Teyliom Finance (Bridge Bank)

Swedfund has issued a loan to Teyliom Finance directed at Bridge Bank Microfinance (BBM) for lending to micro, small and medium-sized enterprises mainly operating in Côte d'Ivoire. BBM also intends to develop specific offers to female entrepreneurs.

Swedfund's investment gives small and large companies access to financing to develop and in many cases grow their business. This contributes to increased financial inclusion as well as enhancing women's economic empowerment as Bridge Bank develops specific offers to women entrepreneurs and MSMEs led by women.

The loan is a co-investment with Bluepeak Capital.

: March 1, 2024: April 8, 2025

Facts

SDG in Focus

No Poverty

End poverty in all its forms everywhere.

Reduced Inequalities

Reduce inequality within and among countries.

Decent Work and Economic Growth

Promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all.

Sector

Financial inclusion & MSME financing

Swedfund’s investments in Financial Inclusion are made in regulated banks and microfinance institutions in order to increase access to debt capital for entrepreneurs, MSMEs and low-in come earners, or in local investment platforms, local companies or through so-called private equity funds to increase access to equity capital for MSMEs.

Value creation

Impact

The investment contributes to private sector development in Africa, increased access to finance for companies and increased capacity and skills to address sustainability issues. The investment is expected to contribute to women's economic empowerment by supporting female leaders, workers and entrepreneurs. Furthermore, the investment is expected to contribute to jobs and other income-generating opportunities locally.

Additionality

Swedfund's investment is financially additional as it is made in a high-risk context where access to capital is limited, the business environment is challenging, and poverty rates are high. The investment is expected to contribute to mobilising capital from institutional investors. The investment is value additional through a strong focus on active value creation during the investment phase, prioritising environmental, social and governance issues.

ESG Summary

Requirements

In line with Swedfund’s Policy for Sustainable Development, the portfolio company is required to materially comply with, inter alia: (i) all internationally recognised human rights (ii) the EDFI harmonized exclusion list and EDFI Fossil Fuel Exclusion List, (iii) local environmental, health & safety and labour laws and regulations, (iv) applicable IFC Performance Standards, (v) the ILO’s Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work and the ILO’s Basic Terms and Conditions of Employment.

ESG risk

E&S risk categorisation is Medium Risk (FI-B) based on the FI’s investment strategy, exposure to E&S/impact. Risks are related to occupational health and safety (OHS), business integrity practises, customer protection.

ESG mitigation measures

A developed environmental and social management system (ESMS) and strengthened work on sustainability issues through developed client protection for microfinance and the establishment of a complaint mechanism.

Applicable IFC Performance Standards

IFC Performance Standards (PS) 1-4 are applicable to the financial institution (FI) and its subsidiaries. IFC PS 1-8 may be applicable for clients of the institution’s subsidiaries.

Whistleblowing channels and Grievance Mechanism

Swedfund’s whistleblowing services can be used by employees, contractors and others at Swedfund, and by the companies and funds in which Swedfund invests. The complaints mechanism can be used for all types of complaints concerning Swedfund and Swedfund’s portfolio companies, but not for complaints concerning individuals as a result of restrictions arising from data protection legislation. 🔹 Link in website footer.

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