African businesses continue to face significant working-capital pressures as they grow, trade and participate in increasingly complex supply chains. For SMEs in particular, the period between delivering goods or services and receiving payment can restrict liquidity and limit the ability to take on new business.
On 19 November 2026, African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) and FCI will bring industry experts and practitioners together in Gaborone, Botswana, for a dedicated Factoring Workshop focused on the role that factoring and supply chain finance can play in addressing this challenge.
Taking place at the Gaborone International Convention Centre, the one-day workshop will be held under the theme: “Unlocking Working Capital for Africa's Growing Businesses through Factoring and Supply Chain Finance.”
From receivables to working capital
Factoring provides businesses with a way to convert eligible receivables into working capital rather than waiting for customers to pay invoices at maturity. For SMEs, this can help bridge the gap between making a sale and receiving payment, while also supporting cash-flow management and business growth.
The opportunity across Africa is significant. FCI statistics show that factoring turnover on the continent reached approximately €51.4 billion in 2025, compared with around €32.3 billion in 2021. However, Africa still represents only a small proportion of the global factoring market, highlighting the considerable scope for further development.
Building sustainable factoring markets requires more than access to finance alone. Appropriate legal and regulatory frameworks, institutional capacity, market awareness, technology and cooperation between financial institutions, development organisations and policymakers all play an important role.
Practical insights from industry experts
The workshop will combine expert presentations, panel discussions and practical case studies, providing participants with an opportunity to examine both the potential of factoring and the practical considerations involved in developing and expanding receivables finance businesses.
Contributors to the programme include:
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Ms Betül Kurtuluş, Secretary General, FCI
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Mr William Murwisi, Managing Director, Olympia Factors Commerciale (Pty) Ltd
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Mr Tinashe Tamba, Regional Manager Africa, FCI
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Mr Avant Gotene, Director of Factoring and Trade Finance, Banque Postale du Congo
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Ms Aysen Cetintas, Education Director, FCI
Discussions will consider the development of factoring across African markets, opportunities for financial institutions, SME financing needs and the role of industry cooperation in creating stronger receivables finance ecosystems.
Supporting the development of factoring across Africa
FCI and Afreximbank have long worked to support the development of factoring knowledge and capacity across the continent.
Through education, market development, advocacy and engagement with financial institutions and other stakeholders, the organisations continue to promote greater understanding and practical adoption of factoring as a financing solution for African businesses.
The workshop will take place immediately following the Afreximbank Trade Finance Seminar, being held in Gaborone from 16–18 November 2026, providing seminar participants with an additional opportunity to explore receivables finance and supply chain finance in greater depth.
Places are limited.