📋 Tender Overview
Switzerland supports the WAEMU Regional Strategy for Financial Inclusion (SRIF) 2025–2030 to facilitate access to appropriate and inclusive financial and non-financial (insurance) services for the most vulnerable populations. This helps generate income, stabilize household finances, and pave the way for broader social and economic inclusion, particularly for women and underserved groups.
Country/region Topic Period Budget
West Africa
Agriculture & food security
Inclusive economic Development
Agricultural development
Financial policy
Informal banking & insurance
Business support & economic inclusion
01.07.2025 - 30.06.2029
CHF 9’850’000
The project in brief
Background Although the financial inclusion rate1 has increased significantly in WAEMU, from 47% in 2016 to 72.3% in 2023, many challenges persist: low banking access, inequalities between rural and urban areas, gender inequalities, and limited access to certain services. A new regional strategy (SRIF 2025–2030) aims for a 90% adult financial inclusion rate, particularly targeting vulnerable groups. The strategy focuses on digital innovations (mobile money, FinTech, etc.) to reach remote areas and improve the efficiency of financial institutions. Capacity building and financial education are essential to avoid over-indebtedness and encourage responsible use of services. Financial inclusion (access to savings, credit, insurance, and payments) is a powerful lever for economic and social development, particularly for poor and vulnerable populations.
Objectives Ensure by 2030, the use of a diversified range of appropriate and affordable financial products and services for the benefit of at least 90% of the adult population of WAEMU, with particular emphasis on vulnerable populations.
Target groups
Rural populations, smallholder farmers, pastoralists and pastoralists
Women and young people
Micro-entrepreneurs, SMEs/SMIs
People who are displaced, disabled or have low financial literacy
Financial service providers (banks, MFIs, FinTechs and insurers)
Medium-term outcomes
5 million new beneficiaries, 60% of whom are farmers and breeders, have access to suitable financial products
250,000 small farmers, breeders, women and young people benefit from financial products (credit, savings, insurance, etc.) and strengthen the viability of their businesses
Financial institutions are strengthening their innovation capabilities through the integration of digital solutions adapted to the needs of adult and rural populations
Effective consumer protection mechanisms reduce reported cases of abuse related to the use of financial services
Results Expected results:
Strengthen financial education among populations and improve the collection and monitoring of data on financial inclusion
Financing financial innovations via the SCBF, through calls for proposals aimed at financial institutions and FinTech
Large-scale dissemination of digital financial services through the CIF
Strengthen
