Digital banking and state-backed guarantees join forces to boost SME growth
In a landmark move to strengthen Côte d’Ivoire’s economic backbone, Orange Bank Africa, the country’s leading 100% digital bank, has signed two groundbreaking partnership agreements with the Société de Garantie des Crédits aux Petites et Moyennes Entreprises (SGPME). The collaborations, finalized in Abidjan on July 23, 2026, will unlock up to 17 billion FCFA in financing for Ivorian small businesses, with a special focus on women-led enterprises.
These strategic accords aim to address a critical challenge faced by local entrepreneurs: access to affordable credit. Audrey Koffi, Chief Executive Officer of Orange Bank Africa, highlighted the urgency of this initiative during the signing ceremony. “The backbone of our economy isn’t built on market opportunities or innovative ideas alone—it’s built on access to financing,” she stated. “That’s why we’ve teamed up with SGPME to create solutions that remove financial barriers, particularly for women entrepreneurs who are driving Côte d’Ivoire’s economic future.”
Empowering women-led businesses
The partnership includes a dedicated credit line of 4 billion FCFA exclusively for women-owned small and medium-sized businesses. “Each month, we disburse nearly 20 billion FCFA in loans,” explained Koffi. “With this new agreement, we’re doubling down on our commitment to women entrepreneurs by making 4 billion FCFA available immediately. What makes this initiative particularly impactful is the SGPME’s guarantee covering up to 70% of the credit risk, significantly reducing the burden on female founders.”
Joëlle Kouassi, CEO of SGPME, emphasized the transformative potential of these guarantees. “Traditionally, banks require substantial collateral before approving loans for SMEs. Our partnership with Orange Bank Africa changes this dynamic by sharing the credit risk, with SGPME guaranteeing a minimum of 50% and up to 70% of each loan. This doesn’t solve all financing gaps, but it’s a crucial step toward leveling the playing field.”
A digital leap for financial inclusion
Orange Bank Africa, which marked its sixth anniversary on the same day, has been at the forefront of revolutionizing financial services in West Africa. By leveraging digital-first solutions, the bank is committed to making financial services more accessible and affordable for all segments of Ivorian society. “Our mission goes beyond banking—it’s about creating opportunities for growth,” said Koffi. “These partnerships with SGPME align perfectly with our vision of building a more inclusive economy.”
The 17 billion FCFA in financing will benefit a wide range of businesses, from very small enterprises (VSEs) to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), as well as intermediate-sized enterprises (ETIs). The collaboration is also supported by international development partners, including the French Development Agency and the World Bank, underscoring the global confidence in Côte d’Ivoire’s economic potential.
As Côte d’Ivoire continues to emerge as a regional economic hub, initiatives like these are set to play a pivotal role in fostering sustainable growth, innovation, and entrepreneurship across the nation.