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Overview: about the EBRD
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Eng
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- EBRD provides US$ 70 million in financing to Robust International
- Funds to be used to finance the procurement of agro-commodities in Côte d’Ivoire and Nigeria
- Robust International to strengthen its supply-chain engagement and enhance labour management practices
The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) is strengthening agribusiness value chains in sub Saharan Africa with a loan of up to US$ 70 million (€60 million equivalent) to Robust International, a specialised agricultural trading and processing company.
The EBRD funds will support Robust International’s working capital needs for its cashew, sesame and other agricultural commodity operations in Côte d’Ivoire and Nigeria. The company has recently expanded its footprint with new processing facilities in both countries, demonstrating its strong commitment to local value addition, rural employment and more resilient supply chains.
As part of the project, Robust International will introduce a new training programme to strengthen organic compliance and certification across its supply chains. The programme will include new models on organic farming practices, fair-trade procurement and improved market standards for smallholder farmers. The company will also establish new partnerships with educational institutions in Côte d’Ivoire and Nigeria, creating opportunities for students to participate in paid internships and gain practical skills relevant to the agricultural sector.
EBRD President Odile Renaud-Basso said: “Our first food and agribusiness investments in Nigeria and Côte d’Ivoire mark an important step in supporting two dynamic economies where agriculture sustains millions of livelihoods. By strengthening value chains and improving the flow of agri commodity trade, we can help farmers access bigger markets and boost rural incomes.”
Anand Patni, Group CFO of Robust, said: “The EBRD’s support strengthens our ability to deepen value addition at origin while building more resilient, transparent supply chains in Nigeria and Côte d’Ivoire. This partnership directly supports smallholder farmers, local processing and long-term sustainability across our core commodities.”
Established in 2006, Robust International is a mid-sized agri-commodities trading and processing company with a presence in Asia, Africa and the Middle East. Côte d’Ivoire and Nigeria became EBRD shareholders and countries of operation in 2025.
In Côte d’Ivoire and Nigeria, the Bank aims to invest in sustainable critical infrastructure that underpins private-sector development, support the modernisation and efficiency of enterprises, and strengthen the economic governance of institutions.