About the Africa Trade Fund (AfTra)

Hosted by the African Development Bank’s Trade & Industrial Development Department, AfTra was set up in March 2012 with a clear aim of facilitating trade openings in low-income African economies.

Following the Bali Agreement on Trade Facilitation in December 2013, AfTra is now gearing up to be the financing vehicle for partners wishing to scale up trade facilitation support in Africa.

Our purpose

Our goal is to help low-income African economies to develop trade-related skills, regulatory regimes and infrastructure that improve trade performance and competitiveness.

Our focus

We focus on funding and supporting projects that will facilitate trade, develop products and markets and build capacity in institutions, enabling Africa to enjoy greater benefits from international trade and globalisation.

Governing structure

The Africa Trade Fund is a Secretariat hosted by the African Development Bank and overseen by a combination of Bank Directors and specialist international, regional and technical committees.

The team

Headed up by Mr. Abou Fall, the Fund Coordination Team also includes Trade Experts and a Portfolio Coordinator.

Funding partners

Initially funded by the Government of Canada with three-year seed capital, AfTra’s ambition is to become the go-to multi-donor fund for partners wishing to facilitate trade in Africa.

Bali Trade Facilitation

AfTra is the perfect vehicle for partners looking to invest in Africa, in line with the goals of the Bali Trade Facilitation Agreement.

The African Development Bank’s number one facility for technical assistance on trade