Absa is looking to promote intra-regional trade and investment through a $250-million trade finance deal.According to Temi Ofong, deputy CEO of Absa regional operations and chief operating officer at Absa Corporate and Investment Banking, the bank has signed a $250-million risk participation agreement (RPA) with the African Development Bank (Af DB) which, when fully utilised, will mobilise an estimated $2 billion worth of trade business over the next three years.“Intra-Africa trade is crucial to harness the potential of the continent, which boasts 60% of the world’s arable land and an abundance of resources. Af DB and Absa are financial institutions that are intimately involved in the provision of financial services to support these f lows,” said Ofong.