MARKET DEVELOPMENT

• Increased access to finance for SMEs: Enterprises below the large corporate segment account for 98% of Côte d’Ivoire’s formal businesses, yet nearly two-thirds lack access to bank credit, contributing to an estimated USD 2.4B financing gap. By allocating 50% of FinDev Canada’s proceeds to this segment, this transaction will support expanded access to finance for SMEs across Côte d’Ivoire.

GENDER EQUALITY

• Increase access to finance for WSMEs: Women lead just 24% of Ivorian enterprises and account for 6% of the financing gap. In response, NSIA provides targeted financial and non-financial solutions for women entrepreneurs, including competitive interest rates, partial grace periods, and loan tenors of up to five years. By allocating 30% of FinDev Canada’s proceeds to this segment, the transaction is expected to expand access to finance for WSMEs and promote gender inclusive economic growth. 
• 2X-aligned: This transaction is 2X-aligned under the Leadership criterion with women representing 50% of NSIA’s senior management, and through the Portfolio criterion, with at least 30% of proceeds dedicated to WSMEs.

CLIMATE AND NATURE ACTION

• Increased financing towards climate mitigation activities: To fulfil its Nationally Determined Contribution commitments, Côte d’Ivoire requires an estimated USD 10B for climate mitigation. To contribute to these goals, NSIA has invested in renewable energy and energy efficiency projects and plans to scale this support through loans dedicated to commercial, industrial and office buildings, as well as in addition to electric vehicle leasing. Consistent with the MDB/IDFC Common Principles for Climate Finance, 50% of FinDev Canada’s facility proceeds will be directed to climate finance activities.