How African Importers and Exporters Are Securing Trade Finance Without Local Bank Support
How African Importers and Exporters Are Securing Trade Finance Without Local Bank Support
You’re not alone — and you’re not stuck. Here’s how African operators are closing international trade deals without relying on domestic banks.
African trade is growing — but most local banks aren’t keeping up. Importers can’t get timely LCs. Exporters struggle to secure confirmation. And trade corridors worth millions are slowed down or canceled because no one wants to take on payment risk.
At Financely, we solve that problem. We help African businesses access global trade finance infrastructure — without waiting for their bank to say yes.
The Problem: Local Banks Are the Bottleneck
You’ve probably dealt with it already:
- LC applications that take 3–4 weeks to review
- Requests denied due to jurisdiction or lack of offshore risk appetite
- Manual paperwork, unclear timelines, and zero transparency
This doesn’t work when you’re trying to close a $1.2M agro shipment to Europe or import industrial equipment on tight terms. Your supplier needs an LC. Your buyer wants delivery. And your bank wants a committee meeting.
The Solution: Use a Global SPV and Financely’s Issuer Network
Financely sets up a special-purpose vehicle (SPV) for your transaction in a favorable jurisdiction — such as the UAE, UK, or Singapore — and handles:
- Deal structuring(matching your timeline and buyer/seller terms)
- Documentation preparation(draft LC terms, KYC, contracts)
- Routing to global LC desks that issue through banks in our network
You don’t need to open an account. You don’t need to fly out. You send the contract, and we do the rest. The LC gets issued — and the deal moves forward.
Who This Works For
- Importers: Bringing in raw materials, equipment, or components on deferred payment terms
- Exporters: Needing a confirmed LC to ship goods without payment risk
- Trading companies: Handling back-to-back or multi-country transactions where local banks say no
Real-World Example
A Ghanaian importer needed a $1.5M UPAS LC to secure equipment from China. Their bank quoted a 4-week processing time with no guarantee of approval. We structured the deal through a Dubai SPV, routed it to a private LC desk in Europe, and had the instrument issued in 72 hours. Supplier got paid. Deal executed. Everyone moved on.
Why This Works
- SPVs are trusted by international banks — they remove jurisdiction risk
- We underwrite your deal internally — so we don’t submit weak files
- Issuing banks in our network know our process — and respond fast
Need Trade Finance Without Your Local Bank?
We help African importers and exporters get deals funded using SPVs and real issuing banks — without the red tape. Submit your deal and we’ll take care of the structure, pricing, and execution.
Submit Your Deal Book a 1:1 CallTrade Finance Without Borders — That’s How We Work
At Financely, we help African importers and exporters close international trade deals by giving them access to top-tier LC issuance and structuring through global platforms. No banking relationship? No problem. We’ll build you the structure, get the instrument issued, and help you move faster than your bank ever could.
Get Started With Us
Submit Your Deal & Receive a Proposal Within 1-3 Working Days
Submit your deal using our secure intake form, and receive a quote within 1-3 business days. Existing clients can connect with their relationship manager through our secure web portal.
All submissions are
promptly reviewed, and all communications are conducted through the intake form or the client portal for a seamless and secure process.
Thank you for considering working with us. A nominal fee of US$500 is required upon completion of each form. This fee covers the time and effort we invest in reviewing your submission and crafting a thorough proposal. We receive numerous inquiries and prioritize those that carry this fee, ensuring serious applicants receive prompt attention.
Trade Finance
Tap into solutions like letters of credit, bank guarantees, and payment facilitation. We address the challenge of global transaction risk through structured strategies that foster cross-border growth. Complete the form to unlock streamlined funding aligned with your commercial objectives.
Submit a RequestProject Finance
Access non-recourse funding for infrastructure, renewable energy, or other capital-intensive ventures. We mitigate capital constraints by isolating project assets and focusing on risk management. Provide your details to receive a structure that drives growth and maximizes returns.
Submit a RequestAcquisitions
Secure financing for business or real estate acquisitions. We ease transaction hurdles by reviewing cash flow, synergy opportunities, and exit plans. Complete the form for a customized proposal that supports your strategic investment objectives.
Submit a RequestFor Banks
Financely assists banks facing Basel III pressures by distributing trade finance deals and providing collateral for letters of credit. We reduce capital burdens while preserving client relationships and fostering service expansion. Submit your request to optimize your trade finance offerings.
Submit a RequestOnce we receive your submission, our team will review your information to determine feasibility. If eligible, you will receive a proposal or term sheet within 1–3 business days. Visit our FAQ and Procedure pages for more information.
Disclaimer: Financely provides financing based on due diligence and feasibility. Approval is not guaranteed, and past performance does not predict future outcomes. All terms are subject to review. Financely primarily assists with structuring and distribution. Qualified parties carry out the project if the client approves the proposal.
