Afreximbank Provides $15 Million SME Financing Facility to Ecobank Zimbabwe

Mintesinot Nigussie

African Export-Import Bank has extended a $15 million SME finance facility to Ecobank Zimbabwe under its Export SME Development Programme. The facility aims to improve access to funding for small and medium enterprises in export-oriented sectors.

Of the total amount, 43.75 percent will support intra-African trade while 18 percent will go toward manufacturing. The funds will be used for working capital and capital expenditure in agribusiness, manufacturing, healthcare, logistics, technology, and the creative economy.

Ecobank Zimbabwe Managing Director Moses Kurenjekwa said the facility will help expand export-linked finance for small businesses, which are central to job creation and economic activity in Zimbabwe.

Afreximbank officials noted that the programme addresses financing gaps faced by SMEs and includes capacity-building support in financial management, export readiness, and digitalisation.

SMEs contribute more than 60 percent of Zimbabwe’s GDP and over 70 percent of employment but often struggle with access to long-term finance. This facility is expected to boost their participation in regional value chains.

The initiative reflects growing efforts to strengthen SME competitiveness in Southern Africa.