IFC targets women-led MSMEs through Simone Tiemtoré’s banking arms in Guinea and Burkina Faso

International Finance Corporation has launched a $600,000 advisory services project to strengthen micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) financing in Guinea and Burkina Faso, through two banking arms of Burkinabè-born financier Simon Tiemtoré’s Vista Holding group, as part of efforts to close one of West Africa’s largest credit gaps. 

Approved in March 2026, the initiative will support local banks in expanding lending to micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises, with a strong focus on women-led businesses.

Unlocking billions through MSME lending capacity
The project will support subsidiaries of Vista Holding Group, Vista Bank Guinea (Guinea’s largest banking group) and Vista Bank Burkina to enhance institutional capacity, governance frameworks, and portfolio risk management. 

IFC will provide technical recommendations, training, and tools to help both banks adopt international best practices and proactively manage credit risks.

A central component of the engagement includes the introduction of sex-disaggregated data systems and a gender flag framework, enabling more precise borrower profiling and improved targeting of women-owned or women-led MSMEs. The initiative also aims to strengthen governance structures and build local expertise to ensure sustainable lending practices.

Closing Africa’s MSME credit gap
Both Guinea and Burkina Faso face significant MSME financing constraints, with credit gaps estimated at nearly 20% of GDP. Women entrepreneurs are particularly affected, facing structural barriers such as high collateral requirements, limited credit histories, and socio-cultural constraints that restrict access to capital.

By improving risk frameworks and data systems, IFC expects the project to increase both the number and value of MSME loans, expand the share of MSMEs in total bank lending, and unlock financing for underserved segments of the economy.

Driving inclusive growth and resilience
The advisory program, scheduled to run from May 2026 to April 2027, is part of IFC’s broader strategy to promote inclusive growth across Africa. 

By strengthening financial institutions and enabling targeted lending, the initiative is expected to support job creation, economic diversification, and climate resilience in both countries.

The project underscores IFC’s role in mobilizing technical expertise alongside capital to address structural financing gaps, positioning local banks to better serve small businesses and drive long-term economic development.