SGPME and Cofina Côte d'Ivoire signed, on October 21, 2026 in Abidjan, two guarantee agreements for a total amount of 8 billion CFA francs. The objective is to facilitate SMEs' access to financing by reducing the risk borne by the financial institution. A major challenge for an entrepreneurial fabric which is still struggling to obtain credit adapted to its needs. Access to financing remains one of the main obstacles to the development of Ivorian SMEs. To try to remove this barrier, the Ivorian SME Credit Guarantee Company (SGPME) and Cofina Côte d'Ivoire have concluded two guarantee agreements covering a total amount of 8 billion CFA francs. The signed agreements are based on two distinct mechanisms. The first concerns an Individual Guarantee of 3 billion CFA francs.While the second concerns a Partial Portfolio Guarantee with 5 billion CFA francs.

The ambition displayed is clear. Allow more businesses to access credit, even when they do not have the guarantees usually required by financial institutions. Unlike a traditional financing line, the 8 billion CFA francs announced will not be directly loaned to companies. The funds are used to guarantee part of the credits granted by Cofina to eligible SMEs. The Individual Guarantee covers different types of credit over a maximum period of five years. Each file is subject to analysis before any coverage decision. The Partial Portfolio Guarantee works differently.It allows Cofina to benefit from coverage on part of its loan portfolio intended for SMEs meeting the criteria defined in the agreement. For businesses, this system increases the chances of obtaining financing. For the financial institution, it reduces part of the credit risk.

​Priority to women entrepreneurs

One ​​of the particularities of the agreement concerns female entrepreneurship. Both mechanisms provide a level of coverage of up to 80% for SMEs majority owned by women. This orientation is part of a broader strategy to strengthen inclusive financing.During the signing, the heads of the two institutions underlined the need to provide more support to companies that remain outside traditional credit circuits. A significant challenge in a context where SMEs represent the bulk of the Ivorian economic fabric, but continue to face difficulties in accessing the financial resources necessary for their growth.