IFC Invests in Advans Cote d’Ivoire to Support Small Business Growth
IFC said it is investing $1 million to help establish Advans Cote d’Ivoire, a micro finance institution that will support the growth of smaller businesses in Ivory Coast as the country rebuilds its economy following political unrest. The announcement came during an official visit to the country by Thierry Tanoh, IFC Vice President for Sub-Saharan Africa.
The equity investment in Advans Cote d’Ivoire, which is expected to begin operations in early 2012, underscores IFC’s ability to respond rapidly to support countries in Africa recovering from policital and economic strife.
Advans Cote d’Ivoire will serve small and medium enterprises in Ivory coast that have limited or no access to formal banking services, broadening access to finance and stimulating economic growth in the country.
Claude Falgon, Manager of Advans SA SICAR, said, “Advans Côte d’Ivoire will make a significant contribution to the recovery and development of the Ivorian economy by providing quality financial services that micro, small and middle size enterprises need to grow and to create jobs.”
With IFC’s support, Advans Cote d’Ivoire expects its microfinance portfolio to reach $35 million by the end of 2017 and to disburse 1000,000 loans by this time, half of them to women.
Theirry Tanoh, said, “IFC’s investment in Advans is part of our strategy for re-engagement in Cote d’Ivoire, a country emerging from a crisis that effected its political structures, as well as economic and social fabric. To aid the recovery process, IFC is committed to supporting micro, small and medium enterprises, which are vital sectors of economic activity in Cote d’Ivoire.”
IFC has a strong and long-standing partnership with the Advans group, which is building a network of microfinance institutions in developing and emerging countries. IFC has previously worked with Advans to establish microfinance institutions in Cameroon, DRC, and Ghana. IFC’s microfinance strategy for Africa aims to increase access to finance in the poorest areas through commercially viable microfinance institutions.
This article was originally posted on East Africa Business Communities
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