Ghana International Bank Plc (GHIB) has entered into a new partnership with the African Development Bank (AfDB) aimed at improving access to trade finance and supporting businesses involved in cross-border trade across Africa.

The partnership, established through a Confirming Bank Agreement under AfDB’s Transaction Guarantee Instrument, is expected to strengthen trade financing activities and help businesses expand their operations beyond their domestic markets.

Under the agreement, GHIB will be better positioned to support importers, exporters, and financial institutions by providing enhanced trade finance services. The arrangement is also expected to help businesses access international markets, strengthen supply chains, and contribute to sustainable economic growth across the continent.

By joining the select group of financial institutions approved under AfDB’s eligibility framework, GHIB further reinforces its role as a key partner in facilitating trade and investment in Africa.

The agreement is also expected to support the growth of the private sector, encourage intra-African trade, and help address the continent’s long-standing trade finance gap.

Speaking on the development, Chief Executive Officer of GHIB, Ian Greenstreet, described the agreement as a significant achievement for the bank and its customers.

“This agreement with the African Development Bank represents a significant milestone for Ghana International Bank and our clients. It strengthens our ability to support businesses engaged in international trade and reinforces our commitment to facilitating economic growth and investment across Africa,” he said.

Mr Greenstreet added that GHIB’s position as a UK-regulated bank with strong African roots enables it to serve as an important link between African businesses and global financial markets.

“We are delighted to partner with the African Development Bank in support of increased trade, investment and economic opportunity across the continent,” he stated.

AfDB’s Vice President for Private Sector, Infrastructure and Industrialisation, Solomon Quaynor, welcomed the partnership, noting that it would help expand trade opportunities, particularly in low-income countries and transition states such as Sierra Leone, The Gambia, Guinea and Liberia.

According to Mr Quaynor, GHIB’s role in providing confirming bank support to local financial institutions aligns with the AfDB’s broader objective of promoting regional integration and advancing the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

He explained that the partnership forms part of the AfDB’s efforts to reduce Africa’s trade finance gap by strengthening the capacity of African financial institutions to support cross-border trade.

Mr Quaynor also expressed optimism about future collaboration between the two institutions to drive greater trade and investment across the continent.

The agreement is expected to improve access to trade finance, increase support for international business transactions, and further strengthen GHIB’s position as a trusted banking partner for businesses operating across Africa and global markets.