New trade finance initiative aims to strengthen Zimbabwe’s SMEs through export-linked funding, business advisory support, and greater participation in African trade value chains.
USD15 Million Facility to Support Zimbabwean SMEs
African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) has announced a USD15 million SME Finance Facility for Ecobank Zimbabwe Limited under its Export SME Development Programme (ESDP).
The financing initiative aims to expand access to working capital and capital expenditure funding for Zimbabwean SMEs operating within export value chains across sectors such as agribusiness, manufacturing, healthcare, logistics, technology, and the creative economy.
The partnership builds on a relationship between the two institutions that began in 2018 and reflects a broader push to strengthen SME financing, regional trade integration, and economic growth across Africa.
Strengthening SMEs Through Export Financing
Under the programme, SMEs that often struggle to access traditional financing will receive support designed to improve export readiness and long-term competitiveness.
The facility specifically targets businesses involved in export-oriented industries, enabling them to scale operations, strengthen production capacity, and participate more actively in intra-African trade.
According to Ms. Oluranti Doherty, Managing Director for Export Development at Afreximbank, the initiative goes beyond conventional lending by combining financing with strategic business development support.
“In Zimbabwe and across the continent, Afreximbank remains firmly committed to supporting SMEs as engines of export growth, economic resilience, and long-term development,” she said.
Furthermore, nearly 44% of the facility’s proceeds will support intra-African trade activities, while 18% will be allocated to manufacturing sectors to encourage industrialisation and regional value chain development.
Integrated Business Support for SME Growth
In addition to financing, Afreximbank will provide non-financial support to participating SMEs through training and advisory programmes.
These initiatives will focus on financial management, export readiness, digitalisation, loan management, marketing, and operational efficiency. Consequently, SMEs will gain stronger capabilities to compete in regional and international markets.
The integrated approach forms part of Afreximbank’s Export SME Development Programme, which combines funding, technical support, and market connectivity to help African businesses become more export-ready.
Ecobank Zimbabwe Expands SME Financing Capacity
For Ecobank Zimbabwe, the facility significantly strengthens its ability to support SMEs that play a critical role in the country’s economy.
Moses Kurenjekwa, Managing Director of Ecobank Zimbabwe Limited, described small businesses as the “engine” of Zimbabwe’s economy, noting that export-linked financing remains essential for business growth and job creation.
“This collaboration brings together Afreximbank’s development finance mandate and our on-the-ground reach to deliver a solution that is both impactful and scalable,” he said.
As a result, SMEs accessing the facility will receive not only financing but also integrated financial and business advisory services aimed at improving long-term sustainability and export market penetration.
Zimbabwe’s SMEs Drive Economic Growth
Zimbabwe’s SME sector contributes more than 60% of the country’s GDP and accounts for over 70% of national employment. However, many businesses continue to face limited access to long-term and export-focused financing solutions.
The facility arrives at a significant moment for Zimbabwe’s economy, with GDP growth projected at 6% in 2025, supported by stronger agricultural output and strong gold prices.
Moreover, Zimbabwe’s strategic location along major Southern African trade corridors, including the North-South Corridor and the Beira Corridor, positions the country as an important hub for regional trade expansion.
Through this initiative, Afreximbank and Ecobank Zimbabwe aim to help SMEs leverage these trade opportunities while strengthening Africa’s broader export ecosystem.
Ultimately, the partnership highlights growing efforts to build more inclusive financial systems that empower African SMEs to compete, expand, and drive sustainable economic development across the continent.
