A new player has come to fill the gap that separates small credit from bank loans. Friday October 23, 2026, the INNOV FINANCE institution officially opened its doors in Abidjan, in front of an audience of personalities, under the watchful eye of the First Lady. Based in Cocody, Riviera 3, the company is led by Patricia Pokou, Chairwoman of the Board of Directors, and Bintou Bayo, Managing Director. The ceremony was held under the patronage of Dominique Ouattara, whose action in favor of the empowerment of women was praised by Minister Souleymane Diarrassouba. He also congratulated the commitment of the promoters, determined to actively support female entrepreneurship. The context is supportive.According to the Minister, the Financial Sector Development Program (PDESFI) has modernized, cleaned up and diversified the national financial landscape. The strict banking rate reaches 33.6%, the expanded rate 46.2%, figures consistent with the BCEAO report on financial inclusion. Thanks to electronic money, financial inclusion climbs to 84.7%.

It is in this gap that INNOV FINANCE fits. Positioned on mesofinance, between microfinance and traditional banking, it targets SMEs, SMIs and VSEs that have gone beyond microcredit, but are still far from bank financing. Its offering includes loans, savings, term deposits, digital services and “Invoice Advance”, which allows you to mobilize customer receivables. Approved in April 2026, it has been operating since July 14 under the regulatory framework of the BCEAO.Its activity contributes to the objectives of the third pillar of the PND 2026-2030, devoted to the promotion of private investment, the emergence of national champions and the reduction of informality. The plan relies on 70.2% private investment, hence the challenge of local financing for businesses, particularly run by women.

With a stated ambition to shine in the sub-region, the young institution will have to prove, file after file, that the promised proximity and responsiveness really benefit all entrepreneurs.