DID - Développement international Desjardins

Published purpose

This project aims to reduce poverty and promote economic growth in target African and Latin American countries by improving access to financial services tailored to micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs). The project aims to achieve the following objectives: the creation of a new Financial Center for Entrepreneurs (CFE) in Tunisia; the strengthening of existing CFEs in Tanzania, Zambia and Panama; the development of three Alliance CFEs in Benin; and the implementation of a new financing unit in five microfinance institutions in Colombia. By offering loan programs, specialized products and shareholding and support programs for MSMEs, CFEs offer more extensive services than microcredit, and are particularly suited to entrepreneurs who do not meet the requirements of traditional banks. The main activities of this project include : (1) drafting business plans for new CFEs; (2) implementing technological solutions related to operations; (3) recruiting and training CFE staff; (4) developing credit products for entrepreneurs and technologies that enhance their accessibility; (5) developing innovative financial services; and (6) strengthening CFEs' internal audit and governance capacity.