International Trade involves the movement of goods and services deriving from a business transaction between a buyer in one country and a seller in another country.

Ecobank provides comprehensive trade solutions to its customers using various payment methods to facilitate cross border trade through its network across Africa. Ecobank offers unique intra Africa Trade solutions, enabling its customers to settle their international trade transactions efficiently and to mitigate payment risks. Ecobank works closely with clients in reviewing key factors regarding Transaction Processing, Settlement, Financing, Risk Mitigation and Credit Enhancement.

Our Trade products and solutions are designed around two broad areas:

Trade Finance:

Customers benefit from adequate, mitigated credit facilities.

Trade Services:

Customers experience speedy turnaround and error-free processes.

Trade Services from Ecobank

The Ecobank cards provide both the Ecobank account holder and non-account holder with a full range of banking solutions:

• Import LCs
• Import Collections
• Customs Bonds
• Export LCs (advising and negotiating)
• Export Collections
• LC Confirmations
• Guarantees, Bid, performance and other Bonds
• Regional Trade Services in Africa
• Rapid Transfer
• International Payment Services.

Regional Trade Services in Africa

Ecobank’s vision is to provide world class pan-African services to its customers while also enhancing the financial integration of Africa.

The group provides solutions to facilitate trade in the various trade corridors and groupings across Africa; including UEMOA, ECOWAS, EAC, SADC, etc. Ecobank’s Regional Trade solution enables the Exporter to obtain a payment guarantee without the need for a Letter of Credit and its related costs to the importer. Furthermore, with Ecobank on both sides of the transaction, our customers are able to benefit from a seamless end-to-end solution. Our Rapid Transfer service allows funds to be transferred across Africa on the same day, between Ecobank affiliates (subject to a $10,000 per day limit). Regional Collections, Cross Border Funds Pooling (subject to regulations) are other available services.

Africa Correspondent Banking and Financial Institutions Services

With Ecobank being present in 30 countries in Africa – more than any other bank in the world – the group’s affiliates can confirm and negotiate LCs to beneficiaries in those countries, as well as manage related payments and trade confirmations from banks outside Africa.

Trade Finance from Ecobank
We offer the following services:

Import Finance Facilities – pre and post shipment

Export Finance Facilities

Export Credit Agencies

Benefit from credit enhancement from Export Credit Agencies and Multilaterals including US Exim, IFC, etc. More flexible terms between buyer and seller can be obtained, with competitive longer tenor financing.

EBI SA (Ecobank Paris) LC Confirmation Services
Ecobank’s wholesale bank in Paris, France, speedily confirms LCs to beneficiaries, enabling a competitive end-to-end solution from the group. EBI SA’s relationship with leading banks worldwide enables beneficiaries to be credited or advised of funds/trade documents.

Other solutions include Structured Trade Finance and Avalized Bills Finance. Speak to your Corporate Banking Products Manager and/or your Account Manager today or visit www.ecobank.com