Ecobank Group has signed a €10 million trade finance agreement with Proparco, the private sector financing arm of the French Development Agency (AFD), to boost access to finance for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across Africa.The landmark deal, announced in Lomé, Togo, where Ecobank’s headquarters is based, aims to enhance intra-African trade and strengthen the capacity of SMEs to participate in regional and international commerce. The partnership underscores both institutions’ shared commitment to driving inclusive economic growth through sustainable financial solutions.
According to a joint statement by both organisations, the financing package will enable Ecobank to expand its trade finance offerings to businesses operating in sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, and services — which are critical to economic development and job creation across the continent.
The agreement is part of Proparco’s strategy to support Africa’s private sector by facilitating trade finance for enterprises that often face difficulties accessing affordable credit. It will also allow Ecobank to provide risk-sharing instruments and liquidity to SMEs, which remain vital to Africa’s economic resilience.
Ecobank Group Chief Executive Officer, Jeremy Awori, described the partnership as a major step toward bridging Africa’s trade finance gap and empowering entrepreneurs to thrive in the regional economy.
“This collaboration with Proparco reinforces our shared vision of supporting SMEs, which are the lifeblood of Africa’s economy. Access to trade finance remains a key challenge, and through this facility, we are empowering more businesses to grow, create jobs, and strengthen intra-African trade,” Awori stated.
He added that the facility would complement Ecobank’s broader digital trade initiatives, such as Ecobank Trade Hub and Omni Lite, designed to simplify cross-border transactions and enhance transparency for clients engaging in international trade.
Similarly, Proparco’s Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Sandra Fontana, said the partnership demonstrates Proparco’s ongoing commitment to supporting Africa’s private sector by addressing trade bottlenecks that hinder economic growth.
“Trade finance is essential to developing a dynamic business environment, especially for SMEs that drive employment and innovation. This partnership with Ecobank will help unlock new opportunities for African entrepreneurs, particularly in countries where access to finance is limited,” Fontana noted.
She added that Proparco’s collaboration with African financial institutions like Ecobank aligns with the AFD Group’s strategic goal of fostering sustainable growth and inclusive development across the continent.
Trade experts have long identified access to financing as one of the major barriers facing African SMEs, with many unable to scale operations or compete globally due to limited access to affordable credit and trade guarantees. The new €10 million facility is expected to ease such constraints and encourage more businesses to take advantage of the opportunities offered under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Commenting further, Ecobank Group Executive for Corporate and Investment Banking, Paul-Harry Aithnard, said the trade finance line will strengthen Ecobank’s ability to issue letters of credit and guarantees for its SME customers, facilitating smoother cross-border transactions.
“We are committed to ensuring that African businesses, especially SMEs, have access to the tools they need to trade competitively. This facility will help bridge financing gaps and enable more companies to engage confidently in regional and international markets,” Aithnard said.
The agreement also supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those focused on decent work, economic growth, and industry innovation.
Industry analysts have praised the partnership, noting that it comes at a crucial time when African economies are striving to recover from global economic shocks and supply chain disruptions. By improving liquidity in the trade finance sector, the facility is expected to boost production, exports, and job creation in several African markets.
Ecobank, which operates in 35 African countries and serves over 32 million customers, has been a leading advocate of regional integration through digital and trade finance solutions. The bank has consistently partnered with international development institutions to drive economic transformation and promote sustainable growth.
Proparco, on its part, has been a longstanding partner to African financial institutions, supporting initiatives in renewable energy, agriculture, and entrepreneurship. Over the past decade, it has provided billions of euros in financing and guarantees to strengthen private sector capacity and boost financial inclusion across the continent.
Both institutions reaffirmed that the partnership is just the beginning of a broader collaboration aimed at unlocking more funding opportunities for African businesses, particularly women- and youth-led enterprises.
The €10 million trade finance line, they added, will be deployed across key Ecobank markets in West, Central, and East Africa in phases, ensuring that the impact reaches countries where trade finance remains most constrained.
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