Rawbank, the leading bank in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), recorded a 42% growth in healthy loans, net of provisions, granted to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and households in 2024. The surge was reported in the bank’s regulatory financial communication.

Outstanding loans to the two segments rose from 1,094 billion Congolese francs (CF) in 2023 to CF1,550 billion in 2024—up by CF456 billion, or roughly $166 million at the year’s average exchange rate. The bank thus confirms its commitment to these two customer segments, often seen as more exposed to economic risks.

In detail, net performing loans granted to SMEs stood at CFA555.4 billion in 2024, up 67% year-on-year. The bank extended around CFA1,000 billion to households, up 30%. In its report, Rawbank did not explain these dynamics but underscored, more generally, the adoption of a strengthened risk management approach.

Provisions for risks associated with these two segments fell by 27% for SMEs and 40% for households. In addition, outstanding problem loans fell by 91%, suggesting improved collection performance. Although household overdue loans are up 40%, they only represent around 2% of healthy loans, limiting the overall impact.

Rawbank’s overall credit portfolio improved in 2024. Total healthy loans net of provisions—still largely dominated by loans to the extractive sector—reached CF5,606 billion, up 51%. At the same time, provisions for bad debts fell by 38%, and overdue loans by 35%.

Against this backdrop, interest income on loans continued to underpin net banking income, contributing CF554 billion, up 28%. To this must be added CF148 billion in credit commissions. Rawbank also derives significant revenues from its other banking services, which generated CF581 billion in 2024.

This performance underscores Rawbank’s dual strategy: expanding support for SMEs and households while maintaining rigorous risk controls and a diversified revenue base.

Georges Auréole Bamba