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Proparco supports Rawbank with a USD 50 million loan to boost SMES and strengthen private sector growth in the Democratic Republic of Congo

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Signing ceremony. - DR

Proparco has extended a USD 50 million loan to Rawbank, the leading bank in the Democratic Republic of Congo, as part of a USD 265 million financing package led by the International Finance Corporation, alongside eco.business Fund, the OPEC Fund for International Development and British International Investment PLC. The facility aims to expand access to finance for businesses, strengthen private sector growth, and support job creation across the country.

Rawbank is the country’s largest financial institution, operating a network of over 100 branches serving clients across most regions nationwide. Through this financing, Proparco will support Rawbank’s growth strategy targeting small and medium-sized enterprises and corporate clients, enabling the bank to scale up lending to productive sectors of the Congolese economy.

The operation is expected to support 116 SMEs and sustain more than 34,000 jobs, contributing directly to private sector resilience and local value creation. By financing Congolese companies’ investment needs and expanding domestic production capacity, the project advances progress toward Sustainable Development Goal 8 on decent work and economic growth, while promoting inclusive and sustainable private sector development.
 

By joining forces with leading international institutions, we are strengthening our capacity to finance growth, empower entrepreneurs, and advance a more inclusive and resilient Congolese economy.

Mustafa Rawji

  • Chief Executive Officer of Rawbank

This operation reflects Proparco’s long-term commitment to strengthening resilient and inclusive financial systems. By supporting Rawbank, we are scaling up access to finance for Congolese SMEs — particularly those driving local value creation and employment. Strong domestic financial institutions are essential to unlocking sustainable private sector growth in the DRC.

Mehdi Tanani

  • Regional Director for Central Africa at Proparco

This investment is aligned with Proparco’s strategy and its ambition to invest in Africa, and increase operations in fragile and underserved markets. By supporting a key financial player in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Proparco reaffirms its commitment to fostering sustainable, inclusive and resilient economic development across the continent.

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