NAIROBI, Kenya, Oct 19 – Global microfinance group Advans is betting on technology to drive the next phase of small and medium enterprise (SME) growth in Africa, with plans to expand into East Africa—a region fast emerging as the continent’s innovation and trade hub.
With active operations in six countries — Cameroon, Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire, Nigeria, Tunisia, and the Democratic Republic of Congo — Advans is leveraging data-driven, technology-enabled lending to bridge the financing gap facing millions of small businesses across Africa.
“Financing, especially for SMEs, is a big challenge in Africa,” said Guillaume Valence, CEO of Advans Ghana.
“Our hybrid approach combines technology with human connection. We spend time with clients to understand their businesses and disburse the right amount that will actually help them grow.”
Expanding Through Africa’s Trade Transformation
Advans’ expansion comes as global institutions, including the World Trade Organization (WTO), recognize Africa’s SMEs as central to inclusive trade and industrialization.
The WTO notes that MSMEs account for over 90 percent of global businesses but face major barriers in accessing finance, markets, and cross-border trade opportunities.
In East Africa, where fintech innovation and regional integration through the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) are gaining momentum, Advans aims to position itself as a key player in connecting SMEs to wider value chains.
“Financial inclusion is not just about access to credit,” Valence added. “It’s about empowering businesses to trade, scale, and compete regionally and globally.”
Promoting Responsible Finance and Client Trust
Advans emphasizes responsible lending and financial literacy, with a goal of having all its subsidiaries certified under global client protection standards by 2026.
“We are committed to adopting the highest standards of client trust and transparency,” said Jean-Luc Nzoubou, CEO of Advans DRC. “Our goal is not just lending — it’s building relationships that improve both business and lifestyle.”
Empowering Women and Building Climate Resilience
The group also focuses on empowering women entrepreneurs. In Côte d’Ivoire, it has introduced co-loans that allow women traders to guarantee each other, strengthening collective savings and investment.
“We work closely with women’s associations to help them save, borrow, and invest collectively,” said Sarah Doukoure, CEO of Advans Côte d’Ivoire.
To support climate resilience, Advans integrates flood insurance in its loan products in Ghana and supports agroforestry projects in Côte d’Ivoire to promote sustainable cocoa farming.
East Africa: The Next Frontier
After nearly two decades of building financial institutions in West and Central Africa, Advans is now targeting East Africa — especially Kenya, where SMEs contribute about 40 percent of GDP and employ nearly 80 percent of the workforce.
“We see Kenya as a great laboratory for financial inclusion and innovation,” Valence said. “We are exploring strategic partnerships and possibly acquisitions to establish our presence in the region.”
According to Advans’ 2024 Microfinance Index by 60 Decibels, 61 percent of clients accessed financial services for the first time through Advans and 36 percent reported a significant income increase.
“At Advans, we are not just financing businesses; we are financing dreams,” Doukoure said. “Every loan we issue is a step toward Africa’s self-reliance.”
