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.

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.