Ecobank Group has announced a $3 billion trade finance commitment to support intra-African trade over the next three years, reinforcing efforts to deepen regional value chains and industrial growth across the continent. The announcement was made at the Africa Forward Summit in Nairobi as part of the bank's participation in the Africa-France Impact Coalition (AFIC), an initiative backed by French President Emmanuel Macron and Kenyan President William Ruto.
Partnership with Development Finance Institutions
Ecobank stated that the funding would be deployed in partnership with development finance institutions, including Proparco, to expand access to trade finance for businesses operating in agribusiness, manufacturing, and commerce. The lender said the initiative aims to strengthen Africa's industrialization drive by improving liquidity, providing guarantees, and expanding specialized trade finance instruments. These tools will help businesses secure inputs, access export markets, and navigate increasingly complex supply chains.
CEO Comments on Economic Integration
Speaking on the development, Chief Executive Officer of Ecobank Group, Jeremy Awori, said the initiative reflects a broader push toward economic integration and shared sovereignty across Africa. “The Africa-France Impact Coalition marks a fundamental shift toward shared sovereignty and integrated supply chains, and we are proud to drive this vision,” Awori said. He added that Ecobank's Paris banking hub would play a central role in connecting African businesses with global capital and trade opportunities.
Role of EBISA Platform
At the center of the strategy is EBISA, the group's Paris-based banking platform, which Ecobank said would facilitate cross-border investment and trade flows while supporting “Made in Africa” and joint Africa-France production ecosystems. The bank expects the program to support sustainable development, improve market access for small and large businesses, deepen integration into regional and global value chains, and expand opportunities for women- and youth-led enterprises.
