Proparco is reinforcing its support for international trade in North Africa by including the Union Bancaire for Trade and Industry (“UBCI” in french) in its Trade Finance program as an issuing bank.
UBCI is expanding its service offering for clients and strengthening its network of correspondent banking relationships, thereby supporting the economic growth of Tunisian businesses.
On May 12, 2025, in Tunis, Proparco and UBCI signed an agreement for a €30 million Trade Finance guarantee line. The signing ceremony, held in the presence of the French Ambassador to Tunisia, Anne Guéguen, marks a further step in the longstanding partnership between the two institutions.
This initiative will help secure international trade transactions for Tunisian companies, thus fostering added value creation and supporting the country’s economic growth.
In a context of constrained financing, UBCI holds a key position in Tunisia in the field of Trade Finance. Its integration into Proparco’s network will enhance its ability to support large companies, SMEs and very small enterprises (VSEs), providing them with the necessary tools to secure their international operations—particularly in strategic sectors such as agribusiness, industry, and retail.
“By joining Proparco’s Trade Finance program, UBCI reaffirms its commitment to supporting the Tunisian economy and the internationalization of its businesses. This strategic partnership will allow us to better support our clients in their foreign trade financing needs and strengthen our role as a key driver of sustainable economic development in Tunisia,” said Mohamed Koubaa, CEO of UBCI.
“Proparco is pleased to expand its long-standing partnership with UBCI, the first Tunisian bank to join our Trade Finance program. This will benefit local companies by facilitating the import of goods essential to creating added value, thereby helping meet the needs of the local economic fabric and its SMEs,” added Frédérique Masi, Regional Director for North Africa at Proparco.
Source : TUNISIE NUMERIQUE
