By Aduragbemi Omiyale
A $60 million trade finance facility to be used to stimulate African trade volumes by $90 million has been secured by Access Bank Plc.
The fund was taken from the British International Investment (BII), the UK’s Development Finance Institution (DFI).
It is believed that the loan would be used to strengthen import and export capabilities amongst local businesses and plug the foreign currency supply gap in Nigeria.
The lender would be required to give loans to companies in construction, manufacturing and FMCG, with the aim to contribute to the UN Sustainable Development Goals 8 (Decent work and economic growth) and 9 (Industry, innovation and infrastructure).
Nigeria has been battling with FX liquidity squeeze, resulting in currency instability, hindering the wider proliferation of dollar-denominated trade loans across African markets, and constraining countries’ ability to capitalise on opportunities opening up under the African Continental Free Trade Agreement.
By specifically targeting import-dependent economies – many of which will mark the first engagement with BII’s Trade programme – the improved availability of US dollar-denominated trade loans will ensure the availability of key commodities and manufacturing inputs for the production and export of goods.
The key outcome will be improving livelihoods and preserving jobs for the employees of importers and exporters with limited access to foreign exchange trade loans.
“Access Bank is on a purposeful mission to scale intra-African trade and position the continent as a viable market for global trade.
“Hence, we are thrilled about the tremendous potential that this trade finance facility with the BII affords us across our pan-African subsidiaries.
“This strategic collaboration not only strengthens our import and export capabilities but also expands our resources to support local industries – especially women-owned businesses – and ultimately drive economic growth. By stimulating trade volumes, we will be playing a key role in fostering long-term economic resilience for the continent, while increasing its attractiveness for increased foreign investments,” the Executive Director for African Subsidiaries at Access Bank, Seyi Kumapayi, remarked.
Also commenting, the Director and Head of Trade and Supply Chain Finance at BII, Admir Imami, noted that, “Access Bank is a long-standing partner of BII’s and our new partnership is a significant step closer to narrowing the trade finance gap in Africa, particularly in countries such as the DRC and Rwanda.”
On his part, the Head of Office and Coverage Director for Nigeria at BII, Mr Benson Adenuga, said, “Our latest commitment to Access Bank reiterates our assurance to this leading multinational institution and to Nigeria. It comes at a time when Nigeria’s fragile economic situation needs additional funding, particularly from counter-cyclical investors like development finance institutions. Our funding will help bolster the economy and ensure the availability of staple goods, medicines and food across Africa.”
Dipo Olowookere 
Modupe Gbadeyanka