The Financial Inclusion Fund (FPM SA) has signed a loan agreement with CRDB Bank Congo SA, the Congolese branch of Tanzania’s CRDB Bank. The official ceremony took place in Lubumbashi, attended by Patrick Nkongo, FPM’s CEO, and Jessica Nyachiro, Managing Director of CRDB Bank Congo.
While the amount of the loan was not disclosed, FPM confirmed that it is a senior debt facility. This type of loan gives repayment priority in the event of borrower default, bankruptcy, or liquidation, and is usually backed by the borrower’s assets, minimizing credit risk for the lender.
With this funding, CRDB Bank Congo plans to grow its loan portfolio, focusing on key sectors such as agriculture, support for women entrepreneurs, and youth-led businesses. Leaders from both institutions said the deal aims to promote the growth of small and medium enterprises and foster inclusive economic development in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The agreement is part of FPM’s broader strategy to enhance the quality of its financing portfolio by working with institutions committed to high-impact sectors. According to its 2024 Pillar III report, FPM has deepened partnerships with local banks and shifted its focus toward refinancing tools, portfolio guarantees, and credit lines backed by development partners such as the World Bank and German cooperation agency KfW.
Earlier this year, FPM signed a similar deal with Rawbank in April and recently secured a new funding line from Dutch development bank FMO.
The loan comes as CRDB Bank Congo works to strengthen its operations in the DRC. Despite posting a $2.5 million loss in 2024 due to expansion costs, the bank has seen strong improvements: deposits have increased tenfold, total assets now exceed $70 million, and net interest margins have improved, driven partly by investments in Congolese government bonds.
CRDB has been operating in the DRC since May 2023 and continues to invest in the country’s growth potential. The new partnership with FPM will boost its ability to fund high-impact sectors and expand access to finance across underserved groups.
