Supporting local supply chains in Mali and Liberia

Small traders are vital to any supply chain. They are the cornerstone for a thriving private sector and development in any economy, yet are often excluded from accessing formal trade finance products. Boosting trade finance is critical to enable small businesses to sustain economic opportunities and access to goods and services for their customers, suppliers and employees.

The Trade Access platform, which we launched with INOKS Capital in 2022, is an innovative financing programme that is enabling SMEs and trade intermediaries in Africa to access much-needed working capital. Since 2022, the platform has supported transactions totalling $65 million, including 290 loans to SMEs, often enabling trade finance in some of the most fragile countries where we invest, including Mali, Liberia and Togo. Through this first-of-its-kind platform, we are able to reach much smaller borrowers who are active members of local supply chains: the platform’s average loan size is $224,000 and the smallest transaction has been just €94.15.

The platform is also supporting women-owned and led SMEs while backing climate-positive trade, which will help boost productivity across vital local value chains, increase food security and accelerate sustainable and inclusive economic growth. The platform is helping to bridge Africa’s $81 billion trade gap and ensure long-term economic  prosperity for people across the continent.

Find out more about the impact of businesses in our portfolio in our Annual Review 2023: Creating impact together