ITFC’s USD 2.9bn 2026 Trade Finance Agreements Span African Markets and Central Asia

Friday 30th October 2026

By inAfrika Newsroom

The International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation, or ITFC, announced agreements totalling approximately USD 2.9 billion at the Islamic Development Bank Group’s 2026 annual meetings in Baku, Azerbaijan.

The announcement, issued on 19 June 2026, covered sovereign financing frameworks, commercial bank facilities and arrangements to support trade and smaller businesses. The agreements were signed during a four-day programme involving government representatives, lenders and private-sector organisations.

The largest announced commitments were frameworks of USD 1 billion for Burkina Faso, USD 750 million each for Côte d’Ivoire and Djibouti, and USD 250 million for The Gambia. These were designed to support trade financing over multiple years, focusing on priorities such as energy, food security, healthcare and private enterprise.

ITFC also identified new or renewed financing lines for partner banks in Uzbekistan, including USD 60 million for Invest Finance Bank, USD 40 million for Orient Finans Bank and a USD 20 million renewal for Asia Alliance Bank.

Other arrangements listed in the release included facilities of USD 10 million each for Rabitabank in Azerbaijan and Tajikistan’s cotton sector, and cooperation with the International Finance Corporation on trade finance in shared markets.

The distinction between a framework and an actual disbursement is important. A signed umbrella agreement sets parameters and a possible financing envelope; individual transactions generally still require eligibility checks, documentation, approvals and funding decisions.

ITFC described the agreements as a way to strengthen supply chains and give firms more access to trade-related financing. For African importers and exporters, practical benefits will depend on banks making facilities available, meeting compliance requirements and providing products on workable terms.

The release also pointed to potential financing for women-led businesses and green projects through selected partner banks. Those intended benefits will need to be assessed against later reporting on borrowers, drawdowns and real commercial activity.

The figures refer to agreements announced in June 2026. They should not be presented as new October transactions or proof that every facility has been drawn down.

Original information: International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation, 19 June 2026.

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