Advans Congo microfinance wants to double its loan disbursements in 2025, targeting over $100 million in new loans, up from just over $50 millinaging Director Jean-Luc Nzoubou in an interview with Bankable in Kinshasa.

By the end of May 2025, Advans had already granted nearly $30 million in loans, and management is confident of meeting—or even surpassing—the annual target, noting that 70% of loans are typically granted between July and December.

At the end of 2024, the institution opened two new branches in Greater Katanga (Lubumbashi and Kolwezi), bringing its network to 11 locations nationwide, including five in Kinshasa. These new branches already account for 30% of loan disbursements this year, prompting plans for two more branches in the region.

Advans has also implemented a streamlined loan processing system, allowing new customers to receive loans within seven days, and even faster for existing clients. 

According to its website, loan amounts range from $100 to $200,000, with monthly interest rates capped at 5%. The focus is on micro and small businesses with at least one year of activity, and repayment terms are tailored to business needs, “ranging from 6 to 18 months for working capital and up to 36 months for investment needs,” according to Jean-Luc Nzoubou.

Advans closed 2024—a year CEO Nzoubou described as one of “strong growth”—with gross loans outstanding of 114.2 billion Congolese francs ($41 million), up 49.4% from 2023. This expansion was achieved with solid risk control, as gross disputed loans rose only moderately from CF8.3 to CF8.8 billion.

This article was initially published in French by Timothée Manoke (intern)

Edited in English by Ola Schad Akinocho