The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) has launched a new programme to support small and medium-sized enterprises in Senegal, expanding its engagement in the West African nation as it seeks to strengthen private-sector growth, improve access to finance and help local businesses reach new markets.
The initiative follows the opening of the bank’s first resident office in Dakar and marks a key step in its efforts to support entrepreneurship, job creation and economic development in the country.
During the programme’s launch, the EBRD presented its strategy for supporting Senegal’s private sector and held discussions with government officials, financial institutions, business associations, development partners and local companies on the challenges facing smaller businesses.
Small and medium-sized enterprises are a major source of employment and economic activity in Senegal, but many continue to face obstacles including limited access to financing, insufficient technical expertise and difficulties expanding into regional and international markets.
The EBRD said the new programme will combine financing, advisory services and policy support to help businesses improve competitiveness and achieve sustainable growth.
Under the initiative, the bank will offer a range of financial instruments, including credit lines through partner financial institutions, risk-sharing facilities for micro and small enterprises, financing solutions for medium-sized companies and supply-chain finance products aimed at improving liquidity and strengthening participation in domestic and global value chains.
Beyond financing, the programme will provide technical assistance to help companies improve management practices, strengthen governance, adopt new technologies and enhance productivity.
The bank also plans to work with Senegalese authorities to improve the business environment for smaller firms through reforms designed to encourage innovation, increase competitiveness and support job creation.
Senegal became an EBRD shareholder and country of operation in 2025, opening a new chapter in cooperation focused on private-sector development, institutional strengthening and inclusive economic growth.
The bank said its presence in Dakar would allow it to work more closely with local businesses and support efforts to improve climate resilience, attract investment and expand access to regional and global markets.
The programme underscores the EBRD’s broader strategy of fostering private-sector-led growth across Africa by helping smaller businesses overcome structural constraints and access the financing and expertise needed to expand.
