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Vista Group Holding and European Investment Bank (EIB) sign € 30m in loans to support SMEs in Guinea and Sierra Leone Jozef Síkela Ambroise Fayolle Simon T Tiemtore Bas Vlugt Bob Koigi Andrea Ayemoba Pielina Kamau Kanali Nixon Patience RUTAYISIRE Michelle Waweru Read more>>> https://lnkd.in/d4pa2UYR #banking #SMEs

The EFSD MSME Platform guarantee is backing DEG’s loan to CRDB Bank Plc, which will directly support access to financing for small businesses in Tanzania - especially those owned by women and young adults. This initiative plays a vital role in driving job creation, innovation, and sustainable local growth, aligning with key UN Sustainable Development Goals. Read the press release to learn more about the impact and the journey ahead: https://lnkd.in/eWcwRFyG By enhancing inclusive financing, the partnership is empowering entrepreneurs to transform their communities, boost incomes, and build a resilient economy for generations to come. This investment/project contributes to Global Gateway, the EU’s investment strategy for partner countries, which aims to mobilise €300 billion in investments between 2021 and 2027 with a mix of grants, concessional loans and guarantees to de-risk private sector investments.

We’re proud to share that Triodos Microfinance Fund and Triodos Fair Share Fund have extended a EUR 6 million senior debt facility to Zuoli Kechuang Micro-finance Co Ltd (Zuoli), supporting the expansion of its green loan portfolio and strengthening Zuoli’s role as a pioneer in sustainable finance for SMEs in Eastern China. 🌿 Zuoli’s green loan portfolio targets four key sectors: energy efficiency, biodiversity, climate and renewable energy. The company’s reputation is underscored by its recognition as a national green benchmark among microfinance institutions. With robust environmental and social management systems in place, Zuoli is setting new standards for responsible lending. We’re excited to support Zuoli’s mission and look forward to seeing the positive impact on communities and the environment. Read the full article on our website: https://lnkd.in/ecvuVcQC #SustainableFinance #GreenLoans #SMEfinance #Microfinance #ESG #ImpactInvesting #China #UNSDGs #MarketingCommunication

British International Investment (BII), the UK’s development finance institution, has made a major anchor commitment to Enko Capital’s Enko Impact Credit Fund (EICF) — a new private credit vehicle designed to bridge the financing gap for Africa’s mid-market enterprises. At its first close of USD 100 million, the fund attracted participation from DFIs, African pension funds, family offices, and commercial investors. The EICF will provide tailored private credit solutions to high-impact sectors including agriculture, renewable energy, telecoms, manufacturing, and financial services — driving inclusive and sustainable growth. According to Leslie Maasdorp, CEO of BII, this investment “aims to demonstrate the commercial potential of private credit in Africa while crowding in additional capital.” Enko Capital is helping build a viable private credit market that supports job creation, SME growth, and long-term economic resilience across Africa. #BII #EnkoCapital #PrivateCredit #Africa #ImpactInvesting #SMEs #SustainableFinance #DevelopmentFinance #BondsandLoansAfrica IFC - International Finance Corporation, Agence Française de Développement, Swedfund International, Norfund, DEG, FMO - Dutch entrepreneurial development bank, The World Bank, Alain Francis Nkontchou, Cyrille NKontchou, Christopher Chijiutomi, Christopher Eaton, Stephen Priestley, Jo Fry, Joseph Mate Keegan Ziady, MBA, Ndaba Mpofu, Holger Rothenbusch, Arturo Franco Anna Bjerde, Rémy Rioux, Tellef Thorleifsson, Michael Jongeneel, Roland Siller, Maria Håkansson https://lnkd.in/eZaqiQrV

[SPONSORED] Bridging Africa’s $331B SME Funding Gap: How Deal Source Africa is Powering a New Collaboration-Driven Investment Era In the heart of Africa’s burgeoning economy lies a critical challenge: a staggering $331 billion funding gap for Small and Medium-Sized enterprises (SMEs). These businesses form the backbone of African economies, contributing up to 50% of GDP and around 80% of employment. 🔗 CLICK THE LINK BELOW FOR THE FULL ARTICLE: https://lnkd.in/gqUksV8T Impact Investing Ghana #SMEFunding #ImpactInvestingGhana

Great piece by CNBC Africa on Africa's SME funding gap and the work by our partners at Deal Source Africa to address this challenge.

💰 BREAKTHROUGH: Nigeria's $158 BILLION SME funding gap just got a game-changer! The Nigerian Exchange (NGX) and Bank of Industry (BOI) just launched a groundbreaking initiative to empower small businesses with capital market access skills. But here's the reality check: 🔍 THE CHALLENGE: • 96% of Nigerian SMEs still struggle with funding access • Poor financial documentation blocks growth opportunities • Limited understanding of capital market requirements • Weak governance structures deter investors • Digital adoption gaps limit market reach 🚀 THIS IS WHERE ELEVATION CONSULTING STEPS IN: We don't just celebrate breakthroughs – we make them happen for SMEs through: ✅ Financial Analysis & Planning that meets investor standards ✅ Sustainability & ESG Integration for responsible growth ✅ Digital Transformation that opens new markets ✅ Leadership Development for scalable operations ✅ Data-driven evaluation frameworks that funders trust Real impact: Our clients have secured 300% more funding after implementing our financial planning frameworks and governance structures. The NGX-BOI initiative is brilliant, but success requires more than access – it demands readiness. 💡 QUESTION FOR THE ECOSYSTEM: What's the ONE capability gap preventing your SME from accessing institutional funding? Is it financial documentation, governance structure, or market positioning? Entrepreneurs, funders, policymakers – let's build bridges, not just opportunities. #SMEFunding #NigerianBusiness #CapitalMarkets #BusinessGrowth #ElevationConsulting #Entrepreneurship

𝐄𝐧𝐤𝐨 𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐬𝐞𝐬 𝟔𝟕% 𝐚𝐭 𝟏𝐬𝐭 𝐜𝐥𝐨𝐬𝐞 Enko Capital has held a successful first close for its Enko Impact Credit Fund, securing $100 million – representing 67% of its $150 million target – signalling strong institutional appetite for private credit exposure across sub-Saharan Africa. The fund attracted commitments from a consortium of global development finance institutions and institutional investors, including British International Investment (BII), the IFC - International Finance Corporation, SICOM Global Fund, alongside African pension funds, family offices and asset managers. The vehicle will deploy US dollar-denominated private credit into mid-market companies across resilient, non-cyclical sectors such as agriculture, telecommunications, manufacturing, renewable energy, and financial services. According to Enko managing partner Alain Francis Nkontchou, “The successful first close of Enko’s flagship private credit strategy underscores growing investor confidence in Africa’s sustainable development through private credit.” Anchor investor Leslie Maasdorp, CEO of BII, said: “Our commitment to the Enko Impact Credit Fund reflects BII’s belief in the commercial potential of private credit in Africa and its role in closing the financing gap for mid-sized businesses. By anchoring the fund’s first close, our aim is to send a strong signal to other investors, attract additional capital and help build a viable private credit market that supports businesses critical to economic growth in Africa.” Mohamed Gouled, vice president for industries at IFC, added: “Expanding access to finance for mid-sized companies is critical to accelerating inclusive growth across Africa. IFC’s support for the Enko Impact Credit Fund demonstrates IFC’s commitment to channelling longer tenor and flexible funding to African businesses for growth and job creation. Through this partnership, we will support businesses across a range of sectors, from agribusiness to telecoms, that are critical for sustained economic growth.” The first close positions Enko to accelerate deployment while advancing toward a targeted final close, reflecting growing momentum in Africa’s private credit asset class.

EBRD Gives Euro 5M to Erste Bank Montenegro for Green Growth The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) has deepened its financing for Montenegro's green transition and growth that is inclusive with a new €5 million loan package for Erste Bank AD Podgorica (Erste Bank Montenegro), to be on-lent to its customers. Read More: https://lnkd.in/duxVmDEs #womenownedbusinesses #MontenegrinInvestmentAgency #WomeninBusiness #economicdevelopment

🚀 Africa's $160B SME opportunity isn't just a number—it's 100 million dreams waiting to be unlocked. While recent research highlights how SME redefinition could revolutionize our economy, the reality on ground tells a different story: ❌ 70% of Nigerian SMEs struggle with access to structured financing ❌ Only 23% have robust governance frameworks ❌ Less than 40% leverage digital tools for growth ❌ Most operate in isolation, missing critical networks At Elevation Consulting, we've seen firsthand how the right intervention transforms businesses: ✅ Financial Analysis & Planning that unlocks bankable business models ✅ ESG Integration that attracts impact investors ✅ Digital Transformation that scales operations 3x faster ✅ Market Expansion strategies that open new revenue streams ✅ Leadership Development that builds resilient founders ✅ Data-driven evaluation frameworks that help funders deploy capital effectively Last month, we helped a Lagos-based agritech startup secure $200k in Series A funding by restructuring their financial projections and ESG framework. Six months ago, a Port Harcourt manufacturing SME increased revenue by 180% through our digital transformation roadmap. The SME ecosystem doesn't need more promises—it needs proven partners who understand the unique challenges of building in Africa. 💡 What's the one barrier preventing your business or portfolio companies from accessing growth capital? Let's solve it together. #SMEGrowth #NigerianBusiness #BusinessConsulting #ElevationConsulting #AfricaRising