Connecting African ambition to global expertise

Absa Corporate and Investment Banking (Absa CIB) has entered into a strategic partnership with UK Export Finance (UKEF) to establish a USD100 million UKEF-backed headroom programme that will support African small and medium enterprises and corporates purchasing UK goods and services.

The programme combines UKEF's sovereign-backed guarantee structure with Absa CIB's structuring expertise and Pan-African presence to provide clients with access to competitively priced, long-tenor financing. Designed as a scalable platform for repeat transactions, it broadens access to export-linked finance and creates greater certainty for businesses seeking to procure equipment, technology and services that support growth.

By improving access to funding, the programme is expected to support business expansion, infrastructure development and increased trade activity across Africa's markets. It also creates new opportunities for clients that may otherwise face constraints accessing this type of cross-border capital.

“Access to affordable capital for investment in African businesses and infrastructure remains critical for economic development across the continent. Absa’s on-the-ground presence in many of these markets, together with the bank’s deep understanding of its clients’ financing requirements, puts it in an ideal position to unlock value for its clients by providing financing solutions in partnership with UKEF. The partnership demonstrates the bank’s commitment to unlocking innovative financing solutions that support trade, infrastructure development and economic growth across Africa.” Theuns Ehlers, Head: Resource and Project Finance at Absa CIB

Through this partnership, Absa CIB is strengthening its ability to support clients with innovative financing structures that unlock growth while maintaining disciplined risk management. The programme further reinforces Absa CIB's role as a strategic partner for businesses seeking to expand, invest and build resilience across the continent.

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