EBRD Debuts in Nigeria with US$100 Million Trade Finance Facility for Access Bank
European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) has marked its entry into Nigeria with a $100 million trade finance facility for Access Bank
The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) has officially launched its first investment in Nigeria, marking a historic entry into the sub-Saharan African financial sector. The institution has extended a US$100 million (€85.0 million) trade finance facility to Access Bank, Nigeria’s largest commercial bank by customer base.
This announcement, made on February 2, 2026, follows the formal commencement of EBRD operations in Nigeria in late 2025. The facility is part of the Bank’s Trade Facilitation Programme (TFP), designed to support the country’s economic transformation by enhancing liquidity for local businesses engaged in international trade.
Strengthening Nigeria’s Trade Ecosystem
The $100 million credit line is strategically positioned to address the scarcity of foreign currency and trade credit that often hinders Nigerian enterprises. Under the terms of the agreement, the funding will be utilised to:
Issue Guarantees: Provide guarantees in favour of international commercial banks to cover the payment risk of Access Bank’s trade-related transactions.
Cash Advances: Offer cash advances to fund loans for local companies, covering the entire trade cycle including pre-export, post-import, and local distribution.
Diversify Relationships: Help Access Bank broaden its network of correspondent banking partners across EBRD’s global territories.
Beyond the financial package, the EBRD is providing a Technical Cooperation (TC) package. This includes specialised training sessions, workshops, and e-learning courses for Access Bank staff to improve operational capacity in trade finance and risk management.
A New Strategic Mandate for EBRD
This investment follows a pivotal shift in the EBRD’s geographic mandate. At the 2023 Annual Meeting in Samarkand, the Board of Governors approved an amendment to the Agreement Establishing the Bank, allowing it to expand operations into sub Saharan Africa and Iraq. Nigeria was identified as a priority market due to its significant private sector potential and its role as a regional economic hub.
Odile Renaud-Basso, President of the EBRD, emphasized the bank's long term commitment: "We are delighted to sign our first agreement in Nigeria and partner with Access Bank. We remain committed to supporting the development of local financial institutions and fostering a business environment that drives sustainable private-sector growth."
Economic Impact and Outlook
The partnership is expected to deepen regional trade and provide much needed support for Nigerian SMEs and corporates. By facilitating intra-regional commercial exchanges, the facility aligns with the objectives of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Roosevelt Ogbonna, Managing Director of Access Bank, noted that the collaboration represents a significant step in reinforcing Africa's trade ecosystem and providing robust financial solutions that empower local businesses.
