On February 6, 2026, BIAT marked a major step forward in the deployment of its strategy to support foreign trade through the signing of a strategic partnership with the African Development Bank (AfDB).
This agreement, which includes a transaction guarantee of USD 50 million, significantly strengthens BIAT’s capacity to support Tunisian companies in their international operations, while reaffirming its commitment to inclusive and sustainable economic development.
A partnership agreement providing for a USD 50 million transaction guarantee was signed between BIAT and the AfDB during a ceremony held on February 6, 2026, at BIAT.
This guarantee fully aligns with BIAT’s vision of strengthening international trade and supporting the national economy. It also benefits from broad geographic coverage, in partnership with the AfDB’s co-contracting correspondent banks.
Through this facility, BIAT aims to more effectively support its clients in international markets. The objective is to promote the import of capital goods and strategic technologies in key sectors such as agro-industry, light industry, telecommunications, and renewable energy.
The partnership enables BIAT’s corporate clients, regardless of their size, to access competitive international financing solutions, strengthening their position and integration into global value chains through:
- Enhanced access to international markets: the AfDB guarantee increases the confidence of foreign suppliers and their banks, facilitating acceptance of issued payment instruments.
- Optimized financing costs: thanks to the AfDB’s AAA credit rating, Tunisian companies benefit from more favorable and competitive confirmation conditions.
- Support for strategic sectors: particular attention is given to the import of essential goods, including raw materials, energy products, and industrial equipment.
On this occasion, Elyes Jebir, CEO of BIAT, stated: “Thanks to this guarantee, BIAT strengthens its role as a preferred partner for Tunisian companies operating internationally, by facilitating their access to global markets and securing their operations. BIAT stands as a solid bridge connecting Tunisian economic players to the global financial system.”
“We are delighted to enter into this partnership with BIAT, a major player in trade finance in the country. This facility will enable the AfDB to contribute to job creation and improved access for populations to essential goods and services,” said Malinne Blomberg, Deputy Director General for the North Africa Region and Country Manager for Tunisia at the AfDB.
This partnership with the AfDB illustrates BIAT’s commitment to sustainably supporting the growth of its clients by offering secure financial solutions fully aligned with international trade standards.
About the African Development Bank Group’s Transaction Guarantee
The transaction guarantee is one of the trade finance instruments established by the African Development Bank to support commercial banks in Africa.
Launched in 2021, it covers a range of trade finance instruments, including confirmed letters of credit, trade loans, irrevocable reimbursement undertakings, accepted bills of exchange, and promissory notes, among others. The facility is available to all banks registered and operating in Africa that have successfully completed the Bank’s due diligence process.
About BIAT
A universal bank and a leading player in Tunisia, BIAT today forms a strong banking group with subsidiaries in insurance, asset management, private equity, brokerage, and advisory services.
With a nationwide presence, BIAT operates 206 branches across Tunisia. Nearly 2,500 employees serve all customer segments: individuals, professionals, SMEs, large corporations, and institutional clients.
Highly attentive to its corporate social responsibility, BIAT has translated its civic positioning into numerous commitments. The creation of the BIAT Foundation for Tunisian Youth in spring 2014 is emblematic of this approach and anchors the Bank’s commitment on a lasting basis.
www.biat.com.tn
