Ghana International Bank gets $100 million loan to boost finance

Ghana International Bank Plc (GHIB), backed by the Bank of Ghana, has secured a $100 million loan from the International Finance Corporation (IFC) to expand trade finance across Africa. The facility strengthens the London-based bank’s capacity to fund cross-border transactions for SMEs, corporates and financial institutions.

The deal comes as Africa faces a persistent trade finance gap that continues to limit economic growth and restrict access to global markets. By boosting GHIB’s lending capacity, the IFC loan is expected to unlock liquidity and support imports and exports across underserved and frontier African economies.

Bridging Africa’s trade finance gap

The funding comes as African markets continue to grapple with limited access to trade finance, a key constraint on economic growth. By enhancing GHIB’s lending capacity, the IFC-backed loan is expected to unlock liquidity for imports and exports, particularly in frontier and underserved markets.

Structured financing to support expansion

The $100 million loan carries a three-year tenor, including a one-year grace period, with repayments structured on an amortizing basis. The funds will be disbursed in two tranches, ensuring efficient allocation as the bank scales its trade finance operations.

Beyond capital support, IFC’s involvement is expected to bring strategic value through its global expertise, strengthening GHIB’s risk management framework and operational capacity while promoting best practices in Africa’s financial markets.

Catalyzing trade and economic activity

Founded in 1959 as Ghana’s first international banking presence in London and incorporated as an independent bank in 1998, GHIB plays a strategic role in facilitating trade and investment flows between Africa and the rest of the world.

Its shareholder base is led by the Bank of Ghana, which holds a controlling 65.4% stake, alongside key institutional investors including GCB Bank Plc, Social Security and National Insurance Trust, Agricultural Development Bank Plc, and SIC Insurance Company Plc.

The transaction underscores IFC’s broader strategy to narrow Africa’s trade finance gap and support economic integration. By backing GHIB, the institution is helping to expand access to critical funding channels that sustain trade, enhance market competitiveness, and drive long-term growth across the continent.