Feasibility study for the Economic Stimulus, Guarantee and Support Fund (FIGA Burundi)

Between February and July 2013, the Belgian Bankers Academy conducted an exhaustive study for ABEF to design the Economic Stimulus, Guarantee and Support Fund (FIGA) tailored to the Burundian context.

The project covered:

1. Data collection and analysis: quantification of the SME fabric (number, sectors, location, investment needs, working capital).

2. Study of financial needs: average amounts, maturities, grace periods, with a focus on agriculture and agri-food.

3. Mapping of existing actors: identification of support structures and potential synergies.

4. Cooperation model: definition of the roles of the intermediaries concerned and the support arrangements.

5. Design of financial products: co-financing and guarantee structure, product policy in partnership with local banks.

6. Institutional anchoring: governance and organizational proposal for steering the FIGA.

7. Capitalization assumptions: simulation of risk portfolio and capital requirements.

8. Business models and SWOT: business plans, organizational chart, and profitability analyses.

9. Management and control standards: development of governance standards, monitoring and reporting processes.

10. Impact assessment: projections of economic and social effects on SME development.

11. Consultation: workshops with donors and public and private institutions to validate synergies and contributions.

    
    

At the end of this study, ABEF had a FIGA-Burundi model ready to be capitalized, guaranteed, and implemented to support hundreds of SMEs in accessing finance.