BIO invests €3M in Vital Finance, one of Benin's leading microfinance institutions
January 13th, Cotonou, Benin
The Belgian Investment Company for Developing Countries (BIO) has granted a loan of €3M to Vital Finance Benin, one of Benin's leading microfinance institutions, to scale their MSME loan portfolio. This financing will empower thousands of micro and small entrepreneurs, and in particular women-led businesses—70% of Vital Finance’s clients are women—enabling them to grow, create jobs, and drive sustainable local economies.
To celebrate this new investment, BIO organised a signing ceremony together with the Belgian embassy in Cotonou. Sandrine Platteau, Belgian Ambassador to Benin, believes that this initiative aligns with Belgium’s commitment to youth employment, gender equality, and sustainable development in Benin.
Thanks to this partnership, Vital Finance aims to reach 30,000 clients by 2026, promote ESG best practices, and provide essential long-term local currency funding—often scarce in emerging markets.
Wakil Adjibi, CEO of Vital Finance
This investment supports SME development, financial inclusion, and the critical role of microfinance in expanding access to credit.
Joris Totté, CEO of BIO
The ceremony closed with a powerful testimony from Aubert Hodonou of Hodonou Aquaculture and Poultry Farm, a local SME that shared how a loan from Vital Finance enabled them to expand their operations. For them, Vital Finance was the only institution willing to provide the necessary financing—a clear example of how targeted financial inclusion unlocks potential.
This partnership is a testament to the power of development finance and the catalytic role of SMEs in achieving inclusive economic growth. When MSMEs thrive, communities prosper.
About Vital Finance
Vital Finance Benin, founded in 1998, is a microfinance institution dedicated to expanding financial access for low‑income, economically active populations across Benin. Through over 20 branches nationwide, it provides financial and non‑financial services to individuals, micro‑entrepreneurs, and SMEs. Its diversified offerings include individual and group loans, mesofinance, consumer credit, payment services, and mobile money products. Serving 29,000 active clients—66% of whom are women—Vital Finance plays a key role in bridging the “missing middle” financing gap and promoting financial inclusion. Originating from a USAID‑supported project, it has become one of Benin’s leading microfinance institutions through strong national and international partnerships.
For more information, please visit www.vitalfinance.com.
Vital Finance
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Debt € 3,000,000.00 (2026)Africa, Benin
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