In a landmark move to bolster Côte d’Ivoire’s economic backbone, Orange Bank Africa, the country’s leading digital-only bank, has inked two strategic partnerships with the Société de Garantie des Crédits aux Petites et Moyennes Entreprises (SGPME)—a government-backed initiative designed to unlock financing for small and medium-sized enterprises.
Finalized in Abidjan on July 23, 2026, these agreements are set to unlock up to 17 billion FCFA in credit facilities for Ivorian TPEs, PMEs, and ETIs, with a special allocation of 4 billion FCFA earmarked exclusively for female entrepreneurs.
Breaking barriers in access to finance
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Audrey Koffi, CEO of Orange Bank Africa, highlighted the critical role these partnerships will play in addressing a long-standing challenge: the financing gap facing local businesses. “Most entrepreneurs in Côte d’Ivoire aren’t held back by market access or ideas, but by the sheer difficulty of securing funds. That’s why we’ve joined forces with SGPME,” she stated. “Our shared mission is clear: to remove financial barriers, especially for women who are building businesses across the country.”
Orange Bank Africa, which disburses approximately 20 billion FCFA in loans monthly, has committed to channeling a portion of this capacity toward the new initiative. “With this agreement, we’re reserving 4 billion FCFA specifically for women-led ventures,” Koffi added. “And what makes this partnership even more impactful is that SGPME covers up to 70% of the credit risk, making it far easier for banks to approve loans without excessive collateral demands.”
The new funding lines are expected to benefit hundreds of women entrepreneurs, many of whom have historically struggled to meet traditional banks’ stringent guarantee requirements.
SGPME steps up with 50% to 70% credit guarantees
Joëlle Kouassi, CEO of SGPME, emphasized the transformative potential of this collaboration. “Traditionally, when a PME approaches a bank for financing, the institution demands substantial guarantees—often beyond what these businesses can provide. That’s where we come in,” she explained. “Through this partnership, SGPME will act as a guarantor, covering a minimum of 50% and up to 70% of the loan risk. This significantly reduces the barrier for SMEs seeking capital.”
While acknowledging that 17 billion FCFA won’t fully meet the country’s vast financing needs, Kouassi stressed that the initiative marks a crucial step forward. “Our goal is to shrink the financing divide. No single solution can solve everything, but this is a meaningful leap in the right direction.”
A digital-first approach to financial inclusion
Orange Bank Africa, which celebrates its sixth anniversary on the same day, continues to champion digital banking as a catalyst for economic growth. By leveraging technology, the bank aims to democratize access to financial services, ensuring that even remote entrepreneurs can benefit from loans, savings, and digital payment solutions. Its monthly credit disbursement of 20 billion FCFA underscores its growing influence in West Africa’s financial landscape.
The bank’s digital model eliminates many of the inefficiencies of traditional banking, offering faster approvals, lower costs, and greater transparency—key advantages for time-strapped SME owners.