FPM SA and EquityBCDC join forces to boost women’s entrepreneurship and support MSMEs in the DRC

FPM SA, a key player in inclusive finance in the Democratic Republic of Congo, and EquityBCDC SA, one of the country’s leading banking institutions, are proud to announce the signing of an agreement aimed at strengthening access to financing for MSMEs and promoting financial inclusion through solutions tailored to the needs of the Congolese market.

This strategic partnership, worth $15 million, is designed to enhance credit access for Congolese micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), with a particular focus on women entrepreneurs, youth, and high-impact sectors.

In the DRC, MSMEs represent over 90% of the economic fabric and generate around 70% of jobs. Despite their vital role, they face major obstacles in accessing financing,a situation that is even more critical for businesses led by women and young people. This partnership directly addresses that challenge.
Structured and targeted support for the local economy
Through this new partnership, the agreement establishes an

incentive mechanism that will enable EquityBCDC SA to:

● Reduce risks associated with grants loans to MSMEs, thus facilitating the expansion of its credit portfolio.
● Develop tailored financing solutions,targeting strategic sectors such as agriculture, renewable energy, and local trade.
The partnership is structured around two distinct funding windows to maximize impact:
● Women’s Entrepreneurship Fund: A dedicated window designed to support women entrepreneurs by offering them better access to credit.
● MSME Impact Fund: A window focused on financing MSMEs that generate a positive impact in terms of employment and local economic development.

Women entrepreneurs: an untapped potential

In the DRC, nearly 40% of informal businesses are led by women, yet fewer than 10% of them have access to formal credit. This partnership seeks to address this inequality by supporting a more flexible approach adapted to local realities.

Patrick NKONGO MAMBU, CEO of FPM SA, stated: “This agreement reflects our commitment to building a more inclusive economy by providing concrete solutions to the financing gap faced by local entrepreneurs. We are enabling EquityBCDC to go further in supporting MSMEs that sustain millions of Congolese families.”

Willy MULAMBA KABADI, CEO of EquityBCDC, emphasized : “FPM SA’s support is a strategic asset that strengthens our commitment to banking populations traditionally excluded from the financial system. We are convinced that the economic empowerment of women is a key driver of sustainable development in the DRC. This partnership is a concrete illustration and a catalyst of positive impact.”

This partnership aligns with the national objective of achieving a 65% financial inclusion rate by 2028.

About FPM

For over 17 years, FPM SA and FPM ASBL have played a key role in promoting an inclusive financial system in the DRC. These two complementary entities aim to reduce poverty and improve the living conditions of Congolese populations by supporting MSMEs and low-income groups.

FPM SA, founded in 2014, is dedicated to refinancing and providing guarantees, while FPM ASBL, established in 2010, provides tailored technical assistance to financial institutions.

About EquityBCDC

EquityBCDC is a subsidiary of Equity Group Holdings Plc (EGH), following EGH’s acquisition of a majority stake in BCDC in July 2020. The bank has operated in the DRC since 1909. EquityBCDC facilitates access to banking services for all and finances micro, small, medium, and large enterprises through inclusive financial products and services that economically and socially empower individuals, businesses, and communities. EquityBCDC’s vision is to be the champion of socio-economic prosperity for the people of Africa by transforming lives, restoring dignity, and creating opportunities for wealth creation.

Media Contacts

FPM SA
Name: Mrs. Nina Yahnive KAPESA
Phone: +243 976 596 005
Email: administration@fpmsa-rdc.com

EQUITYBCDC
Name: Lesly Tungwa
Email: lesly.tungwa@equitybcdc.cd
Title: Director of Communications & Marketing
Website: https://equitygroupholdings.com/cd