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Standard Chartered and British International Investment (BII), the UK’s development finance institution and impact investor, have signed a $100 million trade‑finance facility to expand access to working‑capital solutions for companies across Kenya and Tanzania.
The facility will enable local corporates and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in priority sectors such as agriculture, food production, healthcare, manufacturing and infrastructure to import essential goods, pay suppliers on time and grow export capacity.
According to Kariuki Ngari, Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer, Kenya and Africa, Standard Chartered: “We are committed to unlocking opportunities for growth and resilience across East Africa. Through our partnership with BII, this new trade finance facility further empowers local businesses – especially those owned or led by women – by providing them with the capital they need to scale, trade, and thrive. This initiative is a testament of our ongoing commitment to economic development as we champion innovation, diversity, and sustainable growth for our communities.”
Over its lifetime, the programme is expected to support more than US$450 million in gross trade‑transaction volumes, helping create jobs, strengthen value chains and accelerate economic growth in East Africa.
By meeting the 2X Criteria – such as supporting women-owned or women led businesses, promoting women’s leadership and enhancing access to quality employment and financial services for women – this facility underscores BII and Standard Chartered’s commitment to advancing gender equality and women’s economic empowerment.
Last year, the firms announced a $350 million risk participation agreement, following the initial agreement in 2013 to bolster trade finance needs of SMEs and corporates across Africa and South Asia and to boost economic growth in these regions.
“Access to trade finance remains a critical constraint for businesses across East Africa, particularly for women-led enterprises and SMEs in key value chains. Through this facility with Standard Chartered, we’re enabling more businesses in Kenya and Tanzania to access the capital they need to thrive, create jobs and expand their reach. It reflects our strong commitment to scaling bright ideas, inclusive finance and supporting inspiring growth through strategic partnerships,” said Seema Dhanani, Head of Office and Coverage Director for Kenya, British International Investment.