EBRD launches its first trade facility in Senegal

• EBRD provides up to €15 million to Ecobank Senegal under its Trade Facilitation Programme
• Trade finance facility to boost imports and exports and strengthen international banking links
• Partnership to expand access to trade finance, including for MSMEs

The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) has launched its first trade finance facility in Senegal, providing €15 million to Ecobank Senegal under its Trade Facilitation Programme.

Senegal’s position as a gateway to West Africa and membership of the West African Economic and Monetary Union underpin its role in regional trade integration. The trade line will strengthen Ecobank Senegal’s capacity to support clients engaged in supporting international trade.

The trade finance facility will help to boost the country’s import and export activity and support Ecobank Senegal’s trade finance operations by issuing guarantees to confirming banks to mitigate political and commercial payment risks.

EBRD President Odile Renaud-Basso said: “I am delighted to sign our first trade finance limit in the country with Ecobank Senegal, which we hope will be the start of a long-lasting partnership. This facility will help local businesses access essential goods, strengthen private-sector growth and contribute to the country’s economic resilience.”

Ecobank Senegal is one of the country’s leading banks and part of Ecobank Transnational Incorporated, a pan-African banking group operating in 35 countries.

Sahid Yallou, Managing Director of Ecobank Senegal, said: “This partnership with the EBRD reflects the confidence placed in Ecobank Senegal and recognises the strength of our market position. This trade finance facility reinforces our unwavering commitment to supporting Senegalese businesses, particularly micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises, which are true engines of our economy. We remain fully committed to facilitating their trade with international markets.”
Ecobank Senegal will also gain access to the EBRD’s network of partner banks, supporting the execution of transactions across a wider range of markets and broadening its outreach to small and medium-sized enterprises.

The EBRD Trade Facilitation Programme spans 28 economies and includes more than 130 issuing banks and over 800 partner banks worldwide. To date, it has supported more than 36,000 transactions with a cumulative volume of more than €42 billion.

Senegal became an EBRD shareholder and country of operation in 2025. The Bank’s work in the country will focus on supporting private-sector development, strengthening institutions and promoting sustainable and inclusive growth.