Ecobank and Bank of China Sign MoU to Facilitate Africa-China Trade

On 22 December 2025 in Lome, the Ecobank Group and the Bank of China (BoC) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to deepen cooperation and facilitate Africa-China trade. Ecobank Group CEO Jeremy Awori was present at the ceremony, while the Bank of China delegated a representative from the Mauritius branch.

The MoU builds upon the partnership between the two banks, which was initiated in 2010. Earlier in 2025, leaders of Ecobank paid a visit to the BoC HQ in China to further the cooperation.

“The China-Africa economic ties continue to expand, and our customers on both sides rely on efficient and transparent financial solutions. This renewed partnership with Bank of China will help deliver concrete results in trade finance, payments and RMB capabilities. We look forward to integrating this cooperation across our network to better serve clients and strengthen the broader China-Africa economic corridor.”

Ecobank Group CEO Jeremy Awori

Trade between China and Africa has maintained a robust growth trajectory. In the first eleven months of 2025, the trade volume has surpassed USD 314 billion, up 17.8% compared to the corresponding period last year. Chinese exports to Africa grew by 26.3%, while African exports to China increased by 5.2%.

Under the MoU, both banks will cooperate on trade finance, cross-border transfers, and pilot the use of the RMB for international trade settlements. The BoC representative highlighted that the reinforcement of the partnership is aligned with the consensus reached at the last #FOCAC Summit.