Rawbank, the leading bank in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), has secured a $265 million structured financing package led by the International Finance Corporation (IFC). This financing aims to boost private sector growth and job creation in the country.
The deal, which is the largest ever arranged by the IFC for a financial institution in the DRC, will enable Rawbank to increase its lending to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), strategic industries, and entrepreneurs. The goal is to strengthen job creation, productivity, and long-term competitiveness, while promoting financial inclusion and the digital and sustainable transformation of the Congolese economy.
The financing is structured in two parts. The first is a $165 million senior loan facility arranged by the IFC, with a direct contribution of $50 million from the IFC and $115 million mobilized from partners such as Proparco, the eco.business Fund, the OPEC Fund, and British International Investment (BII). The second is a $100 million risk-sharing agreement between the IFC and Rawbank, where the IFC covers 50% of the exposure, equivalent to $50 million. This mechanism is supported by the European Commission and the International Development Association (IDA) through the Small Loan Guarantee Program.
Mustafa Rawji, CEO of Rawbank, stated that this operation represents a strategic allocation of international capital to a local financial intermediary recognized for its ability to transform these resources into productive financing. He emphasized the goal of financing more Congolese SMEs, strengthening local production, and supporting sustainable job creation across the country. Mary Porter Peschka, IFC Division Director for Eastern Africa, added that this financing program aims to unlock opportunities across the DRC, enabling the financing of at least 1,500 additional SMEs over the next four years in strategic sectors.
In addition to financing, the IFC will provide advisory services to help Rawbank build its expertise in climate finance, develop tailored agri-finance solutions, and enhance its support for women entrepreneurs. This investment is part of the IFC's strategy to increase its investments in the energy, agriculture, and industry sectors in the DRC, where it holds an investment portfolio of $370 million, mainly in telecommunications and finance.
Rawbank posted strong performance in 2024, with net banking income of $514 million, up 6.2% from 2023, and net profit of $212.7 million, up 11.4%. The bank was also recognized as Bank of the Year 2025 in the DRC by The Banker, due to the progression of its results, the advancement of its transformation program, and its role in financing structuring projects for the Congolese economy.
This major financing from the IFC and its partners demonstrates confidence in Rawbank's ability to support economic growth and financial inclusion in the DRC.
