Côte d’Ivoire: 17 billion FCFA funding boost for SMEs and women-led businesses
Abidjan — Orange Bank Africa, Côte d’Ivoire’s first fully digital bank, has joined forces with the Société de Garantie des Crédits aux Petites et Moyennes Entreprises (SGPME) to unlock critical financing for the nation’s small businesses. The landmark agreements signed in Abidjan will channel up to 17 billion FCFA into the hands of Ivorian SMEs, VSEs, and mid-sized enterprises, with a dedicated 4 billion FCFA earmarked exclusively for women entrepreneurs.
Breaking barriers to financing for Ivorian businesses
Audrey Koffi, Chief Executive Officer of Orange Bank Africa, emphasized that access to capital—not market opportunities or innovative ideas—remains the biggest hurdle for local businesses. Speaking at the signing ceremony, she highlighted the urgent need for tailored financial solutions, particularly for women-led enterprises.
“In Côte d’Ivoire, women are actively building businesses. What we’re offering is straightforward: dedicated credit lines designed to empower women entrepreneurs,” Ms. Koffi stated. She revealed that Orange Bank Africa disburses approximately 20 billion FCFA in loans monthly, reinforcing its commitment to inclusive finance. The new partnership with SGPME will now direct 4 billion FCFA specifically toward women, with SGPME covering up to 70% of the credit risk in these transactions.
Collaborative push for economic growth
Joëlle Kouassi, CEO of SGPME, underscored the transformative potential of the agreement. “Traditionally, banks demand collateral from SMEs seeking loans. Our role is to step in as a guarantor, sharing the credit risk with financial institutions to ease this burden,” she explained. Under the new partnership, SGPME will provide a minimum 50% to 70% guarantee on approved loans, significantly reducing barriers for businesses.
“Our goal is to shrink the financing gap that has long constrained Ivorian SMEs. While 17 billion FCFA won’t solve all their needs, it’s a meaningful step forward,” Ms. Kouassi noted. She confirmed that SGPME was established by the Ivorian government precisely to bridge this funding divide.
Digital finance as a growth engine
Orange Bank Africa, which celebrates its sixth anniversary on July 23, 2026, is leveraging technology to democratize financial services across West Africa. By integrating digital solutions with strategic partnerships like this one, the bank aims to bolster financial inclusion and support the backbone of Côte d’Ivoire’s economy: its small and medium-sized enterprises.
The collaboration, supported by global development partners, reflects a growing trend in Africa’s financial sector—blending innovation with targeted interventions to fuel sustainable growth.
