Orange Bank Africa and SGPME spearhead 17 billion FCFA financing initiative for Côte d’Ivoire’s SMEs
In a landmark move to bolster Côte d’Ivoire’s economic fabric, Orange Bank Africa, the country’s pioneering digital-only bank, has inked two strategic partnership agreements with the Société de Garantie des Crédits aux Petites et Moyennes Entreprises (SGPME). The agreements, signed in Abidjan on July 23, 2026, aim to unlock up to 17 billion FCFA in financing for the nation’s small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and very small businesses (TPEs), including a dedicated 4 billion FCFA allocation for women-led ventures.
Breaking down barriers to financial access for Ivorian businesses
Audrey Koffi, Managing Director of Orange Bank Africa, emphasized the core mission behind these partnerships: “Our primary goal is to serve those who are building the backbone of our economy. We understand that for most of these enterprises, the real challenge isn’t market demand or innovative ideas—it’s securing the necessary capital to grow. That’s where our collaboration with SGPME becomes crucial.”
She highlighted the critical role of these agreements in addressing the financing gap, particularly for women entrepreneurs. “In Côte d’Ivoire, women are increasingly stepping into the entrepreneurial space. Through these partnerships, we’re introducing dedicated credit lines specifically designed to empower women in business,” Koffi explained. She added that Orange Bank Africa disburses approximately 20 billion FCFA in loans monthly, underscoring the institution’s commitment to fostering financial inclusion.
SGPME’s role in mitigating credit risks for SMEs
Joëlle Kouassi, CEO of SGPME, shed light on the partnership’s structure. “Traditionally, financial institutions require SMEs to provide collateral when seeking loans. Our role here is to step in as a guarantor, sharing the credit risk with banks and reducing this burden for businesses.” She noted that SGPME guarantees a minimum of 50% to 70% of the credit, significantly lowering the barrier to financing for entrepreneurs.
Kouassi also stressed the broader vision behind the initiative: “Our aim is to bridge the financing gap that has long hindered SMEs. While 17 billion FCFA won’t solve all the challenges, it’s a meaningful step forward in making financial services more accessible.”
Strengthening Côte d’Ivoire’s economic resilience
Established by the Ivorian government, SGPME was created to facilitate access to credit for SMEs, a sector that forms the backbone of the nation’s economy. The partnership with Orange Bank Africa, a digital-first institution under the Orange Group, aligns with a broader strategy to modernize financial services and promote economic resilience in West Africa.
Orange Bank Africa, which marked its sixth anniversary on the same day as these agreements, continues to champion digital banking as a catalyst for economic growth. By leveraging technology, the bank aims to democratize financial services and enhance inclusion across the region.
