EBRD launches SME support in Senegal

• EBRD officially launches SME support in Senegal
• Companies will receive tailored business advisory services alongside financing
• EBRD’s approach targets both structural and capacity issues in SME access to finance

The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) has launched its support for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Senegal, following the opening of its first resident office in the country, in the capital Dakar. The launch took place at an EBRD conference, supported by the EBRD's Small Business Impact Fund*, where the Bank presented its strategic approach to supporting the country’s private sector and discussed the opportunities and challenges facing SMEs.

The event – which brought together representatives from the government, financial institutions, local businesses, development partners and business associations – highlighted the central role that SMEs play in driving employment, entrepreneurship and local value creation in Senegal, while recognising that many businesses continue to face significant structural barriers to growth, including difficulties accessing finance, expertise and new markets.

The discussions underscored the fact that finance alone is not enough to unlock the full potential of private enterprises. SMEs require financial products that are better adapted to their needs, combined with practical business expertise to strengthen their competitiveness, improve their bankability and unlock new market opportunities.

The EBRD will offer an integrated package of tailor-made financing, advisory support and policy engagement for SMEs in Senegal, designed to strengthen the private sector and foster sustainable economic growth.

The Bank's financing solutions will include credit lines through partner financial institutions, portfolio risk-sharing facilities for micro and small businesses, individual risk-sharing arrangements for medium-sized enterprises and midcaps where appropriate, and supply chain finance solutions that support liquidity and help businesses to integrate into local and international value chains.

Senegal became an EBRD shareholder and country of operation in 2025. The EBRD’s work in the country will focus on supporting private-sector development, strengthening institutions and promoting sustainable and inclusive growth.

The Bank’s presence in Dakar will enable it to work directly with SMEs to help them improve productivity, strengthen governance, adopt new technologies, enhance climate resilience and expand into regional and international markets.

Alongside its direct support to businesses, the EBRD will work with the government to promote a policy environment that creates the conditions SMEs need to thrive, including by improving competitiveness, fostering innovation and supporting job creation across the country.

*Donors include Ireland, Italy, Japan, Luxembourg, Norway, South Korea, Sweden, Switzerland, TaiwanBusiness - EBRD Technical Cooperation Fund, the UK and the USA.