Food security: IFC, Swiss bank BIC-BRED, commodity trader ACI to finance grain imports to Africa

Food security: IFC, Swiss bank BIC-BRED, commodity trader ACI to finance grain imports to Africa
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By Jonny Tickle October 19, 2022

The International Finance Corporation (IFC) has teamed up with the Swiss bank BIC-BRED and the commodity trading group Agro Companies International (ACI) to help finance grain imports into Africa.

According to an IFC press release on October 17, the partnership is aimed at boosting food security in West and Central Africa, with a focus on Côte d'Ivoire, Cameroon, and Ghana.

Much of Africa is largely dependent on imported grains, and much of the continent has relied specifically on supplies from Russia and Ukraine. Since the start of the conflict between those nations in late February, supply chain disruption has caused a significant shortage.

“Under the partnership, IFC will invest $20mn - through a risk participation agreement - in a $60mn trade finance facility arranged by commodity trade finance bank BIC-BRED (Suisse) SA for Swiss commodity trading group Agro Companies International SA,” the statement explains.

“The facility will help Agro Companies International SA purchase wheat, corn and animal feed from international suppliers and distribute these products to West and Central African buyers, mainly local milling companies.”

According to Aliou Maiga, IFC's Regional Industry Director for the Financial Institutions Group in Africa, supporting firms like ACI is a part of the corporation’s strategy “to fill the trade finance gap”.

“Strengthening food security in Africa is urgent at this critical time when inflation and market turbulence are hampering trade and imports,” Maiga said.

The IFC is a member of the World Bank Group. It is the largest global development institution focused on the private sector in emerging markets.

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