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As a part of the Morning Lazziness sequence highlighting empowering ladies who’re making a outstanding affect with their concepts, I had the pleasure of interviewing Ahanna Anaba — an entrepreneur, model strategist, and finalist for this yr’s Black British Enterprise Awards.
Ahanna Anaba is a commerce finance chief captivated with connecting folks, concepts, and alternatives to construct inclusive programs. Born in Nigeria and raised throughout the Netherlands, Ghana, and the UK, her multicultural background formed her world outlook and dedication to championing underrepresented voices.
She is Head of Gross sales and Partnerships at Finverity, the place she grew to become the corporate’s first feminine and youngest administration rent. Ahanna leads business technique throughout Africa, the Center East, and Europe, serving to banks and monetary establishments digitise working capital options and develop SME entry to finance. Earlier than Finverity, she led the transactions crew at Africa’s first deal-origination platform, managing $1.3 billion in alternatives and shutting $390 million in cross-border offers.
In 2023, she based the Ladies in Commerce Community, which has introduced collectively over 600 senior ladies leaders throughout 16 nations and hosted worldwide occasions in Lagos, Nairobi, London, and Cape City. She additionally chairs the MSME Commerce Finance Working Group beneath ITFA and leads the Africa Working Group beneath TFCOP, advancing options to shut the $2.5 trillion world commerce finance hole.
A frequent speaker on commerce, digital transformation, and gender inclusion, Ahanna has been recognised by Brummell Journal, International 100 Ladies in Management, YouTube’s Future Leaders lists and the Black British Enterprise Awards.
On this interview, she talks concerning the obstacles she’s overcome, the milestones she’s achieved, and the knowledge she’s gained alongside the way in which.
What first sparked your curiosity in commerce finance and worldwide enterprise?
I began my profession by becoming a member of a startup as its first rent. As an engineering graduate, these early years have been a crash course in resilience and creativity! By hands-on expertise, I witnessed the challenges African companies face in accessing capital and that’s what first sparked my curiosity. On the time, commerce finance was a really small a part of my portfolio, however the COVID-19 pandemic modified all the pieces.
Instantly, the world’s interdependence was clear: espresso from Colombia, flowers from Kenya, and numerous different items we regularly take without any consideration have been disrupted. With borders closed and journey restricted, a lot of the offers I labored on grew to become trade-related, and I started to actually recognize how important finance is to maintaining items transferring throughout borders.
For me, commerce finance grew to become greater than only a monetary product. It’s a product that creates lasting affect in communities world wide, affecting all the pieces from the form of espresso obtainable at Starbucks, to the price of the electronics you employ for work each day.
How has what you are promoting advanced since its launch, and what key selections have helped drive that progress?
After I joined Finverity, the mission was clear: remodel provide chain finance for everybody. What began as a imaginative and prescient has since grown into a world platform, powering digitisation for banks and monetary establishments throughout Africa, the Center East, and Europe. In just some years, we’ve expanded into 11 markets, scaled our consumer base, and helped ship working capital options that straight help actual companies.
Two selections have been central to that progress. The primary is staying endlessly interested in our shoppers. Relatively than assuming what banks or companies want, we’ve invested time in understanding the realities of every market, the ache factors of regional gamers, and the nuances of native regulation. That curiosity has formed the way in which we construct, maintaining us versatile and client-focused somewhat than inflexible and product-led.
The second has been selecting to design for native and regional establishments, not simply world banks. Too usually, know-how is constructed for the most important gamers after which “scaled down.” We flipped that considering by tailoring options to regional markets, making them quick to implement, cost-efficient, and adaptable. This resolution has helped us win belief, construct long-term partnerships, and, in some circumstances, assist shoppers grow to be first movers in their very own nations.
You’ve labored throughout the UK, Africa, and Europe—how has this world perspective formed the way in which you strategy enterprise challenges?
Residing and dealing throughout totally different areas has taught me that context is all the pieces, but additionally that folks in every single place share much more in frequent than we regularly suppose. That perspective has formed how I strategy challenges: pay attention first, adapt methods to native realities, and by no means lose sight of the larger image.
It’s straightforward in enterprise to view firms as summary entities, however persons are on the coronary heart of each firm and each deal. For me, the questions are all the time: how nicely can I work with the folks on this organisation, and the way nicely can our partnership serve the folks of their consumer base?
This mindset retains me extraordinarily curious and humble. What works in London gained’t essentially work in Lagos, and what succeeds in Nairobi might not translate to Accra.
You have been not too long ago named a finalist for the Black British Enterprise Awards — what does this recognition imply to you personally, and the way do you hope it would encourage others within the trade?
Being named a finalist was deeply humbling, particularly as a result of this yr’s theme is ‘Elevate’. For me, it goes far past private recognition. It’s about visibility. Commerce finance just isn’t a time period most individuals know, but it touches virtually each facet of day by day life, from the espresso we drink to the garments we put on. Regardless of its significance, it stays largely invisible. That invisibility means practitioners don’t all the time get the instruments or recognition they deserve, and companies usually don’t know the place to show for help. Particularly women-owned or African companies.
That’s why this honour feels important. I’m grateful that the BBBA selected to highlight somebody on this area, and grateful for the chance to boost consciousness at a time when world commerce is beneath strain from tariffs and financial uncertainty. However past my very own journey, what issues most is what this says to others. We want extra organisations dedicated to creating actual pathways to capital, management, and alternative. I hope this recognition encourages ladies and younger Black professionals to know that their voices matter, their ambitions are legitimate, and their presence belongs on the desk.
Main growth into 11 new markets is not any small feat—what’s your technique for breaking into and succeeding in new areas?
In know-how, there’s usually a notion that worldwide firms don’t perceive the nuance of native markets. This notion applies far past tech. Individuals finally purchase from manufacturers they’ll relate to and so growth is rarely nearly numbers or product; it’s all the time concerning the folks.
My technique all the time begins with listening. I spend time at world conferences, comply with commerce developments intently, and most significantly, sit down with stakeholders throughout total ecosystems: from regulators and banks to SMEs on the bottom. That’s why I journey so usually and preserve a various community. Variety offers me the power to see from my potential consumer’s perspective, and to strategy their ache factors in ways in which really feel related and genuine however truly add worth.
The secret is to not pressure an answer right into a market however to know how that market perceives its personal challenges, then construct belief and show that your experience provides actual worth. By this strategy, we’ve not solely grown our market presence however have additionally helped shoppers themselves grow to be first movers of their areas.
For these unfamiliar, what’s the “commerce finance hole,” and why does it matter for world enterprise?
The commerce finance hole is the massive distinction between the funding companies must help world commerce and the precise financing they obtain. Proper now, this hole is round $2.5 trillion globally, hitting small and medium-sized companies, particularly in creating areas, the toughest.
It issues as a result of commerce merely doesn’t occur with out finance. With out it, items get caught at borders, provide chains are disrupted, and economies lose momentum. Closing the hole isn’t nearly cash; it’s about jobs, progress, and sustainable financial progress. Commerce finance would possibly sound technical, however its affect could be very human. My private view is that the commerce finance hole is a direct hindrance to the SDGs.
Out of your perspective, what are probably the most thrilling improvements taking place in commerce finance proper now?
What excites me most isn’t simply the emergence of latest applied sciences, however the way in which they’re lastly being utilized to resolve issues which have held the trade again for many years. Commerce finance is definitely the oldest type of finance in human historical past, but it’s most likely one of many least developed and nonetheless extraordinarily paper heavy and accessible by just a few folks.
Expertise is altering how dependable, environment friendly and accessible these providers are, however most significantly, its unlocking information that can be utilized to reimagine how commerce is financed globally. To me, that’s the frontier: utilizing information not simply to handle danger, however to reimagine what commerce finance can ship. It opens the door to sustainability-linked financing, focused options to strengthen important commerce sectors, or concessions designed to help underrepresented teams.
In brief, it broadens the desk. Various financiers are exploring commerce finance as a method, Growth finance establishments are naming it as a world precedence and younger native fintechs are flooding in with contemporary concepts. For an trade that has usually operated behind the scenes, this sudden convergence of curiosity and innovation makes commerce finance some of the thrilling areas to be in proper now.
What impressed you to launch the Ladies in Commerce Community?
The inspiration actually got here from frustration to be trustworthy. I journey loads for work, and I observed a sample: conferences and boardrooms have been overwhelmingly male-dominated, but as soon as offers moved into execution mode, it was usually ladies behind the scenes making all the pieces occur. Their affect was clear, however their visibility was not.
What started as a easy WhatsApp group to remain related throughout just a few nations shortly revealed itself as greater than my very own want, however a shared want throughout African commerce finance. I’ve all the time believed that your community and your entry to data are the foundations of your profession, so the group grew to become an area for ladies to attach, share information, and be seen.
What makes it particular is the group itself. I shared the concept with a handful of girls, and collectively we’ve grown it into one thing extraordinary. For me, it’s proof that when ladies are given each the instruments and the stage, the complete ecosystem turns into stronger.
What recommendation would you give to somebody beginning a enterprise in in the present day’s fast-changing digital world?
Begin small, transfer shortly, and don’t be afraid to pivot. Perfection is overrated as a result of even the “excellent” product will want iteration. What differentiates you is your skill to take suggestions, adapt, and preserve bettering.
Encompass your self with people who find themselves smarter than you, and construct partnerships that open doorways sooner than you would by yourself. Share your concepts overtly and take suggestions, fail early however retain all the teachings. Make use of transferable expertise, particularly in industries the place there aren’t many examples to comply with, as a result of that’s usually the place the largest alternatives lie.
And above all, give attention to execution. Within the digital world, velocity and adaptableness usually outweigh dimension or assets. The companies that thrive aren’t essentially the largest, however the ones that may pay attention, be taught, and transfer the quickest.
You’ve labored intently with world organisations just like the World Financial institution and IFC—what function do partnerships play in constructing inclusive monetary programs?
No single establishment can clear up systemic issues alone, which is why partnerships are important. And partnerships take many alternative kinds, from co-creating merchandise to easily sharing platforms and views.
In my very own work, these collaborations have opened essential doorways. For instance, I had the chance to characterize my firm throughout the IMF Annual Conferences in Washington, contributing insights from our trade to world discussions. I’ve additionally contributed to worldwide magazines and roundtables, which has helped amplify our options and lengthen visibility nicely past our instant community.
Partnerships carry visibility, credibility, and scale, and that is notably priceless when breaking into new markets. Simply as importantly, they carry perspective. They pressure alignment between business technique and what the broader ecosystem wants most urgently, making certain that innovation isn’t simply worthwhile but additionally genuinely priceless.
How do you keep related to your perfect viewers and perceive their wants or behaviors?
Staying curious and engaged is what ensures I stay related to what folks actually need. I consider in exhibiting up the place the conversations are taking place. Whether or not that’s LinkedIn discussions, trade occasions, or roundtables, I make time to pay attention and ensure to stay curious.
Markets shift shortly, and assumptions are harmful. I make sure that to construct fixed suggestions loops with shoppers and companions, but additionally construct real relationships. Additionally, By the Ladies in Commerce Community and trade conferences, I hear straight from companions and potential companions on the bottom about their challenges and ambitions.
What recommendation would you give to somebody beginning their profession in fintech or commerce finance in the present day?
Should you’re beginning out in fintech or commerce finance, my recommendation is: be daring and embrace studying by doing. Be interested in actual world issues and discover your ‘why’. Ask questions, even the powerful ones, and search mentors who problem and help you.
The world is altering so quickly, so your perspective issues, even in case you’re the youngest within the room. A number of the largest shifts in our trade are being pushed by contemporary voices unafraid to query the established order. Keep open to alter, construct your community, and don’t shrink back from advanced issues as a result of they’re usually the place the actual affect occurs.
Wanting forward, the place do you see the best alternatives for progress in your trade over the subsequent 5 years?
With the world transferring towards the 2030 deadline for the Sustainable Growth Targets, commerce finance will grow to be a important enabler. Whether or not by supporting SME-led job creation, strengthening meals and power provide chains, or creating extra equitable entry to capital.
I consider that the largest alternatives lie in widening the attain of commerce finance to locations and companies which have traditionally been excluded and the subsequent wave of progress will come from constructing merchandise which can be less complicated, sooner to deploy, and tailor-made to native realities. For too lengthy, entry has been concentrated amongst massive corporates, multinationals and world banks. SMEs, who make up the spine of most economies, have struggled to get financing on honest phrases and nonetheless do in the present day.
Which means financiers adopting trendy know-how somewhat than ready years for system overhauls, and financiers utilizing information to underwrite danger extra intelligently. It additionally means creating partnerships between banks, various capital suppliers, fintechs, and improvement establishments in order that capital can stream deeper into native provide chains.
This shift isn’t nearly closing a spot; it’s about unlocking progress the place it’s most wanted. If we are able to carry SMEs, native banks and various financiers absolutely into the fold, the subsequent 5 years gained’t simply see commerce finance develop however grow to be a extra inclusive driver of financial improvement and a core a part of delivering the SDGs.
How do you personally outline success in your profession and mission?
For me, success is about making a ripple impact that lasts far past my very own profession. I nonetheless suppose with my engineering mind, so I believe in programs somewhat than remoted wins. I’m extra targeted on how a partnership can shift total ecosystems. Innovation, to me, isn’t a couple of single product or second; it’s about shifting the way in which folks, establishments, and communities work together for the higher.
I’ve all the time cherished connecting folks, opening doorways, and bringing concepts to life. Each time I can try this, whether or not it’s linking a lady in commerce finance to a brand new alternative, serving to a financial institution digitise and attain extra of its group, or piloting an answer that removes a bottleneck for the trade, that seems like success within the second!
However the larger image is what drives me. If I can construct platforms and communities that preserve creating alternatives, amplifying voices, and breaking down limitations lengthy after I’ve stepped apart, then I’ll know I’ve achieved what I got down to do. True success, to me, is forsaking programs which can be extra inclusive, resilient, and future-ready than when I discovered them.
The place can folks join with you or be taught extra about your work with Finverity and Ladies in Commerce?
You may join with me on LinkedIn at Ahanna Anaba, the place I share insights on commerce finance, digital options at Finverity, and updates concerning the Ladies in Commerce Community. To be taught extra about my work, go to Finverity’s website and LinkedIn page, which spotlight how we’re driving monetary inclusion in rising markets.
For these within the Ladies in Commerce group, we have now a devoted web site: www.womenintrade.finance, that provides assets, occasion data, and methods to get entangled. I extremely suggest subscribing to our month-to-month e-newsletter to remain up to date on the most recent information, applications, and provoking tales from ladies shaping commerce throughout Africa and past. The Ladies in Commerce LinkedIn page is one other good spot to attach and have interaction with our vibrant community.
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