FirstRand secures $150m IFC loan to expand SME financing
The International Finance Corporation (IFC) has recently made a $150 million loan to FirstRand Bank, to enhance access to financing for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in South Africa. This funding will benefit businesses across various sectors, including agriculture, services, trade, construction, hospitality, and more.
FirstRand will be extending financial support to SMEs with loan sizes ranging from $10,000 to $2 million, denominated in South African rand. This financial boost aims to help these enterprises achieve sustainable growth, expand into new markets, and create and sustain job opportunities. Notably, FirstRand will allocate 25% of the IFC loan to support women-owned businesses.
IFC's financial support to FirstRand Bank aligns with the institution's overarching country strategy for South Africa, which emphasizes the importance of financing SMEs, with a particular emphasis on empowering women-owned businesses. Currently, the corporation maintains a substantial investment portfolio in South Africa, totaling around $3.1 billion distributed among 45 clients.
Key Takeaways
Access to capital remains a significant barrier to the growth of many small businesses in Africa—available data shows a $330 billion financing deficit for the small enterprises that make up 90% of businesses on the continent—and it’s a problem several startups and foreign investors are particularly keen to address as it promises attractive returns. While South Africa boasts a well-developed financial system, smaller businesses in the nation often encounter challenges in accessing the necessary financing to fuel their expansion. The collaboration between IFC and FirstRand seeks to address this issue by further broadening the bank's extensive support for South Africa's small businesses and entrepreneurial endeavors.
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