Ghana’s ambition to build an export-led economy has received a significant boost, with the Ghana International Bank (GHIB) and the Ghana Export-Import Bank (GEXIM) moving to deepen their partnership to give Ghanaian businesses easier access to international markets, trade finance and global banking services.
The collaboration is expected to strengthen Ghana’s trade finance ecosystem by combining GEXIM’s domestic export financing mandate with GHIB’s international banking capabilities, creating what both institutions describe as a seamless pathway for exporters from production to global markets.
The two institutions have agreed to formalise the partnership through a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) and a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), expected to be signed early next week, to establish a framework for long-term collaboration.
The partnership comes as Ghana intensifies efforts to diversify exports, increase foreign exchange earnings and position itself as a regional trade hub under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Under the arrangement, Ghanaian businesses, particularly exporters, will benefit from an integrated support system that covers export financing, international trade execution, settlement services and access to global financial markets.
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GHIB will leverage its expertise in correspondent banking, treasury and foreign exchange solutions, syndicated finance, commodity finance and international trade services to complement GEXIM’s work in supporting exporters and improving cross-border trade.
Chief Executive Officer of GHIB, Ian Greenstreet, said the partnership reflects the complementary roles both institutions play in Ghana’s economic architecture.
“GHIB is the natural international banking partner for GEXIM. Our institutions occupy complementary positions within Ghana’s economic architecture and, together, provide many of the essential building blocks required to transform Ghana into a leading trading hub and export destination,” he said.
He explained that while GEXIM helps Ghanaian businesses produce, expand and export, GHIB connects those businesses to the international financial system.
“Through our expertise in correspondent banking, treasury solutions, syndicated finance, commodity finance and international trade, we are committed to helping Ghanaian businesses access international markets, attract investment and compete successfully on the global stage,” Mr. Greenstreet added.
Chief Executive Officer of GEXIM, Sylvester Mensah, said the collaboration would significantly strengthen support for Ghanaian enterprises, particularly micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), seeking to participate more effectively in regional and global value chains.
“Our vision is to build globally competitive Ghanaian businesses capable of succeeding in regional and international markets,” Mr. Mensah said.
He noted that beyond providing financing, GEXIM supports businesses through advisory services, mentorship, export readiness programmes, digital solutions and innovative financing structures that enable sustainable growth.
According to him, partnering GHIB extends that support by opening access to international banking services, global financial networks and new market opportunities.
“Together, we are creating stronger pathways for exporters to scale their businesses and contribute meaningfully to Ghana’s economic transformation,” he said.
The partnership is expected to improve access to international markets, attract greater investment into Ghana’s export sectors and enhance the competitiveness of local businesses across Africa and beyond.
For Ghana’s export community, the alliance offers more than an institutional partnership. It seeks to bridge one of the longstanding gaps in the country’s export ecosystem by linking domestic financing and business development support with the international banking infrastructure needed to execute global trade efficiently.
If successfully implemented, the collaboration could strengthen Ghana’s long-term strategy of positioning itself as West Africa’s preferred hub for trade, investment and export-led growth while giving local businesses greater confidence to compete in international markets.
