Export Financing Guide
Access the working capital you need to fulfill export orders. From pre-shipment financing to SME programs, find the right funding for your export business.
Pre-Shipment Financing Options
Finance your production and preparation costs before goods are shipped.
Packing Credit
Short-term loan to finance production, packaging, and preparation of export goods.
Pre-Export Financing
Working capital facility secured against export orders or contracts.
Raw Material Finance
Financing to purchase inputs needed for export production.
Warehouse Receipt Finance
Loans against goods stored in certified warehouses.
Post-Shipment Financing Options
Get paid immediately after shipping, without waiting for buyer payment.
Export Bill Discounting
Same-day to 48 hoursImmediate payment against submitted export documents, at a discount.
Negotiation under LC
Upon document verificationBank purchases export documents under a Letter of Credit.
Post-Shipment Credit
1-3 days after shippingLoan against shipped goods pending payment from buyer.
Forfaiting
1-2 weeks setupSell medium/long-term receivables without recourse.
African Export Credit Agencies (ECAs)
Export Credit Insurance Corporation (ECIC)
Société Marocaine d'Assurance à l'Exportation (SMAEX)
ASACE (Agence Sénégalaise pour l'Assurance du Commerce Extérieur)
Financing Options for SME Exporters
Invoice Financing (Fintech)
Upload invoices to platforms for quick funding
- Fast approval (24-48 hrs)
- No collateral
- Digital process
- • Higher rates (2-5% per month)
- • Short terms
Supply Chain Finance
Large buyers help finance their small suppliers
- Lower rates
- Based on buyer credit
- Relationship building
- • Limited to select buyers
- • May require onboarding
Microfinance Export Loans
Specialized MFIs offering export working capital
- Accessible for small exporters
- Flexible terms
- • Smaller amounts
- • May require training
Cooperative/Group Lending
Export cooperatives access finance collectively
- Shared risk
- Better terms collectively
- Knowledge sharing
- • Requires organization
- • Group liability
Typical Documentation Requirements
Company Documents
- Certificate of incorporation
- Tax clearance certificate
- Business license
- Directors' ID/passports
Financial Documents
- Audited financial statements (2-3 years)
- Bank statements (12 months)
- Cash flow projections
- Asset/liability statement
Export Documents
- Sales contract or LC
- Pro forma invoice
- Export license (if required)
- Previous export track record
Collateral Documents
- Property titles (if applicable)
- Warehouse receipts
- Insurance certificates
- Guarantee agreements
Frequently Asked Questions
Pro Tips
Build banking relationships before you need financing
Keep clean financial records for faster approvals
Start with small facilities to build track record
Combine multiple sources (LC + insurance + invoice finance)