BCI reinforces its commitment to strategic partnerships to unlock financing for SMEs

At the 21st Annual Private Sector Conference (CASP), the Commercial and Investment Bank (BCI) advocated for an integrated approach that combines business capacity building, risk sharing, and access to international markets as a way to reverse the trend of reduced credit to Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) over the last decade. This position was presented by the Central Director of Accounting and Financial Information, Daniela Santos, who emphasized the need for public-private partnerships and collaborations with multilateral institutions to make financing more accessible and competitive.

Presentation of the scenario: reduction in credit to SMEs in the last decade, aggravated by international uncertainty, and identification of the main obstacles: lack of training and insufficient guarantees, which increase the risk and cost of financing.

Details of the tripartite approach advocated by the banker:

   - Capacity building and certification for Mozambican SMEs;

   - Creation and strengthening of guarantee funds for risk sharing;

   - Facilitating access to foreign markets as a lever for competitiveness.

Debate on the panel and priority sectors

– Mention of the mechanisms discussed at the event, highlighting the need to stimulate productive investment in areas such as agriculture, agro-industry, processing, logistics and innovation, where the fragility of guarantees is most critical.

Strengthening the bank's role as a market leader and active partner in the dialogue on economic development, reaffirming its commitment to inclusive and innovative financial solutions aligned with CASP's objectives of building a stronger and more resilient economy.