In a landmark move to strengthen Côte d’Ivoire’s economic backbone, Orange Bank Africa, the fully digital banking arm of the Orange Group, has joined forces with the Société de Garantie des Crédits aux Petites et Moyennes Entreprises (SGPME) to unlock up to 17 billion FCFA in financing for the country’s small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The agreements were formalized in Abidjan on July 23, 2026.
Breaking barriers for women entrepreneurs
Of the total financing pool, a dedicated 4 billion FCFA tranche has been earmarked exclusively for women-led businesses, addressing a critical gap in access to capital. Audrey Koffi, Managing Director of Orange Bank Africa, highlighted the urgency of this initiative: “The backbone of our economy is built by those who dare to dream and act. Yet, for many entrepreneurs—particularly women—the greatest hurdle isn’t market demand or innovation; it’s securing the funds to bring ideas to life.”
A game-changer for Ivorian businesses
The new financing lines will empower thousands of SMEs and very small enterprises (VSEs) by reducing dependency on traditional collateral. Koffi added: “Every month, we disburse approximately 20 billion FCFA in credit. With this partnership, we’re channeling an additional 4 billion FCFA toward women entrepreneurs, backed by SGPME’s guarantee covering up to 70% of each loan.”
How the partnership works
Joëlle Kouassi, CEO of SGPME, explained the mechanics behind the collaboration: “Banks often hesitate to approve loans for SMEs due to perceived risk. Our role is to bridge that gap by providing a minimum 50%—and up to 70%—guarantee, sharing the credit risk with financial institutions.”
Kouassi emphasized the broader mission: “This isn’t a silver bullet for all financing needs, but it’s a significant stride toward leveling the playing field. The goal is simple: ensure no viable business is left behind due to lack of funds.”
A digital leap for financial inclusion
Celebrating its sixth anniversary on the same day, Orange Bank Africa reaffirmed its commitment to democratizing financial services in West Africa. The digital-first model eliminates geographical barriers, making credit accessible to entrepreneurs in even the most remote regions of Côte d’Ivoire.
The bank’s leadership stressed that the partnership with SGPME aligns with their vision of using technology to foster economic resilience and inclusion.
