Financial Inclusion Using Agency Banking Project

Overview

Abstract

Through this partnership, FSD Africa is supporting Equity BCDC to increase access to unbanked populations in rural and peri-urban areas of DRC by scaling up its agency banking model, providing savings and loan products and building capacity of farmers, MSMEs, women and youth. FSD Africa’s support includes building of institutional capacity at the bank and the establishment of agents. Through Equity Bank BCDC’s market leadership in DRC it seeks to demonstrate the business case for serving unserved and underserved customers.

Results

  • 5,987 agents deployed, trained and equipped
  • 467,767 savings accounts opened for underserved populations
  • Over 8 million unbanked farmers, MSMEs, women and youth reached through financial awareness campaigns
  • Over $1m in loans disbursed to underserved/unserved MSMEs
  • 349 bank staff trained in financial inclusion and agricultural finance

Project Details

Project Title

Financial Inclusion Using Agency Banking Project

Implementing Partner

Equity Banque Commerciale du Congo SA (BCDC)

Donor(s)

FCDO

Value (in £)

1,169,001.50

Implementation Period

2019-2023

Countries Covered

DRC

Project Description

Through this partnership, FSD Africa is supporting Equity BCDC to increase access to unbanked populations in rural and peri-urban areas of DRC by scaling up its agency banking model, providing savings and loan products and building capacity of farmers, MSMEs, women and youth. FSD Africa’s support includes building of institutional capacity at the bank and the establishment of agents. Through Equity Bank BCDC’s market leadership in DRC it seeks to demonstrate the business case for serving unserved and underserved customers.

Target results

  • 5,987 agents deployed, trained and equipped
  • 467,767 savings accounts opened for underserved populations
  • Over 8 million unbanked farmers, MSMEs, women and youth reached through financial awareness campaigns
  • Over $1m in loans disbursed to underserved/unserved MSMEs
  • 349 bank staff trained in financial inclusion and agricultural finance

Progress

  • 5,987 agents deployed, trained and equipped
  • 467,767 savings accounts opened for underserved populations
  • Over 8 million unbanked farmers, MSMEs, women and youth reached through financial awareness campaigns
  • Over $1m in loans disbursed to underserved/unserved MSMEs
  • 349 bank staff trained in financial inclusion and agricultural finance

Contact

Updated: September, 2023