As stated by the EIB, the Multi Beneficiary Intermediated Loan (MBIL) to Banque Nationale d'Investissement (BNI) will enhance access to finance to eligible small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) and mid-caps in the agriculture value chain, in particular in the sustainable cocoa sector, as well as to those supporting youth employment in the Ivory Coast.

The aim is to finance investments in agriculture value-chains (60% contractual target) and support youth employment (50% contractual target), in line with the "Agriculture and Food Systems Sustainability priority" as well as with the EU Multiannual Indicative Plan (MIP) 2021-2027 aiming at "contributing to the employability of young people.

By focusing specifically on sustainable cocoa (30% contractual target), a Team Europe flagship initiative in the country, the MBIL will facilitate access to finance to agri-food SMEs and smallholder producers, often facing obstacles and lacking information when applying for funding, and therefore fill a gap in this market segment.

Targeting businesses led and/or founded by young entrepreneurs or employing at least 40% of young people is in line with the MIP objective of "supporting private investment, particularly around sustainability issues, and policies that create quality jobs for young people".

As stated on the company's website (translated with DeepL.com), Caisse Autonome d'Amortissement, a financial institution that has played a key role in Côte d'Ivoire's economic development for 60 years, became Banque Nationale d'Investissement (BNI) on February 19, 2004, a name in keeping with its new orientations.

A state-owned company governed by law no. 97-519 of September 4, 1997 and decree no. 98-11 of January 14, 1998, as amended by decree no. 2004-188 of February 19, 2004, since 2004 BNI has had a capital of 20.5 billion, held by the State of Côte d'Ivoire.

No project contacts provided at the time of disclosure.

Financial Intermediary - Banque Nationale D'Investissement SA:

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