Access to finance remains a critical obstacle to business in West Africa despite profitable lending opportunities in nontraditional sectors. Companies seeking financing often cannot obtain it – when they do, the loans they are offered come with very high interest rates and other onerous conditions. Without access to finance, companies cannot buy raw materials and machinery to equip their factories – or pay employees to work. The commercial banking system in West Africa is not accustomed to financing companies outside of large traditional sectors, like telecommunications, oil and other basic commodities.  The Trade Hub is working with banks and investors, government services, bilateral and multilateral organizations, and exporting companies to overcome the obstacles to lending.