Date: 28–29 January 2026
Location: Accra, Ghana
The Africa Trade Summit 2026 brought together policymakers, financial institutions, and industry leaders to explore the future of trade across the continent. As attendees, we gained valuable insights into how Africa is positioning itself to unlock the full potential of intra-African trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
A central theme throughout the summit was momentum. There is a clear shift toward stronger regional integration, with increasing collaboration between governments, banks, and private sector players. However, this progress is not without challenges.
Key Themes and Insights
One of the most pressing issues discussed was the SME financing gap, which continues to limit the ability of small and medium-sized enterprises to participate fully in cross-border trade. SMEs remain the backbone of African economies, yet access to affordable and flexible financing solutions is still constrained.
Another major concern was currency volatility, which is affecting trade pricing and profitability. Businesses operating across multiple African markets must navigate fluctuating exchange rates, making risk management more complex.
The summit also highlighted the growing importance of risk mitigation instruments, including trade credit insurance and guarantees. As trade volumes increase, so does the need for mechanisms that protect businesses from payment defaults and political risks.
In addition, there was strong interest in digital trade platforms, which are helping streamline transactions, improve transparency, and expand market access.
What This Means for Underwriting Africa
For Underwriting Africa, the insights from Accra reinforce the need to design solutions that are both accessible and adaptable. Addressing the SME financing gap will require innovative underwriting approaches that balance risk with opportunity.
There is also a clear need to enhance currency risk considerations within our pricing and product structures. As cross-border trade expands, our solutions must reflect the realities of multi-currency environments.
Finally, the growing demand for guarantees and insurance products presents an opportunity to deepen our role as a trusted risk partner in facilitating trade across Africa.
Looking Ahead
The Africa Trade Summit made one thing clear: the future of African trade is promising, but unlocking its full potential will depend on how effectively we address financing and risk challenges. For Underwriting Africa, this is both a responsibility and an opportunity to lead.