Mauritius Commercial Bank Earmarks $1B for Trade Finance to Boost Intra-African Trade

On 25 May 2026, the Mauritius Commercial Bank Group (MCB) issued a press statement that it is making up to USD one billion available for Trade Finance for the next four years until 2030. The move is in line with the continental ambitions of the bank outlined by its Vision 2030 paper. The bank first made the announcement at the Africa CEO Forum 2026, then issued a communiqué on Africa Day 2026.

The Trade Finance services include the issuance of letters of credit, bank guarantees, endorsed bills of exchange, and other instruments. The objective is to boost intra-African trade by reducing trading risks by providing access to finance at a competitive rate, without unnecessary risk premiums.

“The availability of the $1B package dedicated to Trade Finance sends a clear signal regarding MCB’s ambitions on the African continent, in line with our strategic Vision 2030. We reiterate our commitment to support the economic transformation of Africa by fostering sustainable development and promoting regional integration, while standing by our clients in their growth journey.”

MCB Group CEO Thierry Hebraud

Hebraud pointed out that Africa must move beyond just exporting raw commodities and unprocessed ores. To achieve a successful structural transformation, Africa must focus on industrialization, local beneficiation, and regional integration.

MCB aims to stimulate economic corridors to enable its clients to create more value and integrate into regional or even global value chains. The initiative is also in line with the vision behind the single market enabled by the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (#AfCFTA).