Access to finance remains one of the largest constraints to private sector development in Africa. Banks have historically focused on large commercial clients in emerging markets, neglecting those at the lower end of the economic pyramid. Penetration levels at this low end are between 5 to 25 percent, a fraction of the rate in developed markets.
The IFC Private Enterprise Partnership for Africa helps strengthen financial markets and improve access to finance for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs). PEP Africa offers a range of technical assistance and advisory services:
- Increasing finance to small businesses by helping banks acquire retail skills and systems they need to broaden reach
- Expanding the scale and capacity of microfinance institutions
- Promoting exports through trade finance
- Supporting nonbank financial institutions in areas such as leasing and housing.
- Building or strengthening securities markets
- Establishing or improving credit bureaus and registries
Finance to Smaller Business
Microfinance
Trade Finance
Leasing
Housing Finance
Securities Markets
Credit Bureaus
For further information contact the product line specialist or:
Rachel Freeman
Deputy General Manager & Senior Operations Officer, Financial Markets Business Line
IFC PEP Africa
14 Fricker Road, Illovo, Johannesburg 2196
Telephone: +27 11 731 3000
E-mail:
rfreeman@ifc.org
Web:
www.ifc.org/africa 
