The “Training to Transaction (T2T) Programme,” a flagship project of Providus Bank, aims to move African small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) from export preparedness to active engagement in international trade.
The ECOWAS Parliament at 25 Programme, which was created in collaboration with Borderless Trade and Investment, Duchess NL, and the Global African Business Association, aims to close a long-standing gap in Africa’s trade ecosystem: the gap between training and actual trade transaction execution.
The T2T Programme aims to advance SMEs from theoretical preparation to attaining quantifiable results in international markets through an organized strategy that integrates direct market access, regulatory compliance alignment, and practical capacity building.
Dr. Biodun Ariyo, Head of Global Trade and Structured Finance at Providus Bank, emphasized the vital role financial institutions play in promoting regional trade growth during his remarks at the event.
He pointed out that in order to increase trade finance and enable smooth cross-border commercial transactions, banks are working more closely with regional organizations.
Speaking as well, Ernest Elue, Providus Bank’s Head of Strategy and Innovation, stated that the program demonstrates the bank’s dedication to facilitating significant economic effect.
“At Providus Bank, we think that enabling businesses to perform is just as important as preparing them for sustained economic success. By giving African SMEs the resources, standards, and access necessary to compete and conduct business internationally, the T2T Program demonstrates our dedication to turning potential into production,” he stated.
The program provides participating SMEs with organized access to markets in Africa, the US, the Caribbean, Canada, and the UK, as well as practical export readiness support, transaction execution help, and advising on international regulatory and compliance needs.
It focuses on high-growth industries with significant export potential, such as leather and tanning, cosmetics, drinks, clothing manufacturing, textiles, and agro and agro-processing.
The program supports Providus Bank’s overarching plan to promote trade-led economic growth by enabling local businesses to grow outside of their home markets and become part of global value chains.
The program is now accepting applications, which will end on April 15, 2026.
According to Providus Bank, the initiative strengthens its position in fostering business expansion, boosting international trade, and advancing sustainable economic development throughout Africa.
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