AfDB, Rwandan banks discuss closing trade finance gap
African Development Bank Group met nearly all Rwandan commercial banks in Kigali on 5 October to discuss expanding trade finance access and partnership options.
The story in focus
The African Development Bank Group hosted a trade finance breakfast meeting in Kigali on 5 October with nearly all Rwandan commercial banks, followed by bilateral talks on potential partnerships. The Bank says Africa's trade finance gap was estimated at $74 billion to $92 billion in 2024, limiting businesses' ability to trade and grow.
- The Kigali meeting on 5 October drew nearly all Rwandan commercial banks; the Bank's report is dated 20 October 2026.
- The Bank says Africa's trade finance gap was estimated at between $74 billion and $92 billion in 2024.
- Four Bank products were presented: TFLOC, Transaction Guarantee, Risk Participation Agreement and Soft Commodity Finance Facility.
What was discussed
The African Development Bank Group hosted a trade finance breakfast meeting in Kigali on 5 October with nearly all Rwandan commercial banks, according to a Bank report dated 20 October 2026. Staff from the Bank's Rwanda Country Office and its trade finance team attended.
The Bank says African businesses continue to face significant barriers financing imports and exports. It estimates the continent's trade finance gap at between $74 billion and $92 billion in 2024, which it says limits businesses' ability to trade, grow and access new markets.
The Bank's trade finance tools
Bernard Muhati, Principal Trade Finance Officer for East Africa, presented four products: the Trade Finance Line of Credit, which funds trade transactions; the Transaction Guarantee and Risk Participation Agreement, which help banks manage payment risks; and the Soft Commodity Finance Facility, which finances agricultural commodities and related supply chains. The Bank also offers technical assistance and training to financial institutions.
The Bank lists eligibility conditions for partner institutions: registration and operation in a Regional Member Country, financial and commercial viability, strong risk management and corporate governance, meeting the Bank's internal risk requirements, and adherence to environmental and social standards. After the meeting, the Bank held bilateral talks with almost all commercial banks in Rwanda on possible partnerships and financing opportunities.
Rwanda portfolio and aims
Rwanda Country Manager Aissa Toure Sarr said the meeting created an opportunity to deepen awareness of the Bank's trade finance programme and future collaboration with Rwandan financial institutions.
The Bank says its current Rwanda portfolio comprises 28 operations valued at about $2.6 billion, covering energy, water and sanitation, transport, agriculture, skills development, information and communication technology, finance, governance and regional integration.
How large is Africa's trade finance gap, according to the African Development Bank Group?
The Bank estimates the gap at between $74 billion and $92 billion in 2024, saying it limits businesses' ability to trade, grow and access new markets, particularly affecting small and medium-sized enterprises.
Sources & further reading
Help keep the record accurate. Send a correction.
