Bank of Africa and IFC Join Forces to Empower Businesses in Central Africa.

By  Keziah Biya

In a strategic move set to reshape the business landscape across Central Africa, Bank of Africa (BOA) and the International Finance Corporation (IFC) have joined forces to strengthen financial support for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across the region. The collaboration underscores a shared commitment to fostering inclusive growth, empowering entrepreneurs, and stimulating sustainable economic development.

The partnership, announced this week, focuses on expanding access to finance for businesses that form the backbone of Central Africa’s economies — particularly in sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, and trade. With SMEs accounting for over 80% of jobs in many African nations, this initiative arrives at a critical moment, as entrepreneurs continue to recover from the economic aftershocks of global disruptions and regional market challenges.

“Our partnership with IFC is about creating real impact,” said a representative from Bank of Africa. “SMEs are the heartbeat of our economies, yet access to financing remains one of their biggest obstacles. Together with IFC, we aim to bridge that gap and empower business owners to grow, innovate, and compete on a regional and international scale.”

The IFC, a member of the World Bank Group, is recognized globally for its investment and advisory work in emerging markets. Through this partnership, IFC will provide both financial support and technical expertise to enhance BOA’s lending capacity and strengthen its risk management systems. This includes training programs for SME clients, digital transformation support, and the introduction of innovative financial products tailored to local needs.

“Unlocking capital for SMEs is key to driving economic resilience,” said an IFC spokesperson. “This collaboration with Bank of Africa represents our shared vision of an inclusive financial system that enables entrepreneurs — especially women-led and youth-led enterprises — to thrive.”

Beyond finance, the partnership aims to promote sustainability and green business growth by encouraging investments in climate-friendly projects. By aligning with global sustainability goals, both institutions hope to support environmentally responsible innovation that contributes to long-term prosperity in the region.

Analysts view this partnership as a milestone for Central Africa’s private sector development. It is expected to not only expand SME financing but also strengthen investor confidence in the region’s economic potential.

With operations in more than 30 countries, Bank of Africa has steadily positioned itself as a pan-African leader in inclusive banking, while the IFC continues to be a cornerstone of development financing across emerging markets. Together, they are setting the stage for a new era of collaboration — one that places African entrepreneurship at the center of sustainable growth.

As the partnership takes shape, businesses across Central Africa can look forward to improved access to credit, stronger institutional support, and renewed optimism for the future of enterprise on the continent.