A $30 million senior financing deal has was signed on Wednesday November 19, 2025 between El Amana Bank (BEA) and the International Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Bank Group. This funding is intended to strengthen the growth of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in Mauritania with a particular focus on businesses owned or managed by women.

The signing of an agreement between the BEA and the SFI marks an important step in consolidating the BEA as a national player major player in inclusive finance, while reaffirming its commitment to a sustainable and high-impact economic development. At least 20% of the line of funding will be specifically dedicated to women's businesses, testifying to the joint desire of the BEA and the SFI to promote women's economic empowerment.

According to Mohamed Ahmed Salem Bouna Moctar, CEO of the BEA, “this strategic financing reflects trust that a global reference institution like the SFI grants to the BEA and our local finance model. It will allow us to amplify our support for MSMEs, especially women entrepreneurs, who play a role essential in the economic transformation of the country. We remain fully committed to promoting sustainable, inclusive growth in line with international standards”.

For his part, Olivier Buyoya, IFC Regional Director for West Africa, said: “small businesses are at the heart of the Mauritanian economy. Grace to this partnership, Banque El Amana will be able to expand its financing offer to long term and create more opportunities for small businesses and women entrepreneurs, who remain underserved today. En mobilizing capital, strengthening institutional capacities and supporting job creation, this investment will help stimulate a inclusive growth driven by the private sector in Mauritania”.