British International Investment (BII) collaborates with Ghana International Bank (GHIB) on a $50M initiative to elevate trade and expand access to finance for local businesses in seven African countries. The BII and GHIB alliance seeks to bridge the trade financing gap and address the lack of credit for frontier markets in Africa.
The $50 million trade deal, led by British International Investment, seeks to strengthen access to finance for local businesses in seven African countries comprising Sierra Leone, Liberia, The Gambia, Benin, DR Congo, Rwanda, and Tanzania.
BII declared that the $50 million facility, assisted under the Master Risk Participation Agreement (MPRA), will enable GHIB to support more businesses and augment trade flows in the target countries. The deal tackles the general lack of credit appetite for frontier markets in Africa, which stems from high-risk perception and comparatively lower volumes. Increasing trade finance will enable local businesses to import essential commodities and equipment, promoting growth, sustainability, and economic opportunities.
As part of the collaboration, Ghana International Bank will provide loans to businesses via local banks to expand trade operations. The initiative ensures a consistent supply of essential goods at affordable prices, promoting market stability and economic resilience across Africa.
Kwabena Asante-Poku, BII’s country director for Ghana, emphasized that the partnership aims to maximize impact by supporting local businesses in frontier markets. GHIB CEO Dean Adansi noted that the collaboration will help address Africa’s considerable trade financing gap, estimated to be between $90 billion and $120 billion annually.
He underlined GHIB’s deep understanding of African risk and viewed the partnership with British International Investment as a deliberate way to employ expertise in impactful and profitable transactions.
LOGISTICS INDUSTRY | Egypt Fortifies Ro-Ro Shipping for Agricultural Exports
