JEDDAH — The International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC), a member of the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Group, signed a Euro 107 million Murabaha Financing Agreement (CFA franc 70 billion) to finance Burkina Faso Cotton Season with SOFITEX (the national cotton company) as executing agent.
This transaction is in line with the new $450 million Framework Agreement, signed in May 2017, with the government of Burkina Faso for the coming 3 years.

The Euro 107 Million Murabaha Financing Agreement was signed by Eng. Hani Salem Sonbol, CEO, ITFC, and Wilfried Yameogo, CEO, SOFITEX (representing Burkina’s Minister of Economy, Finance & Development).
Highlighting the importance of such agreements in terms of supporting trade finance activities in Burkina Faso, Sonbol said: “ITFC’s support for the Cotton sector in Burkina Faso is in line with its strategy of prioritizing its financing to the key sectors driving economic growth and income generation for the people in member countries.”
He further explained that the proposed operation is to consolidate ITFC's financing package for Burkina, leveraging on the Corporation's ability to mobilize resources from the market while positioning itself as the “Cotton Bank of West Africa”.
This financing agreement will support the purchase of seed cotton from farmers and cooperatives. This will also have a positive impact on the income of the farmers and improve their living conditions.
Burkina Faso has benefited from more than $925 million of financing since ITFC’s inception in 2008.

The ITFC is an autonomous entity within the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Group. ITFC commenced operations in January 2008 with the purpose of consolidating all the trade finance businesses that used to be handled by various windows within the IsDB Group. The consolidation of IsDB Group’s trade finance activities under a single umbrella enhanced the Corporation’s efficiency in service delivery by enabling rapid responses to customer needs in a market-driven business environment. 
As a leader in Shariah-compliant trade finance, ITFC deploys its expertise and funds to businesses and governments in its member countries. With the vision of being the leading provider of trade solutions for OIC member countries’ needs, the corporation helps entities in member countries gain better access to trade finance and provides them with trade development programs in order to help them compete successfully in the global market.

Operating to world class standards, ITFC promotes IsDB developmental objectives through its two main pillars, Trade Finance and Trade Development, to fulfil its brand promise of 'Advancing Trade & Improving Lives'. — SG