Financing to support working-capital needs and expansion in key markets
By Anton Usov
The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) is supporting the operations of Abris Distribution-Kazakhstan (Abris), a leading regional distributor of information technology (IT) products and related services in Central Asia and the Caucasus.
The EBRD’s loan of up to US$ 11 million (€9.6 million) or its equivalent in KZT will be used to support Abris’ working-capital needs and will facilitate its expansion in its main areas of operation and selected eastern European markets. The funds will also be used to accelerate Abris’ digital transformation, particularly through the adoption of digital technologies.
Founded in 1995, Abris Distribution operates in 10 countries and represents 60 global technology vendors such as Cisco, HP, IBM and Lenovo. Across Central Asia and the Caucasus, the group combines access to international technology with local market knowledge, technical expertise and channel development. The loan will enable Abris to increase its investment in technology equipment and improve vendor financing arrangements.
The EBRD’s financing reflects growing momentum among companies in Kazakhstan, Central Asia and beyond, keen to accelerate investment in technology to modernise operations and improve efficiency. It also underscores the increasing importance of cybersecurity, data governance and regulatory compliance to businesses in the region. These are the areas where Abris is well positioned to support its partners.
The EBRD has invested almost US$ 13.5 billion (€11.7 billion) in Kazakhstan to date through 359 projects, making the country the largest and longest‑running recipient of EBRD investment in Central Asia.
