EBRD and BANK OF AFRICA-BENIN support trade finance in Benin

• EBRD extends US$ 20 million trade finance line to BANK OF AFRICA-BENIN
• Trade line to support imports, exports and local distribution of products
• Credit line to be accompanied by technical assistance focused on digital transformation and cybersecurity

The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) is granting BANK OF AFRICA-BENIN (BOA-BENIN) a US$ 20 million (€17.3 million) trade line under its Trade Facilitation Programme to boost financing for import-export operations and support the development of Benin's private sector.

The facility will enable the EBRD to issue guarantees to international confirming banks and provide short-term financing to support imports, exports and the local distribution of strategic products, including foodstuffs, agricultural products, industrial equipment and construction materials.

The partnership will help strengthen BOA-BENIN's ability to support local companies in their international operations, to diversify its correspondent banking relationships and to facilitate access for Beninese businesses to regional and international markets.

Dasha Dougans, EBRD Head of Benin, said: “We are pleased to be completing this first trade finance operation with BOA-BENIN. The facility will boost trade, increase local companies' access to finance and help deepen Benin's integration into regional and international markets. Combined with targeted technical assistance, the operation demonstrates our commitment to resilient financial institutions and private sector-led growth.”

Abdel Mumin Zampalegre, Managing Director of BOA-BENIN, said: “This partnership with the EBRD marks an important step in strengthening our trade finance offering. It is an integral part of BOA-BENIN’s strategy, aimed at positioning itself as the number one for trade finance in Benin. Thanks to this facility and the accompanying technical assistance, BOA-BENIN will strengthen its ability to support Beninese companies in developing their businesses and opening up to the international market.”

The EBRD’s Trade Facilitation Programme operates in 28 economies, encompassing more than 130 issuing banks and 800 confirming banks worldwide. To date, it has supported more than 36,000 commercial transactions with a cumulative volume of €42 billion.

Benin became an EBRD shareholder in 2024 and a country of operation in July 2025. The Bank’s activities in Benin involve supporting the development of sustainable infrastructure, the modernisation of companies and the strengthening of economic institutions.