In a landmark move to catalyze economic growth in Côte d’Ivoire, Orange Bank Africa, the country’s leading 100% digital bank, has formalized a strategic alliance with the SGPME (Société de Garantie des Crédits aux Petites et Moyennes Entreprises). The agreements, signed in Abidjan, unlock a substantial FCFA 17 billion financing package exclusively designed to empower small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), micro-enterprises (TPEs), and mid-sized firms (ETIs) across the nation.
Of this total, FCFA 4 billion will be earmarked to support women-led businesses, reflecting the bank’s commitment to fostering gender-inclusive entrepreneurship. Audrey Koffi, CEO of Orange Bank Africa, emphasized the transformative potential of these initiatives during the signing ceremony. “Our mission is clear: to equip the builders of our economy with the financial tools they need to thrive,” she stated. “While market opportunities and innovative ideas abound, the primary obstacle for most entrepreneurs remains access to affordable financing. That’s why this partnership with the SGPME is vital—it directly addresses this gap by providing credit lines tailored to women and expanding the horizons of SMEs.”
Orange Bank Africa’s track record speaks volumes. The institution disburses approximately FCFA 20 billion in monthly credit, a testament to its role as a key player in West Africa’s digital banking landscape. The newly signed agreements with the SGPME will further amplify this impact, particularly for women entrepreneurs. “With this collaboration, we’re unlocking FCFA 4 billion in dedicated credit for women,” Koffi added. “What makes this initiative groundbreaking is the SGPME’s commitment to cover up to 70% of the guarantee, significantly reducing the risk for financial institutions and ensuring more women can access the capital they need to scale their ventures.”
Joëlle Kouassi, CEO of the SGPME, underscored the broader vision behind the partnership. “Traditionally, financial institutions demand collateral from SMEs seeking loans, creating a barrier for many deserving entrepreneurs,” she explained. “Our role in this collaboration is to step in as the guarantor, covering up to 50% to 70% of the credit risk. This mechanism not only eases the financing process but also bridges the long-standing divide in access to capital for SMEs.”
While the FCFA 17 billion infusion represents a significant milestone, Kouassi acknowledged that it is just one step toward addressing the vast financing needs of the Ivorian SME ecosystem. “We recognize that these funds alone cannot meet every demand, but they mark a critical advancement in our collective effort to create a more inclusive financial environment,” she noted.
Established by the Ivorian government, the SGPME was created to dismantle the barriers that have historically stifled the growth of small and medium-sized businesses. This partnership with Orange Bank Africa aligns perfectly with that mandate, leveraging digital banking innovation to drive economic inclusion. As Orange Bank Africa celebrates its sixth anniversary, the alliance with the SGPME underscores its dedication to redefining financial services in West Africa—making credit more accessible, faster, and tailored to the unique needs of entrepreneurs.
