17 billion FCFA financing deal boosts ivorian SMEs and women-led businesses

Orange Bank Africa and SGPME join forces to unlock SME financing in Côte d’Ivoire

Orange Bank Africa, a fully digital bank based in Abidjan, has partnered with SGPME—Ivory Coast’s state-backed Société de Garantie des Crédits aux Petites et Moyennes Entreprises—to introduce two groundbreaking agreements aimed at strengthening financial access for local businesses.

These partnerships will unlock up to 17 billion FCFA in funding for Côte d’Ivoire’s small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), micro-enterprises (TPEs), and intermediate-sized companies (ETIs). A dedicated portion of 4 billion FCFA is earmarked exclusively to support women entrepreneurs, addressing critical gaps in gender-based access to capital.

Breaking barriers in business financing

Audrey Koffi, CEO of Orange Bank Africa, highlighted the core challenge many Ivorians face: “While these entrepreneurs excel in innovation and market reach, the real bottleneck is financing. That’s why we’ve teamed up with SGPME to create solutions that remove this hurdle.”

She emphasized the bank’s commitment to leveraging digital finance as a catalyst for economic growth: “In Côte d’Ivoire, women are driving entrepreneurship. With this agreement, we’re dedicating credit lines specifically for them—up to 4 billion FCFA. And thanks to SGPME’s backing, these loans come with guarantees of up to 70%, reducing risk for both borrowers and lenders.”

The bank disburses approximately 20 billion FCFA in loans monthly, demonstrating its role as a key player in the region’s financial ecosystem. By integrating SGPME’s guarantees, Orange Bank Africa is further expanding its ability to serve underfunded segments, particularly female-led ventures.

SGPME’s role in reducing financial exclusion

Joëlle Kouassi, CEO of SGPME, underscored the institution’s mission: “Our purpose is to bridge the financing divide that has long constrained SMEs. While 17 billion FCFA won’t solve every funding need, it’s a meaningful step toward greater inclusion.”

She explained the partnership’s structure: “We provide a minimum guarantee of 50%, scaling up to 70%, which allows banks like Orange Bank Africa to approve loans they might otherwise reject. This reduces the upfront collateral burden on entrepreneurs, making it easier for them to secure the capital they need to grow.”

The collaboration is backed by support from international development partners, reinforcing its impact. Established by the Ivorian government, SGPME continues to play a pivotal role in fostering an enabling environment for small businesses to thrive.

Digital banking as a driver of economic inclusion

Orange Bank Africa, marking its sixth anniversary on July 23, 2026, remains focused on democratizing financial services across West Africa. With a fully digital model, the bank eliminates traditional barriers like branch visits and paperwork, making finance more accessible to remote communities and underserved groups—especially women.

By combining technology with strategic partnerships, the bank is not just facilitating loans but reshaping how entrepreneurs in Côte d’Ivoire access economic opportunities. This initiative reflects a broader trend toward innovation-driven financial inclusion in the region.