EIB Academy dedicated to SME banking and microfinance in West and Central Africa

Under its Financial Sector Technical Assistance Programme for West and Central Africa, the European Investment Bank (EIB), in partnership with MFW4A and IPC/HORUS, hosts the EIB Academy.

The EIB Academy — a well-established and recognised exchange and learning forum — was held in Abidjan, the economic capital of Côte d’Ivoire on 13-14 September 2023.

This 3rd edition of the forum had as its central theme: “Seizing the opportunities presented by green and sustainable finance”.

Interactive debates and presentations addressed core topical themes such as: opportunities for regional financial institutions in West and Central Africa to foster entrepreneurship, integrate climate challenges into their operations and promote gender responsive financing, digital finance opportunities, and much more!

The key objectives of an unprecedented event

One of the primary objectives of the EIB Academy is to bring a new perspective to ongoing discussions and debates on climate issues so that financial institutions look beyond the risks and tap the financing and investment opportunities presented by green finance.

The aim is also to deepen financial institutions’ understanding of the key developments in financial systems and the macroeconomic environment in which they operate, thus helping them appreciate the consequences of these developments on their business.

This will boost the institutions’ capacity to provide responsible financing in support of micro, small and medium enterprises, youth and women’s entrepreneurship, and green economies.

Lastly, the event promotes dialogue and the sharing of knowledge and expertise between different players in the financial ecosystem.

On the sidelines of the EIB Academy

As a precursor to its 3rd Academy for West and Central Africa, a pitch competition was held for Ivorian entrepreneurs on 12 September 2023. This competition, supported by our local partner the European Institute for Cooperation and Development (IECD) and our consultant IPC/Horus, enabled promising micro, small and medium enterprises to present their businesses with the ultimate aim of attracting the interest of financial institutions. B2B exchanges with the Ivorian financial institutions present at the event helped gauge the interest of micro, small and medium enterprises and financial institutions. This provided an opportunity to place the realities of small businesses centre stage and give the actors present food for thought on what small businesses need for their sustainable development.

The winners of the three main prize categories were decided by a jury during the pitch evening:

• the responsible and inclusive entrepreneurship award, sponsored by BAOBAB;
• the award for the project with the most potential, sponsored by COFINA;
• the award for greatest contribution to sustainable development, sponsored by ADVANS.

Background information

About the European Investment Bank

The EIB has been a strong partner for African countries for 60 years. Through EIB Global, the Bank is strengthening its presence in Africa. Over the past decade, the EIB has provided more than €28 billion for investment in innovative technologies, green energy, water, education, agriculture, telecommunications, digital economy, healthcare and businesses in over 40 countries across Africa. Since 2019-2020 and the start of the pandemic alone, the EIB has provided more than €8.5 billion for new private and public investments across Africa.

EIB Global is the EIB Group's specialised arm devoted to increasing the impact of international partnerships and development finance. It is designed to foster a strong, focused partnership within Team Europe, alongside fellow development finance institutions and civil society. EIB Global brings the EIB Group closer to local people, companies and institutions through our offices worldwide.

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