Absa lending capacity boosted with $497m guarantee

One of the largest diversified financial service providers in Africa, Absa Group has announced that its lending capacity will increase following a $497m guarantee singed between the South African-based banking group and Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency.

The guarantee, which was implemented by Absa Group recently, will help the bank expand financing across seven countries in Sub-Saharan Africa.

It further added that, “This creates an opportunity to grow lending, with focus on increasing sustainable financing for corporates and small and medium-sized businesses, as well as projects with climate benefits”.

Absa said Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency, a member of the World Bank Group, will issue guarantees of $497m for as long as 15 years in Absa’s subsidiaries in Uganda, Ghana, Kenya, Mauritius, Mozambique, Seychelles and Zambia.

It explained further that the guarantees will help to protect Absa against risks related to mandatory capital reserves, free up financial capacity, enable Absa’s subsidiaries to provide additional lending and generate more revenue.

According to Mr Jason Quinn, the Absa Group financial director, he said that,” The guarantee allows us to provide additional financing in our subsidiaries in Uganda, Ghana, Kenya, Mauritius, Mozambique, Seychelles and Zambia.”

Absa Group Limited (‘Absa Group’) is listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange and is one of Africa’s largest diversified financial services groups.

Absa Group offers an integrated set of products and services across personal and business banking, corporate and investment banking, wealth and investment management and insurance.

Absa Group has a presence in 12 countries in Africa, with approximately 40 000 employees.