Lomé — June 1, 2026 — Pan‑African banking group Ecobank has unveiled a $3 billion financing programme to support intra‑African trade over the next three years. The initiative, announced at the Africa Forward Summit and the 2026 Africa CEO Forum, is designed to accelerate the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and strengthen cross‑border commercial networks against global economic shocks.
Recognizing agriculture as a cornerstone of many sub‑Saharan economies, Ecobank signed a strategic partnership with AGRA (Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa). The collaboration aims to reduce lending risks and expand access to finance for SMEs in 11 countries, with a focus on women and young entrepreneurs. By linking Ecobank’s Ellevate programme with AGRA’s Value4HER and YEFFA platforms, the bank seeks to professionalize agricultural value chains and move beyond subsistence farming.
Ecobank also deepened its partnership with Proparco, the private‑sector arm of Agence française de développement (AFD). A $35.2 million guarantee programme, structured around ARIZ and EURIZ mechanisms, has been launched to improve credit access for micro and small agricultural enterprises. The initiative is expected to mobilize up to $300 million in financing over time.
While intra‑African integration remains the primary focus, Ecobank is expanding into China and India trade corridors to diversify funding sources and facilitate international transactions. This expansion aims to strengthen Africa’s position in global trade while supporting local businesses.
Jeremy Awori, Ecobank Group CEO, emphasized the scale of the initiative: “Africa’s growth requires large‑scale execution. This is capital actually deployed in the real economy, financing food, livelihoods and local value creation.
