Contribute Information
Can you contribute information about this project?
Contact the EWS Team
The proposed investment consists of a 5-year A-loan to Sudameris Bank S.A.E.C.A (Sudameris or the Bank) for up to US$75 million, to expand the Bank’s small and medium enterprises (SMEs) lending program, of which at least 30% is expected to be on-lent to Women-Owned SMEs (WSMEs) (the Project).
IFC anticipates that the Project will contribute to narrow the finance gap for SMEs in Paraguay, supporting financial inclusion in the country. The SME finance gap in Paraguay is US$3.9 billion according to the SME Finance Forum, representing approximately 14% of the country's GDP. Informal micro and SME demand for finance is estimated at another US$3.6 billion. Improving access to finance and thus productivity of SMEs is crucial for the development of Paraguay's economy, as SMEs are a key driver of economic growth and job creation. Furthermore, 30% of the proceeds are expected to be used to originate loans to WSME, a key underserved sub-segment in the economy.
The Project will also increase the competitiveness of the SME financing sector by enabling the Bank to expand its operations. Through the Project, the Bank will demonstrate to other players the commercial viability and business opportunity presented by underserved SMEs proven by its growing market share.
The Project consists of an IFC’s own account senior A Loan of up to US$75 million to Sudameris. The proceeds of the Loan will be used by the Bank to finance eligible SMEs and WSMEs.
According to the IFC, Sudameris is a Paraguayan commercial bank with more than 430 employees and 19 branches across the country. As of February 2022, the Bank ranked as the fourth largest bank in terms of loans with a market share of 9.6%.
IFC
ACCESS TO INFORMATION
You can submit a request for information disclosure at: https://disclosures.ifc.org/#/inquiries
If you believe that your request for information from IFC has been unreasonably denied, or that this Policy has been interpreted incorrectly, you can submit a complaint at the link above to IFC's Access to Information Policy Advisor, who reports directly to IFC's Executive Vice President.
ACCOUNTABILITY MECHANISM OF IFC/MIGA
The Compliance Advisor Ombudsman (CAO) is the independent complaint mechanism and fact-finding body for people who believe they are likely to be, or have been, adversely affected by an IFC or MIGA- financed project. If you submit a complaint to the CAO, they may assist you in resolving a dispute with the company and/or investigate to assess whether the IFC is following its own policies and procedures for preventing harm to people or the environment. If you want to submit a complaint electronically, you can email the CAO at CAO@worldbankgroup.org You can learn more about the CAO and how to file a complaint at http://www.cao-ombudsman.org