African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) and ZEP-RE (PTA Reinsurance Company) have partnered to build professional and institutional capacity in trade, insurance, reinsurance, risk management, and trade facilitation across Africa.
The agreement was signed with a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), bringing together Afreximbank Academy (AFRACAD) and ZEP-RE Academy to create and scale learning, research and knowledge programmes that combine their expertise.
According to the announcement, the MoU will initially run for three years and may be renewed by mutual agreement.
Through the integration of Afreximbank’s deep specialisation in African trade and trade finance alongside ZEP-RE’s extensive background in risk management, insurance, and reinsurance, both entities aim to formulate practical training initiatives.
These programs will empower professionals, institutions, and market participants with essential skills and insight to fortify the expanding trade and investment landscape across Africa.
AFRACAD and ZEP-RE Academy will work together across three strategic pillars. The two institutions will co-create digital content, including e-learning courses, toolkits, and African case studies, via a joint “content factory.” Resources will be hosted on AFRACAD’s platform and ZEP-RE Academy’s LMS to broaden learning access.
Together, they will also design and deliver professional and executive programmes (short courses, masterclasses, and certifications) in risk, reinsurance, trade guarantees, facilitation, and financial infrastructure across in-person, virtual, or blended formats.
Finally, the partnership will support research, knowledge creation and thought leadership through joint studies, webinars, policy dialogues, and forums to address emerging market challenges.
Stephen Tio Kauma, Group Managing Director, Human Resources at Afreximbank, said: “Africa’s ability to expand trade and investment depends on more than financial resources and infrastructure. It also depends on knowledge, skills and institutional capacity across our markets. Through AFRACAD, Afreximbank has made capacity building central to its mandate of transforming Global African trade.
“Our partnership with ZEP-RE brings together complementary expertise in trade finance, insurance, reinsurance and risk management. By combining these strengths, we can build practical, scalable and Global Africa-focused learning and knowledge solutions that equip professionals and institutions with the skills and knowledge to drive greater trade and investment across the continent.”
Jephita Gwatipedza, Group Deputy Chief Executive Officer and Chief Operating Officer at ZEP-RE (PTA Reinsurance Company), remarked: “Trade cannot expand sustainably unless the institutions that finance and facilitate it can also understand, price and manage the risks involved.
“This partnership will connect trade finance with insurance and reinsurance expertise, helping to build stronger institutional capability across African markets. Its success will ultimately be measured not by the number of programmes delivered, but by whether professionals and institutions are better equipped to support Africa’s evolving trade and investment landscape.”
The MoU builds on the existing partnership between Afreximbank and ZEP-RE. In 2025, the two institutions launched the Trans-Africa Bond Alliance (TABA) to strengthen insurance capacity, facilitate cross-border trade and support the efficient movement of goods and investment across Africa.
