Referred to as the main multilateral partnership channel through which LDCs are able to access Aid for Trade Support, the EIF assist LDCs prioritize their key trade-related needs to attract donor support.

The EIF partnership comprises 24 donors, 51 countries and 8 partner agencies. They also work in partnership with governments and development and civil society organization.

Founded in 2007, the EIF’s structure enjoys the support of a Steering Committee (mainly advisory role), a board (mainly decision making) and a Multi –Donor Trust Fund.

EIF works in close collaboration with the 11 LDCs in the ECOWAS region and is one of the main sources of assistance for Aid for Trade and related activities and programs in the region.

EIF focus areas include financing at scale, working in vulnerable economies, acting as an honest broker, investing in trade for development, encouraging country ownership and exchanging knowledge and innovation.

Projects financed through the EIF trust Fund are categorized into Tiers 1 and Tier 2. Tier 1 projects focuses more on capacity building of LDCs to be able to incorporate trade in national development plans as well as developing bankable trade and related projects. Tier 2 is more about the implementation of identified national and regional priorities.

Visit EIF website for more information