17 billion FCFA financing deal to boost Ivorian SMEs and startups

Orange Bank Africa, a fully digital bank headquartered in Abidjan, has formalized two strategic partnership agreements with Côte d’Ivoire’s Société de Garantie des Crédits aux Petites et Moyennes Entreprises (SGPME). The ceremonies took place in the economic capital on July 23, 2026, marking a significant step toward expanding financial inclusion for Ivorian businesses.

These agreements unlock up to 17 billion FCFA in credit facilities exclusively for small, medium, and intermediate enterprises (TPE, PME, and ETI) across Côte d’Ivoire. Notably, 4 billion FCFA of this total is earmarked for female entrepreneurs, reinforcing the country’s commitment to economic empowerment through gender-inclusive financing.

Breaking barriers in business financing

Speaking at the signing event, Audrey Koffi, CEO of Orange Bank Africa, emphasized the critical role these partnerships play in addressing the core challenge faced by Ivorian entrepreneurs: access to capital.

“Orange Bank Africa exists to empower those shaping the backbone of our economy,” she stated. “While Côte d’Ivoire boasts vibrant markets and innovative ideas, the biggest hurdle for most businesses isn’t demand—it’s securing the funds to grow. That’s why we’ve joined forces with SGPME to create solutions that dismantle these barriers.”

Audrey Koffi highlighted the bank’s monthly commitment to disbursing approximately 20 billion FCFA in credit, with the new partnership enabling a substantial portion to reach women-led enterprises through dedicated credit lines.

A game-changer for female entrepreneurs

The collaboration between Orange Bank Africa and SGPME introduces credit guarantees of up to 70% for women entrepreneurs, drastically reducing the collateral requirements traditionally imposed by lenders. This initiative aims to unlock financing for a broader segment of the population, particularly those historically excluded from formal credit markets.

Joëlle Kouassi, CEO of SGPME, underscored the transformative potential of these guarantees: “Our goal is to bridge the financing gap that persists in Côte d’Ivoire. While 17 billion FCFA won’t resolve all the credit needs of local businesses, it’s a meaningful start toward leveling the playing field.”

She further explained that SGPME’s role in these agreements involves assuming a minimum of 50% and up to 70% of the credit risk, thereby encouraging banks like Orange Bank Africa to extend loans to risk-averse segments of the market.

Digital innovation meets financial inclusion

Founded six years ago, Orange Bank Africa has been a pioneer in Africa’s digital banking revolution. On the same day as the SGPME agreements, the bank celebrated its sixth anniversary, reaffirming its mission to democratize financial services and foster economic inclusion across West Africa.

The partnerships with SGPME align with this vision by leveraging technology to streamline loan approvals and reduce bureaucratic hurdles. By combining Orange Bank Africa’s digital infrastructure with SGPME’s risk-sharing mechanisms, the initiatives aim to accelerate the growth of Côte d’Ivoire’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.