The Senegalese bank CBAO has signed a guarantee agreement of 5 billion FCFA (around $8.5 million) with Proparco, a subsidiary of the French Development Agency (AFD), with Proparco, a subsidiary of the French Development Agency (AFD). This partnership, announced on Thursday, July 31, 2025, aims to improve access to finance for very small, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Senegal

MSMEs represent nearly 90% of the national entrepreneurial fabric and employ around 60% of the workforce, but often encounter difficulties in obtaining bank loans. Faced with this situation, CBAO has set up a system to allow them to access appropriate financial offers

According to the note, Proparco says it is proud to sign its very first Ariz guarantee with the Cbao, intended to facilitate access to credit for micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), real pillars of economic development and job creation.

According to Proparco, in Senegal, MSMEs represent 90% of the economic fabric and 60% of active employment. “However, they are still struggling to access appropriate financing. This partnership with the Cbao illustrates our common desire to remove these obstacles, in the service of a more dynamic, inclusive and resilient private sector,” reads