EBRD Launches Comprehensive SME Support Programme in Benin to Expand Access to Finance, Advisory Services and Private-Sector Growth Opportunities

EBRD Launches Comprehensive SME Support Programme in Benin to Expand Access to Finance, Advisory Services and Private-Sector Growth Opportunities

(IN BRIEF) The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development has launched a comprehensive SME support package in Benin, combining advisory services, financing instruments and specialised programmes to strengthen private-sector growth. More than 100 representatives from SMEs, mid-cap companies, banks, business associations, corporates, development finance institutions and public agencies attended the launch event in Cotonou. The EBRD will connect businesses with local and international expertise to improve competitiveness, digitalisation, energy and resource efficiency, while also supporting women- and youth-led enterprises. Beninese companies will gain access to the Bank’s Blue Ribbon programme for high-potential businesses and Star Venture programme for innovative startups. Financing tools will include the Risk Sharing Facility, which shares lending risk with partner financial institutions, and the Supply Chain Solutions Framework, designed to expand working-capital finance. Dasha Dougans, EBRD Head of Benin, said a strong SME sector is essential for innovation, job creation and sustainable growth. Benin joined the EBRD as a shareholder in 2024 and became a country of operation in July 2025.

(PRESS RELEASE) LONDON, 10-Sep-2026 — /EuropaWire/ — The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) has launched a comprehensive support package for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Benin, introducing a range of advisory and financing programmes designed to help local businesses become more competitive, investment-ready and resilient.

The initiative marks an important expansion of the EBRD’s engagement in Benin and is intended to strengthen cooperation with financial institutions, business associations, corporates, development partners and other participants in the country’s private-sector ecosystem.

To mark the launch, the EBRD brought together more than 100 representatives from Benin’s business community in Cotonou, including SMEs and mid-cap companies, commercial banks, chambers of commerce, investment organisations, corporates, development finance institutions and public agencies.

Advisory programmes to connect SMEs with specialist expertise

A central part of the EBRD’s new SME offering will be advisory support connecting businesses in Benin with local and international experts.

The programmes are designed to help companies address operational and strategic challenges, improve performance and identify new opportunities for growth.

The EBRD said the advisory offering will also support several of its broader development priorities, including inclusion, digitalisation and the green transition.

This will include helping women- and youth-led businesses, supporting companies in adopting digital technologies, improving competitiveness and enabling firms to use energy and other resources more efficiently.

Support to help SMEs become more resilient and investment-ready

The EBRD’s approach combines business advisory services with financing tools intended to help SMEs strengthen their internal capabilities and prepare for future investment.

By improving management practices, operational efficiency and strategic planning, the Bank aims to help businesses develop more sustainable growth models.

The initiative is also intended to give local companies stronger foundations from which to expand, innovate and create employment.

Blue Ribbon programme now available to high-potential Beninese companies

Businesses in Benin will now be able to access the EBRD’s Blue Ribbon programme, which provides tailored advisory and financing support to companies with strong growth potential.

The programme is designed for businesses that have the capacity to expand significantly but may require additional expertise, strategic guidance or capital to reach the next stage of development.

Through Blue Ribbon, qualifying companies can receive support structured around their specific business requirements.

Star Venture programme to support innovative startups

The EBRD is also extending its Star Venture programme to Benin.

Star Venture focuses on innovative, high-growth startups, helping founders strengthen business models, improve organisational capabilities and prepare for future expansion and investment.

The programme is intended to support entrepreneurial companies with the potential to scale while strengthening the wider startup and innovation ecosystem.

EBRD to work with local financial institutions on new funding opportunities

Alongside advisory support, the EBRD plans to cooperate with banks, other financial institutions and corporates to expand financing opportunities for businesses in Benin.

The Bank’s SME finance offering includes its established intermediated finance activities, through which funding can be channelled to local businesses via partner financial institutions.

The EBRD will also introduce additional instruments designed to reduce financing constraints and improve access to working capital.

Risk Sharing Facility to support lending to local businesses

One of the tools available under the new SME package is the EBRD’s Risk Sharing Facility.

Through this programme, the Bank shares risk with partner financial institutions on individual loans made to local companies.

The mechanism is designed to encourage financial institutions to extend financing to businesses that may otherwise face constraints in accessing sufficient capital for investment and growth.

By sharing part of the credit risk, the EBRD aims to support a larger flow of financing into the private sector.

Supply Chain Solutions Framework to expand working-capital access

The EBRD is also making its Supply Chain Solutions Framework available as part of its financing support.

The framework is designed to improve access to working-capital finance across corporate supply chains, helping suppliers and other businesses manage liquidity requirements more effectively.

The programme can support stronger commercial relationships between large companies and the smaller businesses operating within their supply networks.

Inclusion, digitalisation and green transition remain key priorities

The EBRD said its SME programmes in Benin will place particular emphasis on businesses that can contribute to a more inclusive and sustainable economy.

Women- and youth-led businesses will be among the groups targeted for support.

Companies will also be encouraged to adopt digital tools and technologies that can strengthen productivity, customer reach and competitiveness.

At the same time, the Bank will work with SMEs seeking to improve energy efficiency, resource efficiency and environmental performance, including companies developing greener business models.

Dasha Dougans highlights importance of a competitive SME sector

Dasha Dougans, EBRD Head of Benin, said supporting private-sector growth and innovation is a major priority for the Bank in the country.

She said expanding access to finance and tailored business advice can help SMEs realise their potential, strengthen their operations and create jobs.

Dougans added that a strong and competitive SME sector is important for building a dynamic and inclusive economy and for creating opportunities for ambitious business owners.

She also highlighted the role of SMEs in supporting Benin’s longer-term sustainable growth.

Launch strengthens cooperation across Benin’s business ecosystem

The launch event in Cotonou provided businesses, financial institutions and other stakeholders with an opportunity to learn more about the EBRD’s range of SME programmes and identify potential areas of cooperation.

The gathering included representatives from multiple parts of the private-sector ecosystem, reflecting the Bank’s intention to work through partnerships rather than providing support to businesses in isolation.

The EBRD sees cooperation with commercial banks, business associations, chambers of commerce, investment organisations, corporates and development finance institutions as important to creating a stronger environment for SME development.

Benin became an EBRD country of operation in 2025

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

The Bank’s broader priorities in the country include supporting the development of sustainable infrastructure, helping businesses modernise and strengthening economic institutions.

The launch of the SME support package therefore expands the EBRD’s local activities by introducing established business-development programmes alongside its wider investment mandate.

Media Contact:

Email: media@ebrd.com

SOURCE: EBRD