The new Bank of Africa-Benin facility will support imports, exports, local distribution, and private sector development in Benin.

EBRD and Bank of Africa-Benin Launch US$20 Million Trade Finance Line

The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development has granted Bank of Africa-Benin a US$20 million trade finance line to support Benin’s import-export activity and strengthen private sector development.

The facility, announced on 11 June 2026, is being provided under the Bank’s Trade Facilitation Programme and is designed to expand financing for trade operations in the country.

Supporting Benin’s Trade Activity

The trade line will enable guarantees to be issued to international confirming banks, while also providing short-term financing. The arrangement is intended to support imports, exports, and the local distribution of strategic products.

These products include foodstuffs, agricultural products, industrial equipment, and construction materials. By supporting these flows, the facility aims to improve the ability of Beninese businesses to participate in both regional and international trade.

Strengthening BOA-BENIN’s Market Role

The partnership is also expected to strengthen Bank of Africa-Benin’s capacity to support local companies in their international operations. It will help the bank diversify its correspondent banking relationships and improve 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 Bank of Africa-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.”

Technical Assistance for Digital Transformation

The credit line will be accompanied by technical assistance focused on digital transformation and cybersecurity. This additional support forms part of the wider effort to strengthen the trade finance offering available to companies operating in Benin.

For Bank of Africa-Benin, the partnership also aligns with its strategy to build a stronger position in the country’s trade finance market.

Abdel Mumin Zampalegre, Managing Director of Bank of Africa-Benin, said: “This partnership with the EBRD marks an important step in strengthening our trade finance offering. It is an integral part of Bank of Africa-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, Bank of Africa-Benin will strengthen its ability to support Beninese companies in developing their businesses and opening up to the international market.”

A Wider Trade Finance Platform

The Trade Facilitation Programme operates in 28 economies, covering 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.

The new facility also comes as Benin’s relationship with the Bank continues to develop. Benin became a shareholder in 2024 and a country of operation in July 2025. Activities in the country involve supporting sustainable infrastructure, company modernization, and the strengthening of economic institutions.

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