Afreximbank Allocates US$100m Trade Facility to NBS Bank Malawi
The African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) has signed a US$100 million Afreximbank Trade Facilitation Programme (AFTRAF) line of credit with NBS Bank Plc Malawi to support the bank’s expanding trade finance portfolio and strengthen its capacity to meet clients’ trade needs.
The facility agreement was signed on the sidelines of the Intra-African Trade Fair 2025 (IATF2025) by Mr Haytham El Maayergi, Executive Vice President, Global Trade Bank, Afreximbank, and Mrs Temwani Simwaka, CEO of NBS Bank. The line of credit is designed to enable NBS Bank to increase trade volumes and facilitate the importation of essential commodities such as fertiliser, medicines, and fuel into Malawi.
Mr El Maayergi highlighted that the facility reflects Afreximbank’s commitment to supporting indigenous African businesses and financial institutions. “This US$100 million facility is among the largest AFTRAF limits for a bank in Malawi,” he said. “It demonstrates our dedication to supporting Malawi’s trade ambitions and the long-standing relationship between Afreximbank and the NBS/NICO group.”
He added that the facility would strengthen NBS Bank’s ability to meet the growing trade demands of its clients, particularly in strategic sectors including fuel, fertiliser, and pharmaceuticals, while providing a confirmation line from within Africa. “This aligns with Afreximbank’s mandate to promote both intra- and extra-African trade,” he said.
The AFTRAF programme is designed to enhance the confidence of counterparties in international trade settlements, improve correspondent banking relationships, and facilitate critical imports and the acquisition of equipment for the production of export goods. It provides trade confirmation services, guarantees, and irrevocable reimbursement undertakings.
IATF2025, which ran from 4 to 10 September, attracted more than 112,000 visitors from 132 countries and showcased 2,148 exhibitors. The continental exposition concluded with US$48.3 billion in trade and investment deals signed over the seven-day event, reflecting the growing momentum of intra-African trade.
