In a landmark move to bolster Côte d’Ivoire’s economic landscape, Orange Bank Africa, the country’s first fully digital bank headquartered in Abidjan, has inked two strategic partnership agreements with the Société de Garantie des Crédits aux PME (SGPME). The agreements, signed on July 23, 2026, aim to unlock up to 17 billion FCFA in financing for local small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), micro-enterprises (TPEs), and mid-sized companies (ETIs).
A significant portion of this funding—4 billion FCFA—is earmarked exclusively for women-led businesses, addressing a critical gap in access to capital for female entrepreneurs.
Audrey Koffi, CEO of Orange Bank Africa, emphasized the urgency of these partnerships, stating, “True economic progress is built by those shaping the economy’s backbone. Yet, for most enterprises, the biggest hurdle isn’t market demand or innovation—it’s securing financing. This is where SGPME and we come together to bridge that gap.”
She further highlighted the bank’s commitment to digital financial inclusion, noting that Orange Bank Africa disburses approximately 20 billion FCFA in credit monthly. The newly signed agreements will specifically empower women entrepreneurs by providing dedicated credit lines totaling 4 billion FCFA. A standout feature of this initiative is the 70% guarantee extended by SGPME, significantly reducing the risk for lenders and making credit more accessible.
Joëlle Kouassi, CEO of SGPME, underscored the transformative potential of these partnerships. “Traditionally, SMEs face an uphill battle securing loans because financial institutions demand collateral. Our role here is to step in as a guarantor, sharing the credit risk with banks to unlock funding opportunities.”
Kouassi revealed that SGPME guarantees a minimum of 50% up to 70% of the credit, aiming to shrink the financing gap that has long stifled growth for small businesses. “While 17 billion FCFA won’t solve every financing need, it’s a pivotal step forward in levelling the playing field.”
The agreements also underscore the collaborative role of international development partners, including the French Development Agency and the World Bank, in reinforcing Côte d’Ivoire’s economic resilience. This initiative aligns with Orange Bank Africa’s mission to democratize financial services and deepen financial inclusion across West Africa.
As Orange Bank Africa celebrates its sixth anniversary on July 23, 2026, this milestone partnership reaffirms its dedication to fostering an enabling environment for SMEs—a cornerstone of the nation’s economic vitality.
