Members of the SGG mission and economic operators from Haut Ogooué at the end of their awareness-raising mission in Franceville and Moanda © D.R
The Gabon Guarantee Company (SGG), a subsidiary of the Gabonese Strategic Investment Fund (FGIS), indicated in an official press release that it had mobilized 17.2 billion FCFA until October 31 to support 190 Gabonese SMEs/SMIs, which often suffer from a lack of financing in their growth.
“As of October 31, 2024, SGG has mobilized 17.2 billion CFA Francs in financing, benefiting more than 190 Gabonese SMEs/SMIs thanks to the guarantee lines granted to its five partner credit institutions (BGFI, BICIG, UGB, SODEC , EDG), allowing the creation of 2,719 direct and indirect jobs”specified the SGG.
In this momentum aimed at getting closer to local businesses to develop the local economy through financial inclusion, the SGG, accompanied by its partner Okoumé Capital (OKC), continued its awareness-raising mission from November 20 to 23 in Franceville and Moanda in the Haut Ogooué province. The exploitation of Manganese ore in the region has created strong industrial activity, allowing the development of certain Gabonese SMEs whose financial support is necessary.
Launched in Port-Gentil on October 28, the SGG awareness mission dedicated to Gabonese SMEs which was a real success in the province of Ogooué Maritime, according to the initiators, continued to also support economic operators of the Haut Ogooué province operating in sectors with high growth potential, in this case the mining sector.
“For its part, Okoumé Capital, through its private equity activity, which takes the form of a minority stake in the capital, offers national companies essential financial resources, while providing them with structuring support in terms of governance and operational optimization »specifies the press release.
By combining their expertise, SGG and Okoumé Capital cover a wide range of financial needs, thus ensuring a significant contribution to the revitalization and structuring of the Gabonese entrepreneurial ecosystem, it is indicated.
During these exchange sessions, B2B meetings and information sessions made it possible to present the financing tools offered by these two institutions to businesses and project leaders in the locality.
Antoine Relaxe
2024-11-24 17:42:00
#SGG #mobilized #billion #FCFA #October #support #Gabonese #SMEsSMIs
What challenges do Gabonese SMEs face when accessing financing, and how does the Gabon Guarantee Company (SGG) address these issues?
**Interview with Mrs. Clara Bouka, Director of the Gabon Guarantee Company (SGG)**
*Interviewer:* Thank you for joining us today, Mrs. Bouka. The recent activities of the Gabon Guarantee Company have been noteworthy. Can you share some insights regarding your recent awareness-raising mission in Haut Ogooué?
*Mrs. Bouka:* Thank you for having me! Our mission in Franceville and Moanda aimed to connect with local businesses and promote financial inclusion. As we know, many small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Gabon face significant challenges in accessing financing. Our goal was to raise awareness and provide information on the support available through our financing guarantees.
*Interviewer:* You mentioned that SGG has mobilized 17.2 billion FCFA until October 31. Could you elaborate on how this funding has impacted local SMEs?
*Mrs. Bouka:* Absolutely. The 17.2 billion FCFA has supported over 190 Gabonese SMEs and small industries through guarantee lines provided to our five partner banks — BGFI, BICIG, UGB, SODEC, and EDG. This support is crucial, as it significantly reduces the financial risks for banks when lending to these companies. As a result, we’ve helped create 2,719 jobs, both directly and indirectly, contributing to the local economy.
*Interviewer:* That’s impressive! You also mentioned the role of manganese exploitation in the region. How does this relate to your efforts?
*Mrs. Bouka:* The manganese industry plays a vital role in the economic landscape of Haut Ogooué. Its growth leads to increased industrial activity and opens up opportunities for SMEs that supply goods and services to this sector. Therefore, our financial support is crucial for these businesses to scale their operations and take advantage of the economic benefits arising from manganese exploitation.
*Interviewer:* What are the next steps for SGG after this mission?
*Mrs. Bouka:* We plan to continue our outreach efforts, not just in Haut Ogooué but across other regions in Gabon. We want to ensure that financial resources are accessible to all SMEs that need them. Additionally, we are collaborating closely with our partners at Okoumé Capital to enhance our support mechanisms and explore innovative ways to empower local entrepreneurs.
*Interviewer:* Lastly, Mrs. Bouka, what message would you like to share with Gabonese SMEs currently seeking financial support?
*Mrs. Bouka:* I would encourage them to reach out to us and our partner banks. There are tailored financial solutions available, and we are here to help them grow and succeed. The future of Gabon’s economy rests on the shoulders of our entrepreneurs, and together, we can build a more prosperous environment for all.
*Interviewer:* Thank you, Mrs. Bouka, for your insights and for the important work SGG is doing to support local businesses.
### Conclusion
Mrs. Clara Bouka’s efforts at SGG emphasize a commitment to fostering the growth of Gabonese SMEs through strategic financial guarantees, helping pave the way for a more sustainable economic future in the region.
