EquityBCDC and the TRANSFORME DRC Project join forces to support SMEs and strengthen entrepreneurship

EquityBCDC and the Women Entrepreneurs’ Empowerment and SME Upgrading Project for Economic Transformation and Employment (TRANSFORME DRC) have signed a memorandum of understanding to support and finance thousands of micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) in the Democratic Republic of Congo, with a particular focus on women entrepreneurs.

This partnership is part of the Congolese government’s initiative, financed by the World Bank, which aims to support 15,000 MSMEs, create 28,000 jobs, and train more than 42,000 beneficiaries. In total, 13,250 enterprises will receive in-kind grants, and 31,375 women entrepreneurs will benefit from specialized training.

“This partnership reflects our commitment to inclusive and sustainable development, serving the transformation of the Congolese entrepreneurial ecosystem,” said Willy Mulamba Kabadi, Managing Director of EquityBCDC.

EquityBCDC will act as a financial intermediary for the secure disbursement of grants under the Business Plan Competition (COPA-TRANSFORME), ensuring the opening and management of beneficiaries’ accounts free of charge, with the possibility of access to complementary credit.

The TRANSFORME Project launched a service offer to all banks and financial institutions wishing to join its support program for SMEs selected under the business plan competition. We are pleased that EquityBCDC has been selected and responded favorably.

Our goal is to create the conditions for establishing a new customer relationship between the bank and SMEs.

Beyond financial support, this partnership aims to create a more favorable environment for innovation and economic empowerment. By strengthening the competitiveness of MSMEs and promoting female entrepreneurship, it will contribute to diversifying the Congolese economy, improving living conditions, and reducing social inequalities in targeted areas.

The partnership, initially set for 24 months, will cover 13 localities across 7 provinces, focusing on agribusiness, processing, and services, while encouraging innovative solutions to social, environmental, and climate challenges.

About EquityBCDC:

EquityBCDC is a subsidiary of Equity Group Holdings Plc, resulting from the acquisition of the majority shares of Banque Commerciale du Congo (BCDC) by Equity Group in July 2020. Present in the Democratic Republic of Congo since 1909, EquityBCDC is committed to facilitating access to banking services for all and to financing micro, small, medium, and large enterprises through inclusive financial products and services. Our vision is to be the champion of socio-economic prosperity for the people of Africa.

About Transforme:

The Women Entrepreneurs’ Empowerment and SME Upgrading Project for Economic Transformation and Employment in DRC, abbreviated “TRANSFORME DRC,” is a government initiative, in partnership with the World Bank, to support entrepreneurship in productive sectors. It is based on the National SME Development Strategy established by the government to transform the DRC’s economy through diversification of its production.

Press Contact:

Lesly Tungwa
Communication & Marketing Director
Equity Banque Commerciale du Congo
Email: lesly.tungwa@equitybcdc.cd
Website: https://equitygroupholdings.com/cd/

Jean-Luc Mualu

Communication Specialist
National Coordination Unit
TRANSFORME DRC Project
Phone: +243 811 579 277
Email: jlmualu@transforme.cd
Website: https://www.transforme.cd/