Kanayo Awani, Executive Vice President at Afreximbank’s Intra-African Trade Bank, is spearheading efforts to boost intra-African trade through a comprehensive strategy focused on manufacturing, services, and value addition. Her leadership at Afreximbank is pivotal in driving the continent’s trade agenda forward.
A Vision for Intra-African Trade
Awani’s mission to transform intra-African trade began under the leadership of the late Benedict Oramah, the former president of Afreximbank. When Oramah assumed leadership in 2015, he prioritized intra-Africa trade as a key part of the bank’s strategy. At that time, intra-African trade was a marginal concern, representing only 3% of the bank’s portfolio. Today, thanks to Oramah’s vision and Awani’s leadership, this figure has grown to 35%.
Awani recalls a pivotal moment when Professor Oramah asked her to lead the initiative for intra-African trade. This conversation took place in his house with a breathtaking view of the Nile River in Cairo. “I want you to lead the intra-Africa trade initiative, and I’m going to empower you,” he told her. Awani embraced the challenge, eventually crafting Afreximbank’s first dedicated intra-African trade strategy.
Creating, Connecting, and Delivering Trade
Awani and her team, in collaboration with Deloitte, developed a strategy centered around three core pillars: create, connect, and deliver. These pillars focus on expanding Africa’s processing and production capacity, building market linkages, and improving distribution and transport infrastructure. An additional pillar, measure, was introduced to track progress and ensure that the goals of the strategy are met.
One of Awani’s key goals has been to focus on value addition in Africa. “Africa is rich in raw commodities, but our greatest trade today is manufacturing goods,” she asserts. By encouraging the development of industrial parks and supporting light manufacturers, the bank aims to foster a more integrated and self-sufficient continental economy.
Challenges and Non-Tariff Barriers
Awani acknowledges that while finance is crucial, structural issues often pose a greater challenge. “Non-tariff barriers, like lack of access to trade and market information, are significant obstacles,” she explains. To address these issues, Afreximbank has implemented a deliberate interventionist approach that includes capacity building and leveraging trade finance solutions to support businesses across Africa.
A Focus on the Creative Industries
A key aspect of Awani’s strategy has been the inclusion of the creative industries in trade discussions. As someone deeply involved in trade policy, Awani believes that focusing on services, not just goods, is essential for Africa’s growth. “We need to harness and exploit the talent we have, particularly in the youth,” she says, referring to Africa’s rapidly growing young population.
At the 2025 Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF) in Algiers, which Awani describes as one of her most significant achievements, the Creative Africa Nexus (CANEX) emerged as a major platform for promoting Africa’s cultural and creative industries. The fair has provided access to markets, facilitated masterclasses, and provided financial backing to talented creatives across various sectors, including fashion, music, and film.
Monetizing African Culture and Supporting Women
Awani’s focus on the creative sector is also tied to her belief in the importance of financial literacy. “Fame is not collateral,” she says, underscoring the need for structured, bankable business models in the creative industries. Afreximbank’s investment in financial literacy programs, pitch deck training, and support for creatives aims to help them commercialize their talents.
Another significant area of focus for Awani is women entrepreneurs. She believes that supporting women is key to Africa’s economic growth. “When you support a woman, you support a family, you support a community, you support countries, you support the continent,” she says. Women-led SMEs are seen as engines of economic growth, and many of these businesses are benefiting from Afreximbank’s support.
Looking Ahead: Expanding Africa’s Trade Horizon
Awani’s vision for Africa’s future in global trade is ambitious but grounded in pragmatism. By continuing to focus on value addition, expanding trade in services, and strengthening infrastructure, she aims to position Africa as a more integrated and competitive player in the global economy. “This is about positioning Africa as a serious trade partner, not just a provider of raw materials,” Awani concludes.
With her leadership and Afreximbank’s ongoing initiatives, Awani is driving a shift that has the potential to transform intra-African trade and Africa’s place in the global economy.
