Unlocking Africa's Trade Potential Absa | Corporate and Investment Banking > Insights and Events > Unlocking Africa’s Trade Potential SHARE We are proud to announce our partnership with British International Investment, a collaborative effort aimed at addressing Africa's significant trade finance gap. By providing essential funding to African banks, this initiative is helping small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs)—many led by women and youth—compete and thrive in the marketplace. With a commitment of $150 million, our partnership seeks to close the estimated $100-120 billion trade finance gap across the continent. This initiative not only supports the advancement of the African Continental Free Trade Area (ACFTA) but also fosters a more resilient and sustainable economy for all. As a recognised 2X investment company, we are dedicated to promoting gender equality, inclusive leadership, and social impact within our workplace and beyond. We would also like to extend our special thanks to FI Trade Sales, TWC Legal, and FI Trade Product for their invaluable contributions to this partnership. Together, we continue to build a future filled with opportunity, inclusion, and lasting impact for generations to come. Connect with us and find out more about our solution Contact Mosa Tshabalala for more information Contact Carmel Kistasamy for more information That's how we are invested in your story. Your story matters. Absa. https://cib.absa.africa/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/file_example_MP3_700KB.mp3 Related Articles DEALS Investing in Africa’s Digital Transformation Journey We are pleased to have acted as sole Mandated Lead Arranger, Bookrunner, Facility Agent and Coordinator for ZAR 8bn of expansion capital facilities for Teraco. Read more DEALS Powering Africa’s digital future through connectivity We are pleased to have served as sole transaction coordinator in the successful financing of Vodacom's R11 billion preference share facility used to refinance the acquisition of a controlling stake in Vodafone Egypt. This strategic transaction signals a significant milestone, not only for Vodacom but also for the broader telecommunications and financial services landscape in Africa. The transaction represents the largest syndicated preference share facility closed to date in the South African market. Read more DEALS Reviving Africa’s Trade Finance, Demands Bold DFI-Bank Partnerships A Nigerian manufacturer, eager to tap into new markets across West Africa, secures buyers in Côte d'Ivoire and Ghana. Yet, despite the strength of these opportunities, the company encounters a formidable roadblock: the inability to access the requisite trade finance to execute its cross-border deals. Read more
