and contributes 51% of the continent’s total GDP per year.

• Africa is uniquely placed to trade with growing markets in the East, established markets in the West, and domestic markets on her own continent.

• Africa trade finance gap is estimated at US$120 billion by the African Development Bank (AfDB).

• Access to foreign exchange, liquidity, competition, capital requirements & interest rates impact bank’s ability to participate in trade finance activities.

Banks in Sub Saharan countries are able to offer short term financing to private sector between 8 and 25%, according to the applicable central banks interest rates.

Finally, given the strategic resources available on the African continent, the lack of knowledge or concerns from many international stakeholders and the unexploited potential of Intra African trade, the current economic context is very propitious for new market players.