• Program has supported about 50 women-led businesses since 2023
• Nearly CFA7 billion mobilized combining financing and technical support
• New cohort of 11 companies joins 2026 edition

Launched in 2023 by the International Bank for Industry and Commerce (BIIC), the “BIIC avec Elles” program aims to support women’s entrepreneurship in Benin by combining financing with technical assistance.

Three years after its launch, the initiative has backed nearly 50 businesses, with total financing approaching CFA7 billion.

The third edition of the program was presented on March 21, 2026, in Cotonou during an event bringing together women entrepreneurs, partners, and financial sector stakeholders. On that occasion, 11 new women-led businesses were selected to join the 2026 cohort.

The program is built around a model that combines funding with tailored support. It targets small and medium-sized enterprises led by women or employing a majority of women, operating in key sectors such as agriculture, health, education, and processing industries.

Beyond access to credit, “BIIC avec Elles” offers structured support from professionals including accountants, lawyers, notaries, and insurers, along with mentorship programs.

The goal is to better align financial solutions with business realities, taking into account company maturity, sector dynamics, and operating cycles.

According to the bank, the initiative is part of a broader strategy to improve women’s access to finance and strengthen their role in the national economy.

The program also aims to build a network of women entrepreneurs, encouraging experience sharing and supporting the emergence of stronger SMEs.

Since its launch, “BIIC avec Elles” has supported companies across a wide range of sectors, including agro-industry, construction, digital services, healthcare, and renewable energy.

The initiative is backed by several partners, including regional and international financial institutions such as the African Guarantee and Economic Cooperation Fund (FAGACE), the African Development Bank’s AFAWA initiative, and the African Guarantee Fund.

These partnerships are designed to reduce the risks associated with SME financing and improve access to credit for women-led businesses.

To qualify, companies must be compliant with tax regulations and demonstrate growth potential or a competitive advantage.

Applications can be submitted online (www.biic-bank.com), in branches, or via email (biicavecelles@biic-bank.com), in line with the bank’s requirements.

After three years, “BIIC avec Elles” is emerging as one of the structured initiatives aimed at strengthening the role of women in Benin’s entrepreneurial ecosystem, where access to financing remains a key challenge for SMEs.