Certificate of Trade Finance in Africa (COTFIA) 2026 | FCI
Manhattan Bridge Panorama - New York Skyline
FCI Events

Certificate of Trade Finance in Africa (COTFIA) 2026

The American University in Cairo (Live online and on Campus)
Cairo, Egypt,

From to

Certificate of Trade Finance in Africa
EVENT DETAILS SPONSORS

Date:

From to (*)

(*) This timezone is calculated based on your current browser connection settings

Venue address:

The American University in Cairo (Live online and on Campus)

Cairo, Egypt,

COTFIA hosts

GROW YOUR BUSINESS; GO INTRACONTINENTAL.

Africa stands at the forefront of a trade revolution, driven by regional collaboration and a rapidly evolving economic landscape. For trade practitioners, this transformation presents immense opportunities to shape the continent’s future while navigating its unique challenges. COTFIA 2026 empowers participants to unlock these opportunities, equipping them with the skills, tools, and strategies needed to thrive in Africa’s dynamic trade ecosystem.

COTFIA 2026 is tailored for trade practitioners eager to harness these opportunities by understanding and navigating the complexities of African regional trade. Designed to blend practical insights with cutting-edge knowledge, this programme equips participants with the tools needed to thrive in the continent's dynamic trade environment.

From uncovering trade opportunities across Africa to managing the logistics of cross-border transactions, participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of every stage of regional trade activities. The programme also delves into the global perspective, introducing international trade concepts, trade finance, supply chain finance, and commercial finance, including factoring, invoice discounting, and asset-based lending.

Take your career and business to new heights with COTFIA 2026, a comprehensive programme designed to prepare you for the exciting future of African trade.

Registration Deadline
30 April 2026

  1. Products and Practical Applications of Trade Finance
    (*Delivered by Quarterback) | 1-6 June | ON CAMPUS
  2. Marketing and Sales Regional Strategies
    15, 17, 22, 24, 29 June & 1, 6, 8 July | ONLINE
  3. Regional Value Chain Management
    15, 20, 22, 27, 29 July & 3, 5, 10 August | ONLINE
  4. Introduction to African Regional Trade
    14, 16, 21, 23, 28, 30 September & 5 October | ONLINE
  5. African Trade and the Regulatory Environment
    12, 14, 19, 21, 26, 28 October & 2 November | ONLINE
  6. Commercial Finance and Practical Applications
    30 November - 5 December | ON CAMPUS
  7. Business Acumen Course
    (20 hours) | Asynchronous Online

  • Comprehensive Curriculum: 6 expertly designed core courses and 1 specialised business acumen course.
  • Time Commitment: 190 hours of engaging, high-impact learning to completion.
  • Practical Learning: Real-world case studies and hands-on applications to bridge theory and practice.
  • Collaborative Environment: Interactive group sessions and peer-to-peer discussions for dynamic knowledge exchange.

COTFIA 2026 offers a comprehensive suite of benefits tailored to empower trade professionals. Participants will gain a deep understanding of the strategic importance of international trade and develop the skills to manage regulatory and legal compliance for their organisation’s products across Africa’s diverse regional markets. The programme provides insights into innovative sales and marketing strategies, equipping participants with the tools to adapt and succeed in different market environments. Attendees will also acquire the expertise to conduct financial transaction analysis, including evaluating profit and loss and managing exchange rate risks. Furthermore, the curriculum covers critical aspects of international trade, such as supply chain finance, trade finance, logistics, and risk mitigation, while offering practical guidance on integrating trade activities seamlessly into an organisation’s value chain.

  • COTFIA is a blended learning programme.
  • Physical attendance is required for the two on-campus modules in Cairo.
  • Exceptions, where applicable, are granted only under exceptional circumstances and are subject to approval.
  • The final on-campus module is compulsory for all participants.

Join our webinars to find out more about this Programme

  • Webinar #1 – Inside the COTFIA Playbook & Q&A
    Tuesday, 23 December, from 12:00 to 13:00 EET
    A clear overview of content, delivery and outcomes, with live Q&A.
  • Webinar #2 – Ask the Alumni
    Wednesday, 4 February, from 12:00 to 13:30 EET
    Real experiences from past participants: what surprised them, the ROI they observed, and career impact.
  • Webinar #3 – What Employers Get from COTFIA
    Tuesday, 10 March, from 12:00 to 13:30 EET
    Benefits for institutions: capability uplift, risk control, and team enrolment options.
  • Webinar #4 – Ask the Alumni
    Thursday, 9 April, from 12:00 to 13:30 EET
    Another candid alumni discussion on practical application, outcomes, and advice for new cohorts.
  • Webinar #5 – Final Info Session & Q&A
    TBC 2026
    Final clarifications on pricing, cohort timing, workload, and support before registrations close.
COTFIA Wins 2025 EFMD Excellence in Practice Silver Award

We are proud to announce that the Certificate of Trade Finance in Africa (COTFIA) Programme has been awarded the 2025 EFMD Excellence in Practice Silver Award in the Professional Development category. This prestigious recognition highlights the programme’s impact in building trade finance capacity across Africa through innovative, high-quality, and practical learning. Developed in partnership by Afreximbank, FCI, and the Onsi Sawiris School of Business at The American University in Cairo, COTFIA continues to empower professionals with the tools to shape the future of African trade.

COTFIA Wins 2025 EFMD Excellence in Practice Silver Award
Alumni Testimonials

"This course is the most comprehensive factoring course I have ever been over the years. It combines theoretical courses with experience sharing from practitioners and business simulations. A must-do for anyone looking to start a factoring business or enhance their knowledge."

"This is the best practical experience of factoring for non-factoring practitioners."

"The Factoring training is very useful to apply practical skills learned during the week to my everyday work."

"The training module covers the basics of factoring. It is a must attend for anybody interested in factoring as a financing solution."

Download the brochure
Find out more about the Hosts

AFRACAD

The Afreximbank Academy (AFRACAD) is the proprietary corporate academy of African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank).

The American University in Cairo

Located in Cairo, in the heart of the Middle East, AUC is a leading English-language, American-accredited institution of higher education and center of intellectual, social and cultural life

FCI Academy

Education is a key element for the future development and professionalisation of the factoring & receivables finance industry.

Quarterback

Quarterback provides in-depth training and professional advice for companies that want to understand trade finance products and their applications better.