Russian ECA plans special loans for African companies

(Punch Nigeria, Lagos, 29 July 2023) President Vladimir Putin of Russia says his country will offer preferential loans to enable African companies to buy industrial goods from the European country and enjoy after-sales services. He said his government was devising a leasing mechanism tailored for Africa, and that the Russian Agency for Export Credit and Investment Insurance would provide insurance for the planned preferential loans. The Russian leader made the disclosure during the ongoing Russia-Africa Summit and Russia-Africa Economic and Humanitarian Forum holding in St. Petersburg, Russia. According to him, the Russia government is also about to establish a dedicated investment fund for co-financing infrastructure projects in the African continent.