NSIA Bank Benin lands $23.6 million Proparco deal for SME Growth

NSIA Bank Benin, a major commercial bank in Benin and a subsidiary of the pan-African NSIA Group, has signed a €20 million ($23.58 billion) portfolio risk-sharing guarantee agreement with Proparco, part of the AFD Group, in the presence of Her Excellency, the French Ambassador to Benin. 

The move is aimed at expanding access to financing for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in strategic sectors of the Beninese economy.

Reducing risk, boosting SME growth
Under the ARIZ mechanism, Proparco will guarantee at least 50% of credit risk on NSIA’s portfolio of SME loans. This risk-sharing structure allows the bank to extend more competitive and tailored financing to micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises, mitigating exposure while supporting high-potential, underfinanced sectors.

The agreement forms part of France’s Choose Africa initiative, reflecting the country’s ongoing commitment to promoting African entrepreneurship, fostering private sector growth, and supporting inclusive economic development. By enhancing NSIA’s lending capacity, the partnership is expected to stimulate innovation, create jobs, and strengthen the national economic fabric.

Shared commitment to sustainable development
“This partnership reinforces the strength of our institution and demonstrates the confidence of a major international player in our vision and commitment to financing the Beninese economy,” said Anicet Okoma, CEO of NSIA Bank Benin.

El-Hadj Moustapha Ibrahim-Malloum, Deputy Regional Director for West Africa at Proparco, added: “The signing of this new portfolio guarantee confirms our commitment to supporting Benin’s economic growth momentum, largely driven by structuring SMEs with a strong impact on job creation and value generation. This initiative directly contributes to Sustainable Development Goal 8, promoting decent work and economic growth.”

The ARIZ guarantee positions NSIA Bank Benin to become a key enabler for SMEs, providing a scalable financing platform that balances risk mitigation with growth potential. Through this collaboration, both institutions aim to strengthen the country’s entrepreneurial ecosystem while advancing broader national reforms to consolidate Benin’s private sector.