Ecobank Group has announced a major USD 3 billion trade finance initiative aimed at strengthening intra-African trade and supporting the development of integrated value chains across the continent over the next three years.
The announcement was made at the Africa-Forward Summit in Nairobi, held under the framework of the Africa-France Impact Coalition (AFIC), an initiative supported by President Emmanuel Macron of France and President William Ruto of Kenya.
The programme is expected to enhance Africa’s trade capacity by improving access to financing for businesses engaged in key sectors of the real economy, including agribusiness, manufacturing, and general commerce.
According to Ecobank, the funding initiative is designed to support Africa’s structural economic transformation by strengthening supply chains, boosting industrial output, and improving competitiveness in global trade.
The bank said it will work in partnership with Development Finance Institutions (DFIs), including Proparco, to roll out the $3 billion commitment across its 34 African markets.
It added that the initiative will provide liquidity support, trade guarantees, and specialized financial instruments to help businesses secure inputs, expand into new markets, and withstand disruptions in global supply chains.
Ecobank emphasized that the programme forms part of its broader strategy to position itself as a leading financial gateway connecting African economies with global capital flows.
Speaking at the summit, Ecobank Group Chief Executive Officer Jeremy Awori described the Africa-France Impact Coalition as a shift toward deeper economic cooperation and shared sovereignty.
He said Africa’s growing economic potential can be unlocked through stronger financial linkages, strategic partnerships, and targeted investment in productive sectors.
According to him, the initiative goes beyond financing, serving as a catalyst for trade expansion, investment flows, and skills development across the continent.
The bank maintained that the programme reflects its long-term commitment to supporting Africa’s next phase of growth through sustainable industrialisation and enhanced regional trade integration.
