Ivory Coast-DRC: GUDE-PME and APROCM bet on a partnership to grow African SMEs

The Single Window for SME Development (GUDE-PME) of Ivory Coast and the Agency for the Promotion of Congolese Middle Classes (APROCM) signed a framework cooperation agreement on July 14, 2026, in Abidjan. The agreement includes expertise exchanges, training, networking of entrepreneurs, and joint actions for financing, innovation, and business environment improvement. GUDE-PME Director General Yaya Ouattara emphasized that the partnership is part of the National Development Plan 2026-2030 and aims to boost SME competitiveness ahead of the AfCFTA. Ivorian SMEs make up 98% of formal businesses but contribute only 20-23% of GDP.