Côte d’Ivoire partners to boost finance for women-led businesses

Abidjan — A landmark partnership between Orange Bank Africa, a fully digital bank based in Abidjan, and SGPME, Côte d’Ivoire’s state-backed credit guarantee institution, will unlock up to 17 billion FCFA in financing for small and growing businesses, with a special focus on empowering women entrepreneurs.

The agreements, signed in the Ivorian capital, introduce two customized financing schemes designed to address the most pressing challenge facing Côte d’Ivoire’s business landscape: access to capital. While the West African nation boasts a vibrant entrepreneurial spirit, many small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) struggle to secure the credit they need to grow, expand operations, or simply keep their doors open.

Breaking barriers for women-led enterprises

Under these new arrangements, 4 billion FCFA will be earmarked exclusively for women-led businesses, reflecting the growing recognition of the critical role female entrepreneurs play in Côte d’Ivoire’s economic future. Audrey Koffi, Chief Executive Officer of Orange Bank Africa, emphasized the urgency of this initiative during the signing ceremony.

“We are here to serve those who are building the backbone of our economy,” she said. “The biggest hurdle for most businesses isn’t the market or even a lack of ideas—it’s access to financing. That’s why we’ve joined forces with SGPME: to remove this barrier once and for all.”

She revealed that Orange Bank Africa disburses approximately 20 billion FCFA in loans monthly, demonstrating its commitment to digital financial inclusion across West Africa. With the new partnership, the bank will now be able to extend credit specifically to women entrepreneurs, supported by a 70% guarantee from SGPME on qualifying loans.

SGPME steps up as credit guarantor

Joëlle Kouassi, CEO of SGPME, outlined how the partnership will function in practice. “Traditionally, when a business applies for a loan, banks require collateral,” she explained. “Our role is to step in as a guarantor, sharing the credit risk with the lender.”

Under the new agreements, SGPME will provide a minimum guarantee of 50%, rising to 70% for women-led businesses. “Our goal is to close the financing gap that continues to hold back SMEs,” Kouassi stated. “These funds won’t solve every problem, but they represent a meaningful step forward in reducing inequality in access to capital.”

Digital banking as a catalyst for economic growth

Founded in 2020, Orange Bank Africa has celebrated its sixth anniversary this year, marking six years of innovation in digital banking across the region. As a 100% digital institution, it is uniquely positioned to serve the underserved—especially women, youth, and rural populations—who have historically been excluded from traditional banking systems.

The partnership with SGPME aligns with the bank’s broader mission: to democratize financial services and drive economic inclusion through technology. By combining Orange Bank Africa’s digital infrastructure with SGPME’s state-backed guarantees, the initiative aims to unlock new opportunities for Côte d’Ivoire’s entrepreneurs, particularly those who have long faced systemic barriers to funding.

With 17 billion FCFA now available to support small businesses—including 4 billion FCFA dedicated to women—Côte d’Ivoire is taking bold steps toward a more inclusive and resilient economy.