Bank One has announced the extension of a $5 million credit facility to the Eastern and Southern African Trade Fund (ESATF), a dedicated African trade finance vehicle managed by ESATAL Fund Management Company, a subsidiary of the Trade and Development Bank (TDB) Group. This facility aims to support ESATF’s expanding loan book and respond to the increasing demand for trade finance across Africa, one of the continent’s most dynamic and high-growth markets.
The partnership builds on a long-standing relationship between Bank One and the TDB Group, initially established through syndicated lending collaborations in support of TDB’s trade and development banking initiatives. Over the past few years, Bank One has participated in two syndicated debt raises alongside TDB, reinforcing their mutual commitment to inclusive and sustainable economic development in Africa.
This latest engagement marks a milestone in their collaboration, representing Bank One’s first direct lending transaction with ESATF. The move reflects Bank One’s confidence in ESATF as a robust, professionally managed trade finance fund with a diversified and de-risked portfolio, strategically aligned with the continent’s growing trade finance needs.
As of June 2025, ESATF manages $300 million in net assets and is backed by over 60 institutional investors, making it a leading platform for those looking to contribute to Africa’s trade finance ecosystem. The fund supports key sectors across the continent, with a strong emphasis on empowering SMEs, women-led enterprises, and smallholder farmers—critical drivers of inclusive economic growth. This partnership underlines the strategic role of blended finance and cross-border cooperation in unlocking capital for trade development and underscores both institutions’ commitment to fostering economic resilience and opportunity throughout Africa.
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