Ghana International Bank (GHIB) and the Ghana Export-Import Bank (GEXIM) are forging a strategic partnership aimed at removing one of the biggest barriers facing Ghanaian exporters: access to international finance and global markets.
The two institutions have agreed to formalise their collaboration through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), creating a framework that combines GEXIM’s domestic export financing with GHIB’s international banking expertise to support businesses from production through to global trade.
The partnership is expected to strengthen Ghana’s trade finance ecosystem, improve exporters’ access to international banking services and position more Ghanaian businesses to compete across Africa and beyond.
For many exporters, access to overseas buyers is only part of the challenge. Businesses also require foreign exchange solutions, trade finance, correspondent banking relationships, international payment systems and investment support to scale successfully. The new alliance seeks to bridge that gap.
Under the arrangement, GEXIM will continue supporting businesses with export financing, advisory services, mentorship, export readiness programmes, digital solutions and innovative financing structures, while GHIB will connect exporters to the global financial system through its expertise in correspondent banking, treasury and foreign exchange services, syndicated finance, commodity finance and international trade.
Speaking on the partnership, GHIB Chief Executive Officer Ian Greenstreet described the collaboration as a natural fit between two institutions with complementary mandates.
“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.
According to him, while GEXIM helps Ghanaian businesses produce, grow and export, GHIB provides the international banking infrastructure needed to connect those businesses to global markets.
“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,” Greenstreet added.
GEXIM Chief Executive Officer Sylvester Mensah said the partnership would significantly deepen support for Ghanaian enterprises, particularly micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), seeking to participate in regional and international value chains.
“Our vision is to build globally competitive Ghanaian businesses capable of succeeding in regional and international markets,” he said.
He noted that GEXIM’s role extends beyond providing finance.
“Beyond financing, GEXIM provides advisory services, mentorship, export readiness programmes, digital solutions and innovative financing structures to help businesses grow sustainably.”
Mensah said partnering with GHIB expands that support by giving exporters direct 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 collaboration comes as Ghana seeks to diversify exports, expand non-traditional exports and position itself as a regional trade and investment hub under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
By integrating domestic export finance with international banking capabilities, the two institutions hope to make it easier for Ghanaian companies to finance exports, settle international transactions, attract investment and compete more effectively in overseas markets.
The partnership also aligns with Ghana’s broader export-led growth strategy by strengthening the financial infrastructure that supports cross-border trade.
