In order to support the growth of the private sector and support SMEs in Côte d'Ivoire, the ECOWAS Investment and Development Bank (BIDC) approved a credit line of 10 billion FCFA (approximately 16.3 million USD) in favor of the Sahelo-Saharan Bank for Investment and Trade (BSIC-CI SA).

This strategic credit facility was designed to strengthen SMEs operating in key sectors that are essential to the economic development of Côte d'Ivoire, including agriculture and agribusiness, including agriculture and agro-industry, industry, infrastructure, transport and services. By providing access to much-needed capital, this facility aims to stimulate job creation, improve productivity and foster inclusive economic growth across the region.

The President of the BIDC and its Board of Directors, Dr. George Agyekum Donkor, underlined the Bank's unwavering commitment to promoting sustainable development and job creation in the ECOWAS region. “This credit line of 10 billion FCFA underlines the commitment of the BIDC to fulfill its mandate of promoting economic growth and social progress. Our partnership with BSIC-CI SA fits perfectly into our strategic vision and will have a transformative impact on Ivorian communities

Dr Donkor also highlighted the importance the Bank places on the inclusion of women, noting that a portion of the funds will be specifically allocated to businesses owned or managed by women. He said that by empowering women entrepreneurs, the bank is not only advancing gender equality, but also helping to unleash the full potential of the private sector to promote sustainable development.

The managing director of BSIC-CI SA, Adeboke Mensan Affambi expressed his gratitude to the BIDC for its support and reaffirmed his bank's commitment to ensuring the efficient use of funds.