BIAT Marks Major Milestone in Supporting Foreign Trade with Strategic Partnership with African Development Bank
The BIAT has made a significant breakthrough in deploying its foreign trade support strategy through a strategic partnership with the African Development Bank (AfDB). This agreement, which includes a $50 million transaction guarantee, substantially strengthens the BIAT's ability to support Tunisian businesses in their international operations, while reaffirming its commitment to inclusive and sustainable economic development.
A partnership agreement for a $50 million transaction guarantee was signed between the BIAT and the AfDB on February 6, 2026, at the BIAT. This guarantee is fully in line with the BIAT's vision of strengthening international trade and supporting the national economy. It comes with extensive geographical coverage, in partnership with the AfDB's co-contracting correspondent banks.
Thanks to this facility, the BIAT aims to more effectively support its clients in international markets. The goal is to facilitate the importation of equipment and strategic technologies in essential sectors such as agro-industry, light industry, telecommunications, and renewable energy.
The partnership allows BIAT's client companies, regardless of their size, to access competitive international financing solutions, consolidating their position and integration into global value chains through:
- Enhanced access to international markets: the AfDB guarantee increases the confidence of foreign suppliers and their banks, facilitating the acceptance of issued payment instruments.
- Optimized financing costs: thanks to the AfDB's AAA rating, Tunisian companies benefit from more advantageous and competitive confirmation conditions.
- Support for strategic sectors: particular attention is paid to the importation of essential goods - raw materials, energy products, and industrial equipment.
On this occasion, Elyes Jebir, General Manager of the BIAT, stated that "Thanks to this guarantee, the BIAT consolidates its role as a privileged partner of Tunisian companies operating internationally, facilitating their access to global markets and securing their operations. The BIAT presents itself as a solid bridge connecting Tunisian economic actors to the global financial system."
"We are delighted to establish this partnership with the BIAT, which is a major player in trade financing in the country. This facility will enable the AfDB to contribute to job creation and improved access to essential goods and services for the population," said Malinne Blomberg, Deputy General Manager for the North Africa region and Country Manager for Tunisia at the AfDB.
This partnership with the AfDB illustrates the BIAT's commitment to sustainably supporting the growth of its clients, offering them secure financial solutions that are perfectly aligned with international trade standards.
