EXIM Bank to raise US$200m to protect investments, drive industrial growth.

Export-Import Bank (EXIM Bank) is preparing to raise up to US$200 million from the capital markets in a major move to stabilise existing investments and accelerate industrial growth.

The planned capital raise is intended to consolidate gains made in 2025 by rescuing stalled projects, completing partially executed ones and shielding businesses from potential losses, at a time when access to long-term, affordable financing remains one of the economy’s biggest constraints.

The Minister of Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, disclosed the plan at the Government Accountability Series, describing it as a strategic response to persistent financing gaps in trade and industry.

“To further enhance its capacity for project financing, Ghana EXIM Bank is exploring opportunities to raise up to US$200 million from the capital markets. The proceeds would be used to complete partially executed projects and protect existing investments, helping to mitigate potential losses,” she said.

Building on 2025 gains

According to the minister, EXIM Bank disbursed GH₵304 million in 2025 under its Credit Creation Policy, aimed at strengthening credit quality while supporting businesses, particularly micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), to expand production capacity.

She said the investments are already showing results, with loan repayments in 2025 reaching GH₵107 million, an indication of improving loan performance.

However, recovery efforts on older or problematic loans are continuing, with some cases in court and others referred to security agencies.

The proposed US$200 million raise is therefore not only about expansion, but also risk management — ensuring that sunk investments are not lost and that stalled projects can be brought back to life.

Export growth ambition

The minister said the stronger financial position of EXIM Bank is expected to accelerate growth in non-traditional exports, with government targeting an increase in export earnings from US$3.5 billion to US$10 billion by 2030.

This ambition reflects a broader strategy to reduce reliance on traditional exports by supporting agro-processing, light manufacturing and value-added production for both domestic and export markets.

Industrial competitiveness

Beyond financing, the ministry is rolling out measures to improve the competitiveness and sustainability of local industries.

Key steps include securing 40,000 acres of land in Yeji for large-scale contract farming, aimed at guaranteeing raw materials for agro-industries, and cabinet approval to restrict the export of non-ferrous scrap metal to ensure steady supply for domestic manufacturers.

These measures are designed to tackle a long-standing problem for industry: unreliable access to affordable raw materials.

Jobs and rapid industrialisation

Mrs. Ofosu-Adjare said the government’s rapid industrialisation and jobs initiative is focused on value addition, revival of defunct factories and establishment of strategic industries to create jobs and boost growth.

Several major policies have been drafted under this programme, including the Textiles and Garments Manufacturing Policy, Pharmaceuticals Manufacturing Policy, Special Economic Zones Policy, Automotive Components Manufacturing Policy, and a revised Ghana Automotive Development Policy to include electric vehicles (EVs) as well as two- and three-wheelers.

As part of the push into EV manufacturing, government has signed a memorandum of understanding with Shenzhen New Gecko of China to set up an EV assembly plant, and is in discussions with Chery International for another plant.

In garments alone, the minister said the initiatives could create about 2,700 jobs in the short to medium term.

Outlook

The proposed US$200 million capital raise positions EXIM Bank as a central pillar in Ghana’s industrial strategy not just as a lender, but as a stabilizer of existing investments and a catalyst for new ones.

If successfully executed, it could ease one of the biggest bottlenecks facing industry: access to long-term finance, while reinforcing the government’s push to build a more diversified, export-oriented and job-rich economy.

Source: By Ernest Bako WUBONTO