In a significant development for the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA), Moody’s Ratings has upgraded the bank’s foreign currency long-term issuer and senior unsecured ratings from Aa2 to Aa1.

This decision highlights BADEA’s robust financial health, marked by enhanced capital adequacy and improved asset performance, despite the ongoing challenges in the Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) region.

Moody’s decision to elevate BADEA’s rating is primarily attributed to its solid capital adequacy. Over recent years, BADEA has successfully bolstered its capital position and demonstrated resilience in its asset performance.

This achievement is particularly noteworthy given the often volatile and unpredictable economic environment of the SSA region. The bank’s leverage ratio has remained stable at 0.7x, even as its Development Related Assets (DRA) surged from US$2.2 billion to US$3.2 billion over the past three years, representing an average annual growth rate of 16.2%.

Another key factor contributing to the rating upgrade is BADEA’s significantly improved liquidity position. The bank has successfully restored and strengthened its liquidity buffers, largely through a successful capital market issuance. This improved liquidity ensures that BADEA can continue to meet its financial obligations and support its development initiatives across Africa without undue stress.

Robust Shareholder Support

BADEA’s high rating is also a reflection of the strong support it receives from its shareholders. This backing was recently reaffirmed with the formalisation of a substantial US$5 billion callable capital increase granted in 2022. Such support underscores the confidence that shareholders have in BADEA’s mission and operational effectiveness, and it plays a crucial role in the bank’s ability to secure favorable credit ratings.

The change in outlook to stable indicates Moody’s confidence that BADEA will maintain its strong capital and liquidity positions.

This outlook reflects expectations that the bank’s robust asset performance metrics will be sustained, even amidst the weak operating conditions in many of its countries of operation. Despite the challenging economic environment, BADEA has managed to keep its non-performing loans in check and maintain low leverage.

BADEA’s long history of profitability further strengthens its financial standing. In 2023, the bank recorded profits of US$292 million, a testament to its effective financial management and strategic investments.

Notably, BADEA has consistently reinvested its profits into its general reserves as retained earnings, rather than distributing dividends. This prudent approach has fortified the bank’s usable equity and positioned it well for future stability and growth.

Looking ahead, BADEA’s strategic plan aims for moderate asset growth, which should help maintain its extraordinarily solid capital position. By carefully balancing growth with financial prudence, BADEA is poised to continue its vital role in channeling Arab investment into Africa.

Moody’s upgrade of BADEA’s ratings to Aa1 and the change in outlook to stable reflect a strong vote of confidence in the bank’s financial health and strategic direction. BADEA’s enhanced capital adequacy, improved liquidity position, robust shareholder support, and sustained profitability are all critical factors contributing to this positive assessment.

As BADEA continues to sail across the difficulties of the SSA region, it remains well-positioned to drive economic development and investment in Africa, underpinned by a stable and robust financial foundation.