The International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC), the trade finance and trade development arm of the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Group, has surpassed US$100 billion in cumulative trade finance approvals since beginning operations in 2008, marking a major milestone in its contribution to international trade and economic development.
Announced on 26 October 2026, the achievement reflects nearly two decades of financing and partnerships designed to strengthen trade flows, support businesses and improve economic resilience across the Corporation’s member countries. ITFC’s operations have helped finance essential imports and exports, reinforce food and energy security, connect producers and exporters to markets, and provide companies with the financing and inputs needed to sustain and expand their activities.
Beyond the headline figure, the Corporation’s impact is reflected in the households, farmers and businesses reached through its operations. In 2025 alone, ITFC-supported activities contributed to food access for approximately 24 million households and electricity access for an estimated 17.8 million households. Its operations also reached around 460,000 farmers and provided access to finance for 546 corporations and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
The figures underscore the connection between trade finance and everyday economic needs. By helping countries secure essential commodities and enabling businesses to maintain production, trade finance can support livelihoods, strengthen supply chains and create opportunities for economic participation.
ITFC has also directed a substantial share of its financing towards countries facing greater development challenges. More than one-third of its cumulative approvals have supported least developed countries, where access to affordable and reliable trade finance can be particularly constrained. Such financing can help bridge gaps in trade credit, facilitate access to international markets and support economic activity in vulnerable economies.
The Corporation has played a countercyclical role during periods of global and regional disruption, including financial crises, the COVID-19 pandemic and more recent geopolitical shocks. By continuing to support critical trade flows when commercial trade credit became more difficult to obtain, ITFC has sought to help member countries maintain access to essential goods and sustain economic activity during periods of uncertainty.
Commenting on the milestone, ITFC Chief Executive Officer Eng. Adeeb Yousuf Al Aama described the achievement as more than a measure of financial scale, emphasizing the partnerships and development outcomes behind the cumulative approvals. He highlighted the role of trade in delivering essential commodities, supporting businesses, connecting markets and strengthening livelihoods, alongside the contribution of the wider IsDB Group and financing partners.
The milestone comes as the IsDB Group advances its Ten-Year Strategic Framework for 2026–2035 and Five-Year Corporate Strategies for 2026–2030. Within this broader direction, ITFC plans to build on its track record by scaling trade finance sustainably, mobilizing additional private and institutional capital, expanding financing access for SMEs, advancing digital trade finance solutions and deepening partnerships across its member countries.
These priorities reflect the evolving demands of international commerce, where businesses need more accessible financing, efficient trade processes and stronger connections to regional and global markets. Digital solutions and broader participation by private-sector financiers could help expand access to trade finance, particularly for smaller businesses that face difficulties meeting conventional financing requirements.
As ITFC enters its next phase, the challenge will be to translate its growing financing capacity into sustained, measurable development outcomes. Continued attention to access, affordability and the needs of smaller businesses will be important in ensuring that trade finance supports not only larger trade flows but also broader economic participation.
Surpassing US$100 billion in cumulative approvals represents a significant institutional milestone. For ITFC, the next stage will centre on strengthening trade as a driver of economic growth, resilience and shared prosperity across the markets it serves.
