• $20 million loan to support lending to small businesses

• At least 25% of funds allocated to women-led enterprises

• Financing aims to ease major credit gap in Guinea

Vista Bank Guinea has secured a financing agreement of up to $20 million from the International Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Bank Group.

The proposed investment consists of a senior loan with a five-year maturity, for a maximum amount of $20 million, to be disbursed in two equal tranches to Vista Guinea, the IFC said. The funding is intended to strengthen the bank’s lending capacity, with Vista Bank Guinea ranked as the country’s second-largest bank.

The funds will be primarily directed toward micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), with at least 25%—or $5 million—allocated to women-led businesses. These companies are expected to use the financing for working capital needs, including purchasing inventory and inputs across key sectors such as trade, services, transport, and construction.

The financing is expected to improve access to credit for MSMEs, which face significant constraints in Guinea. According to the IFC, private sector credit accounts for just 9.1% of GDP, one of the lowest levels in West Africa.

MSMEs, which make up the bulk of the country’s economic fabric, face a financing gap estimated at $2.8 billion, or 19.1% of GDP, limiting private sector development and inclusive growth.

Through this investment, the IFC also aims to encourage local banks to expand their SME portfolios, strengthen competition, and improve credit availability in the country. The initiative could help demonstrate the viability of SME financing and attract further investment into the segment.

The project also includes a technical assistance component to strengthen the bank’s risk management, particularly in environmental and social areas.

SG