Our activities in Africa

For over ten years, Sub-Saharan Africa has been experiencing unprecedented social and economic growth, driven by external debt relief, the surge in commodity exports, economic and social reforms, the increase in foreign capital inflows and domestic consumption. However, there continues to be a massive need for housing, infrastructure – particularly for energy – and goods and services, such as water, education and healthcare. The benefits of growth over the last decade have not had a sustainable impact on curbing poverty, malnutrition or child mortality.

Consequently, Proparco focuses its support on infrastructure projects (especially in energy and transport), developing agriculture and the agri-food industry, strengthening banking systems (both national and pan-African) and the productive sector (particularly SMEs), as well as on developing high-quality essential goods and services (water, healthcare, education, vocational training, etc.). 

To support the continent’s transition Proparco is operating in all sectors.

• Promoting construction of sustainable infrastructure: Proparco’s financing focuses specifically on developing infrastructure that is essential for opening up territories, economic activity and improving general living conditions (through renewable energies, ports, railway networks, etc.).

• Partnering the agriculture and agri-food sectors: Proparco also contributes to modernizing farms and the agriculture and agri-food sectors by financing projects that help create employment for rural populations, develop processing and distribution activities, and reduce food imports.
• Promoting the financing of small and medium-sized enterprises: Proparco is maintaining its commitment alongside national and pan-African financial institutions (banks, microfinance institutions, etc.). The aim is to boost their capacity to invest in key activities for development, particularly those of SMEs, and to facilitate the participation of those on low-incomes in economic activity.