IFC : launch of gender-specific bond in Côte d’Ivoire with the ALCB Fund

On March 11, 2025, the International Finance Corporation (IFC) and the ALCB Fund announced an investment of 4.9 billion CFA (7.8 million USD) in Ecobank Côte d’Ivoire’s gender-specific bond. The initiative aims to finance nearly 1,200 women-owned SMEs in Côte d’Ivoire, promoting economic growth and gender equality. The issuing bank benefits from a credit guarantee of 1.25 billion CFA (2 million USD). The financial product is part of Ecobank’s ELLEVER program to support women’s economic inclusion.