Operationalization of the SME Promotion, Guarantee and Support Fund (FIGA-PMEA)

Context & Background

In July 2020, the Congolese Ministry of Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises, Crafts, and the Informal Sector (MPMEASI) renewed its confidence in BBA to turn the Fund for the Promotion, Guarantee, and Support of SMEs (FIGA-PMEA) into an operational reality.

Building on an initial feasibility study conducted in 2009 and a roadmap developed in 2012, we were now tasked with moving from theory to practice: providing the country with a comprehensive support tool for micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises and the craft sector.

Phase I – Start-up & framing (July 2020 – Dec. 2020)

• Institutional and functional audit: mapping of existing structures, financial flows, and documentation tools.

• Infrastructure assessment: evaluation of IT systems, reporting, and internal processes.

• Initial roadmap: design of the launch plan, development of the change matrix, and definition of governance structures (steering committees, key roles).

  
  

Phase II – Operationalization (Jan. 2021 – Dec. 2023)

1. Final operational plan

   • Formalization of strategic priorities: impetus (subsidies), guarantees (security mechanisms), support (training and monitoring), partnerships, and communication.

   Establishment of governance

   • Creation of a dedicated organizational chart, a procedures manual and a management information system (MIS).

   • Recruitment and training of the first employees (fund managers, monitoring officers, sector experts).

2. Deployment of measures

   • Incentive measures: targeted subsidies to launch 50 pilot SME projects.

   • Guarantee mechanism: shared guarantee fund covering up to 70% of the risk for partner financial institutions.

   • Post-creation support: thematic coaching (financial management, marketing, organization, digitalization) and quarterly field visits.

   
   

Phase III – Consolidation & sustainability (Jan. 2024 – Jan. 2025)

• Daily monitoring: operational management, updating of indicators (KPIs) via an automated dashboard (disbursement rate, recovery rate, beneficiary satisfaction).

• Strengthening partnerships: signing of agreements with NGOs, microfinance institutions, and international development agencies.

• Continuing education: series of five thematic workshops (entrepreneurship, digitalization, market access) and creation of a network of sector experts for ad hoc support.

• Communication & visibility: launch of a web platform, quarterly newsletters, and organization of an annual “FIGA Forum” bringing together SMEs, financial partners, and donors.

Key results at mid-term

• + 120 SMEs financed and supported since 2021.

• 12-month survival rate: 85% (vs. 60% national average).

• Financial leverage: €1 public → €4 private mobilized.

• + 40% increase in average turnover among beneficiary SMEs.

Conclusion

By January 2025, FIGA-PMEA is set to become a regional model for supporting SMEs and crafts, combining grants, guarantees and technical support, with a strong focus on training and digitalization. BBA, alongside MPMEASI, is ensuring the sustainability of this program through careful monitoring of indicators and the upskilling of local actors.