The International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC), a member of the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Group, said it had been named Leading Non-bank Trade Finance and Investment Provider, including trade finance funds, at the GTR+ Middle East and Africa (MEA) Leaders in Trade Awards 2026.

The award winners were selected through a reader vote, marking the first time the awards adopted a reader-voted format, ITFC said.

The awards recognise financial institutions and service providers operating across the trade finance sector in the Middle East and Africa.

The 2026 edition introduced a voting process involving readers of Global Trade Review, the international trade finance publication that organises the awards.

According to ITFC, the recognition reflects votes from the trade finance community rather than an assessment announced solely by the corporation.

The distinction comes as financial institutions and specialist financing providers continue to play a role in facilitating international trade, particularly in markets where businesses and governments require financing to support imports, exports and essential commodity supplies.

ITFC provides Shariah-compliant trade finance and trade development solutions to countries belonging to the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).

The corporation approved $9.3 billion across 144 trade finance operations in 25 member countries in 2025, according to figures released in its award announcement.

The financing supported trade flows involving essential commodities, private sector businesses and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

Trade finance provides businesses with financial products and arrangements that help them manage payments, working capital and risks associated with domestic and international trade.

For companies involved in cross-border transactions, access to financing can help bridge the period between purchasing goods, shipping products and receiving payment from customers.

Islamic trade finance applies principles consistent with Islamic finance, including restrictions on interest-based transactions. Financing structures can include arrangements based on the purchase and resale of goods, partnerships and other Shariah-compliant mechanisms.

ITFC’s activities cover trade financing as well as programmes designed to strengthen trade capacity and cooperation among member countries.

Since beginning operations in January 2008, ITFC has provided more than $100 billion in financing to OIC member countries, according to the corporation.

Its work involves governments, financial institutions and private sector clients, with a focus on improving access to trade finance and supporting trade between member countries.

The corporation is part of the Islamic Development Bank Group, a multilateral development institution established to support economic and social development in its member countries.

The OIC comprises countries across Africa, Asia, the Middle East and other regions. Trade finance institutions operating within these markets can support transactions involving energy, food, agriculture, manufacturing and other sectors.

For businesses, particularly SMEs, access to trade finance remains an important consideration when seeking to participate in international supply chains. Financing constraints can limit the ability of companies to purchase inventory, meet export orders or maintain operations while awaiting payment.

The corporation said its 2026-2030 strategy would involve expanding its sovereign, private sector and non-sovereign business activities.

It also plans to integrate development impact into its operations while maintaining financial resilience, according to its announcement.

Sovereign financing generally involves financing arrangements with governments or government-backed entities, while private sector financing supports businesses and financial institutions. Non-sovereign operations are those that do not carry a direct government repayment obligation.

The strategy comes as development finance institutions face the challenge of supporting economic activity while managing financial risks and responding to financing requirements across their member countries.

ITFC has identified food and energy security, private sector development and access to trade finance for SMEs as areas relevant to its work.

The corporation has also highlighted partnerships between governments, financial institutions and private sector organisations as part of its approach to mobilising financing and supporting trade.

The GTR+ MEA Leaders in Trade Awards provide recognition across different categories of the trade finance industry, including banking, supply chain finance, commodity finance and specialist financing services.

The 2026 results reflect the participation of trade finance professionals and readers in the voting process, according to the awards announcement.

For ITFC, the recognition adds to its public profile as a multilateral trade finance provider serving OIC member countries.

The corporation said its representatives were available to discuss the award, the role of Islamic trade finance in supporting essential trade, expanding financing access for SMEs and its priorities under the 2026-2030 strategy.

The latest recognition comes as trade finance remains an important component of international commerce, helping connect businesses, financial institutions and governments involved in cross-border transactions.