Financing of SMEs: BMN and Bridge Bank sign a partnership agreement

The Upgrade Office (BMN) and Bridge Bank Group CI, Senegal Branch, signed, on October 1, 2026 in Dakar, a partnership agreement intended to facilitate access to financing for companies supported by the BMN and to accelerate the completion of their upgrade investments.

Financing remains a major issue for small and medium-sized businesses. To respond to this, the Upgrading Office (BMN) and Bridge Bank Senegal have decided to combine their expertise. The agreement was signed by Fatou Dyana Ba, Director of BMN, and Alexandra Awadi Diaw, General Director of Bridge Bank Group CI, Senegal Branch.

Through this agreement, the two institutions intend to “better articulate the technical support of the BMN and the financial expertise of Bridge Bank Senegal”, in order to provide a response to the financing difficulties encountered by Senegalese SMEs.

Conditions intended for supported companies

Concretely, companies supported by the BMN and meeting the eligibility criteria will be able to benefit from several facilities. The press note mentions in particular “diligent processing of their files”, as well as “preferential banking conditions according to the Bank’s analysis”. They will also be able to benefit from joint support and monitoring.

The device also provides a mechanism in both directions. Bridge Bank will be able to direct certain SMEs in its portfolio towards the BMN so that they can benefit from its support system.

Turn plans into investments

Beyond access to credit, the partnership aims to promote the realization of business projects. The two institutions thus wish to facilitate “the transition from Upgrading Plans to the actual realization of investments”, with the objectives of strengthening productivity, competitiveness and business development.

To monitor this collaboration, a Joint Monitoring Committee will be set up. It will be supported by an Annual Action Plan intended to set objectives and measure the results obtained.

Through this agreement, the BMN and Bridge Bank reaffirm their commitment to “better structured, better financed and more competitive” SMEs. According to the note, this dynamic must also contribute to the creation of jobs and added value.

BMN and Bridge Bank, two complementary expertises
A business support structure, the Upgrading Office is responsible for promoting and implementing the National Upgrading Program. It supports companies in improving their competitiveness, modernizing their production tools, strengthening their management and access to financing.

For its part, Bridge Bank Group Côte d’Ivoire, Senegal Branch, has been present in the country since 2022. This is the group’s first regional establishment beyond Côte d’Ivoire. The bank supports businesses, professionals, individuals and the State of Senegal through financial solutions adapted to their needs.

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