Ecobank Partners With Togo Customs Union on Credit Facility

Finance

Tuesday, 02 September 2025 12:54

Ecobank Partners With Togo Customs Union on Credit Facility

(Togo First) - Ecobank Togo, a subsidiary of the pan-African banking group, has signed a partnership agreement with UPRAD, the Professional Union of Customs Agents, to support its members' operations. The deal was formalized on Monday, September 1, 2025, in Lomé.

Through the partnership, Ecobank will provide UPRAD members with several financial products designed to simplify their activities. These include customs bonds, which will be issued to all licensed brokers for managing goods.

Additionally, members will have access to credit lines, including overdraft facilities, to better meet the financial demands of their business. "Sometimes we have markets or contracts, but before we can execute them, national regulations require us to raise funds to pay duties and taxes on behalf of our clients before being reimbursed," explained Akakpo Koffi, UPRAD's secretary-general. "In these situations, a line of credit becomes essential."

The agreement also includes specific support for female entrepreneurs who are members of the union. Ecobank will establish a special credit line with flexible terms to encourage their participation in the sector. "The goal is to encourage more women to get into this business," said Ecobank Togo's Managing Director, Estelle Komlan.

The bank is also considering investing in the construction of UPRAD's headquarters, a project estimated to cost 3 billion CFA Francs. The partnership reinforces Ecobank's commitment to supporting various economic sectors in Togo while expanding its client base.

Esaïe Edoh

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