The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) has launched a comprehensive support package for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Benin, bringing its development expertise to the country to support private-sector-led growth.

The initiative represents a significant step in the Bank’s engagement with Benin and introduces SMEs, financial institutions, donors and other private-sector stakeholders to a range of EBRD advisory and financing solutions.

The support is designed to help businesses improve their competitiveness, become investment-ready and build greater resilience.

More than 100 representatives from Benin’s private-sector ecosystem attended the launch event in Cotonou. Participants included SMEs and mid-cap companies, commercial banks, business associations, chambers of commerce, investment organisations, corporates, development finance institutions and public agencies.

The gathering also allowed businesses and potential partners to gain a better understanding of the EBRD’s SME support package and identify possible areas for cooperation.

Through its advisory programmes, the EBRD will link businesses in Benin with local and international expertise to address key operational challenges, improve performance and pursue new growth opportunities.

The advisory component will also support the Bank’s priorities around inclusion, digitalisation and the green transition. This includes assisting women- and youth-led businesses, helping SMEs adopt digital technologies and strengthen their competitiveness, while supporting companies in becoming more energy- and resource-efficient and developing greener business models.

Beninese companies will also have access to the EBRD’s flagship Blue Ribbon programme, which provides tailored advisory and financing support to high-potential businesses. The Bank’s Star Venture programme will also be available to innovative, high-growth startups.

In addition to advisory services, the EBRD plans to work with financial institutions and corporates to create new financing opportunities for businesses in Benin.

Beyond its core intermediated finance activities, the Bank’s SME finance offering includes its Risk Sharing Facility. Under the facility, the EBRD shares risk with partner financial institutions on individual loans provided to local companies.

The EBRD will also deploy its Supply Chain Solutions Framework, which is intended to broaden access to working-capital financing across corporate supply chains.

“Supporting private-sector growth and innovation is a key priority for the EBRD in Benin, and we are delighted to bring the Bank’s established SME support to the country. By expanding access to finance and tailored business advice, we can help SMEs realise their potential to grow, innovate and create jobs. A strong and competitive SME sector is essential to building a dynamic and inclusive economy, creating new opportunities for ambitious business owners and contributing to Benin’s long-term sustainable growth.”- Dasha Dougans, EBRD Head, Benin

Benin became an EBRD shareholder in 2024 and was designated a country of operation in July 2025.

The Bank’s priorities in Benin include supporting the development of sustainable infrastructure, modernising companies and strengthening economic institutions.

Source TechAfricanews