Proparco Rawbank SME financing

French development finance institution Proparco has granted a $50 million loan to Rawbank, the largest commercial bank in the Democratic Republic of Congo, as part of a broader $265 million financing package led by the International Finance Corporation (IFC).

The funding aims to expand lending to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), strengthen private sector growth, and support job creation across the country.

Expanding credit for SMEs
The financing package also includes participation from eco.business Fund, the OPEC Fund for International Development, and British International Investment. Together, the institutions aim to improve access to finance for businesses operating in key sectors of the Congolese economy.

The new financing will allow Rawbank to scale up lending to small and medium-sized enterprises and corporate clients, increasing access to capital for businesses that often struggle to secure credit in emerging markets.

Through the initiative, the funding is expected to support about 116 SMEs and sustain more than 34,000 jobs across the Democratic Republic of Congo. By expanding financing for businesses, the program aims to strengthen local production capacity and support economic diversification.

Strengthening Congo’s financial sector
Rawbank operates more than 100 branches nationwide and serves a broad network of corporate and retail clients. The new financing is expected to enhance the bank’s ability to support entrepreneurs and strengthen the broader financial ecosystem in the country.

Mustafa Rawji, Chief Executive Officer of Rawbank, said the partnership reflects the bank’s commitment to supporting economic development in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

“By joining forces with leading international institutions, we are strengthening our capacity to finance growth, empower entrepreneurs, and advance a more inclusive Congolese economy,” Rawji said.

Development finance boosts private sector growth
Mehdi Tanani, Proparco’s Regional Director for Central Africa, said the investment highlights the role of development finance institutions in expanding access to credit across emerging markets.

“By supporting Rawbank, we are scaling up access to finance for Congolese SMEs, particularly those driving local value creation and employment,” Tanani said.

The investment aligns with Proparco’s broader strategy to expand its operations across Africa while supporting financial institutions in underserved markets. By backing one of the Democratic Republic of Congo’s leading banks, the development lender aims to foster sustainable and inclusive economic growth.