FINCA RDC, a microfinance institution operating in the Democratic Republic of Congo, has secured $8.2 million in funding from the Fund for Financial Inclusion (FPM SA), marking a significant boost to its credit capacity. The agreement, signed on July 29, aims to bolster FINCA’s lending portfolio and extend its reach to more micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) across the country.

The financing package includes $6.2 million in senior debt and an additional $2 million in subordinated debt. Mirela Pekmezi, FINCA’s Managing Director, emphasized that the capital infusion will strengthen the institution’s equity base while preserving liquidity, allowing for sustainable growth within the underserved MSME sector.

This injection aligns with FINCA’s broader strategy focused on financial inclusion and expansion. Its latest Pillar III report from 2024 reveals a 14% increase in its loan portfolio, valued at approximately 293.8 billion Congolese francs—equivalent to over $100 million—driven by a jump in loans issued from just over 51,000 in 2023 to more than 70,000 the following year.

For Patrick Nkongo, Managing Director of the Fund for Financial Inclusion in the DRC, the partnership with microfinance leader FINCA offers a powerful lever to deepen financial inclusion nationwide. Leveraging FINCA’s significant geographical footprint, the fund aims to extend credit access in areas often neglected by conventional lenders. This collaboration aligns with FPM’s ongoing strategy to sharpen its focus on refinancing mechanisms, portfolio guarantees, and credit lines, working alongside institutional donors such as the World Bank and KfW.

Reflecting the momentum, FPM’s latest Pillar III report for 2024 reveals that outstanding loans have jumped 53.4%, reaching $50.4 million.

This article was initially published in French by Ronsard Luabeya

Edited in English by Ange Jason Quenum