Nouakchott, Mauritania, November 27, 2025 — To strengthen access to finance for micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) in Mauritania, particularly those owned by women, IFC has partnered with Banque El Amana (BEA) which has a strong focus on trade and sustainable finance.
IFC’s $30 million financing will enable BEA to increase its medium- and long-term lending to micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises and to strengthen financial inclusion and will support the creation of 6,100 direct and indirect jobs in Mauritania over the next five years.
The financing package also includes a performance-based incentive from the Women Entrepreneurs Opportunity Facility, which supports BEA’s strategy to increase its lending to women to at least 25 percent of its portfolio by 2029. IFC will also assist BEA in upgrading its risk management, credit processes, corporate governance, and gender-focused banking services.
MSMEs are a key engine of employment in Mauritania, accounting for nearly 86 percent of the national workforce. However, they face many challenges: nearly half have limited access to financing, which hinders their growth and their contribution to the economy.
This financing strengthens the partnership between BEA and IFC, reflecting the confidence placed in our institution’s vision and development trajectory,” said Mohamed Bouna Moctar, CEO of Banque El Amana. “It will allow us to expand our support to MSMEs, especially women-owned businesses, which play a significant role in the country’s economic transformation. BEA remains fully committed to promoting sustainable and inclusive finance.
Olivier Buyoya, IFC Division Director for West Africa, said, “Smaller businesses are pillars of the Mauritania’s economy and IFC’s partnership with Banque El Amana will improve access to finance, increase long-term lending, and create opportunities for small businesses and women entrepreneurs, who are currently underserved. By mobilizing capital, strengthening institutional capacity, and supporting job creation, this investment will contribute to broader, private sector-led growth.”
IFC’s support will help increase the value of BEA’s MSME loan portfolio from about $200 million in 2024 to $526 million by 2029.
Moreover, IFC is increasing its presence in Mauritania by financing private-sector growth in mining, agribusiness, MSME development, and energy, which prioritizes renewable energy and gas-to-power projects, stronger value chains, and greater access to finance. IFC is supporting the government with the Investment code, financial inclusion and financial education for SMEs. At the end of 2024, IFC’s cumulative commitments had reached $2.07 billion in the country.
About IFC
IFC — a member of the World Bank Group — is the largest global development institution focused on the private sector in emerging markets. We work in more than 100 countries, using our capital, expertise, and influence to create markets and opportunities in developing countries. In fiscal year 2025, IFC committed a record $71.7 billion to private companies and financial institutions in developing countries, leveraging private sector solutions and mobilizing private capital to create a world free of poverty on a livable planet. For more information, visit www.ifc.org.
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About Banque El Amana (BEA)
Banque El Amana (BEA) is a private Mauritanian financial institution with more than three decades of experience. Through a network of 15 branches, it serves over 200,000 clients, including users of digital services and wallets. BEA supports individuals, professionals, businesses, and institutions by offering a range of accessible and inclusive financial solutions. The bank is firmly committed to generating positive economic and social impact through a responsible financing model focused on sustainable development.
For more information, visit https://www.bea.mr
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