The International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation and the Trade and Development Bank Group have signed a renewed framework agreement in Abuja to increase an existing Murabaha trade finance facility by $100m, with plans to scale it further to $200m. Both institutions noted that the expanded financing aims to strengthen trade operations across member countries, particularly by supporting the import and export of strategic commodities and improving liquidity for priority sectors that underpin regional economies.
The signing took place during the fifth Arab Africa Trade Bridges Programme Board of Governors Meeting in Abuja, where discussions focused on promoting trade, investment, insurance and infrastructure as drivers of cross-regional cooperation. The expanded deal builds on more than $800m in TDB participation in ITFC-led syndicated facilities to date, signalling a deeper long-term partnership expected to continue through 2026 and beyond.
Officials said the facility would support both public and private-sector transactions in markets where both institutions share development goals. The financing is expected to ease access to working capital, enhance trade competitiveness and strengthen commodity supply chains across member states in Africa and the OIC region. ITFC leadership described the collaboration as evidence of how coordinated trade financing can improve commercial flows and stimulate economic growth. TDB Group executives echoed the sentiment, calling the partnership vital for securing essential commodities and improving regional trade links.
As efforts scale up, the engagement underscores a wider push for economic integration and private-sector expansion across African markets. For MSMEs engaged in import-export and commodity value chains, improved liquidity could translate into easier access to trade finance and new opportunities for cross-border growth.
