Financing women-led SMEs: AfDB and NSIA Bank assess the impact of their partnership

The African Development Bank (AfDB) and NSIA Bank Côte d’Ivoire assessed the results of their partnership to finance women-led businesses. Under the AFAWA initiative, 20 SMEs received a total of CFA 2.219 billion, with CFA 1.109 billion covered by the AFAWA guarantee. The businesses operate in sectors including agribusiness, transport, food service and construction, and received tailored financing and close support. Women entrepreneurs met at Casa Ekwa reported acquiring equipment, increasing production, creating jobs and reaching new markets.