TUNISIA —The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) has increased its existing risk-sharing facility with Attijari bank Tunisia to €70 million from €20 million, expanding the bank’s capacity to finance companies across Tunisia. The EBRD is also providing a separate US$10 million facility for environmental, social and governance (ESG) investments by corporate clients.
The expanded risk-sharing arrangement is intended to support business investment and private-sector development across multiple sectors of the Tunisian economy. Under the structure, the additional financing capacity can help companies access funding for investment and expansion while sharing part of the financing risk between the EBRD and its partner financial institution.
The new ESG facility targets investments that improve companies’ environmental and social performance. Eligible uses include energy-efficiency upgrades, renewable-energy installations and waste-reduction technologies, alongside measures covering employee training, fair labour practices, risk management and gender equality. Eligible investments will also have access to grants funded by the United Kingdom through the High-Impact Partnership on Climate Action (HIPCA).
The expansion comes as Tunisian businesses seek financing for investment, operational improvements and sustainability-related projects. Greater availability of risk-sharing finance could benefit companies across manufacturing, services, energy and other private-sector activities, while the dedicated ESG facility provides an additional financing channel for businesses undertaking climate and social improvements.
The existing risk-sharing facility has supported 25 projects to date, representing around TND 400 million in financing. For businesses and financial stakeholders, the expanded arrangement increases the potential availability of longer-term investment finance through a local banking channel, while the ESG facility may help reduce financing barriers for projects linked to energy efficiency, renewable energy and resource management.
EBRD is an international financial institution that provides financing and policy support for private-sector development in its countries of operation. Attijari bank Tunisia is a Tunisian commercial bank serving corporate and other customers. Their expanded partnership increases the role of local bank financing in supporting private investment and ESG-related capital expenditure in Tunisia.
