IFC and Standard Chartered launch $300m facility to boost African supply chains

IFC and Standard Chartered have launched a $300 million risk-sharing facility to expand supply chain finance across Africa, in one of the strongest trade finance developments of the week.

The facility will support supply chain and trade finance assets originated by Standard Chartered across eight African markets, including Côte d’Ivoire, Egypt, Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa, Tanzania and Zambia. It will cover instruments including payables finance, receivables discounting and pre-shipment finance, helping suppliers get paid faster and unlock working capital.

IFC will provide guarantees of up to $150 million, with an initial $100 million tranche. Over three years, the partnership is expected to enable around $1.9 billion in supply chain finance transactions and support more than 500 suppliers, including SMEs. Standard Chartered’s press release archive confirms the announcement was published on 29 April 2026.

The transaction is particularly significant because it targets markets where supply chain finance remains underdeveloped despite strong demand. For African SMEs and suppliers, earlier payment can mean stronger production, better wage stability and improved resilience across key sectors such as agriculture, healthcare and manufacturing.