News

Reopening of the BIIC JERICHO agency

2025-10-13T15:53:30+01:00

Reopening of the BIIC JERICHO agency

Dear Customers,

The General Management informs its valued customers of the reopening of the BIIC JERICHO branch located at the Jericho crossroads as of Monday, October 13, 2025.

This new setting has been completely renovated to better accommodate you.

This branch remains open during BIIC's regular hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and Saturday, 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., with the same pleasure of serving you.

General Management
BIIC, The bank at your service

Operational launch of the Entrepreneurship Support Fund to support and finance certified start-ups

2025-10-02T10:00:29+01:00

Operational launch of the Entrepreneurship Support Fund to support and finance certified start-ups

The International Bank for Industry and Commerce (BIIC) and the Agency for the Development of Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (ADPME) today launched the FAEN (Digital Entrepreneurship Support Fund) program, which aims to promote financing for startups.

The ceremony took place at 9:00 a.m. at the ADPME offices in Cotonou, attended by officials from both institutions and several key players in the entrepreneurial and financial ecosystem. The partnership between the two institutions aims to strengthen access to financing for startup-certified companies in the seed phase (less than 3 years old) as well as SMEs in the growth phase. It marks an important milestone in the joint commitment of BIIC and ADPME to innovation, digital transformation, and the development of the digital economy in Benin.

Through this partnership, the two institutions intend to combine their efforts to offer tailored financing solutions that are both accessible and structured, to support entrepreneurial momentum in Benin and accelerate the growth of high-potential start-ups. The FAEN will assist in the research and development of solutions by certified start-ups; investments; working capital needs, etc.

"This award is a special recognition, as it demonstrates the passion and dedication of our teams, as well as the relevance of our strategy in Benin. I thank all our clients for their invaluable trust, as well as all our stakeholders for their support." Arsène M. DANSOU, Managing Director of BIIC

About BIIC

Resulting from the merger between BAIC and BIBE in 2020, Banque Internationale pour l'Industrie et le Commerce (BIIC) is today a key player in the regional banking sector, with a share capital of 82.514 billion FCFA (i.e., €125.79 million as of December 31, 2024).

BIIC is a universal bank, open to all customer categories. Driven by an ambitious mission to provide innovative and accessible financial services to all, it places customer satisfaction at the heart of its priorities and actively supports entrepreneurs and the country's economic players. A leader in the Beninese banking market since 2022, the bank's strategy is structured around four core businesses: large corporations and institutions, elite clients, individuals, and SMEs/SMIs, supported by a booming digital offering. Since April 2025, it has also been listed on the BRVM (Regional Stock Exchange).

BIIC co-organizes the BENIN-FRANCE industry meetings

2025-09-23T10:46:29+01:00

BIIC co-organizes the BENIN-FRANCE industry meetings

The BIIC is proud to participate in the Benin-France 2025 Industry Meetings, from September 23rd to 25th in Cotonou. This event brings together strategic decision-makers, industrialists, and partners to build and strengthen sustainable economic synergies. It will allow us to present the financing and support solutions that the BIIC provides to businesses.

Through our commitment, we confirm our role as a benchmark financial partner alongside our companies, to support their growth and the structural transformation of our economy.

BIIC voted Best Commercial Bank of the Year 2025

2025-06-03T10:46:29+01:00

BIIC voted Best Commercial Bank of the Year 2025

The International Banker Awards 2025, one of the leading professional journals in the financial sector, awarded BIIC the trophy for "Best Commercial Bank of the Year - Benin" (https://internationalbanker.com/banking/the-international-banker-2025-middle-east-africa-awards-winners). The International Banker Awards annually recognize leading individuals and organizations that set new standards of performance and push boundaries in the financial sector, inspiring the aspirations of their peers. The nominees' performances are carefully evaluated by a panel of international experts. The International Banker Awards praised the consistency of BIIC's strategic approach, its support for productive market players, and the relevance of its service offering.

This international distinction crowns the sustained efforts, notable performances of recent years and the leadership positioning of our institution. It comes one month after a major strategic milestone: the introduction of the BIIC to the Regional Stock Exchange (BRVM) via a public offering that raised more than 100 billion FCFA.

It should be noted that this is BIIC's second distinction this year. At the Africa SME Champions Forum 2025, the bank had already been recognized for its commitment to SME financing through its high-impact programs: BIIC AVEC ELLES and PME BOOST.

With this award, BIIC joins the select circle of global financial institutions recognized by the International Banker Awards, confirming its status as a leading bank and its ambition for excellence in the African banking landscape.

BIIC and CRRH commit to facilitating access to affordable housing in the UEMOA

2025-05-13T13:54:43+01:00

Social Bond : A strong commitment to affordable housing alongside CRRH-UMOA

Facilitating access to housing for all! The International Bank for Industry and Commerce of Benin (BIIC) is committed to inclusive development by joining the WAEMU Affordable Housing Promotion Program. By signing a partnership agreement with the WAEMU Regional Mortgage Refinancing Fund (CRRH-UEMOA), the BIIC is strengthening its efforts to support low- and middle-income households, enabling them to access competitive financing for their real estate projects.

A program supported by the World Bank, which aims to offer long-term mortgage loans to financial institutions in the sub-region, thus guaranteeing more advantageous conditions for the population.
An ESG commitment: The BIIC, under the leadership of Mr. Arsène M. DANSOU, places this initiative at the heart of its Environment, Social and Governance (ESG) strategy, with a clear objective: to positively impact access to housing and support sustainable development in Benin.
By joining this program, BIIC benefits from the financial solidity of CRRH-UEMOA, in particular its AA+ rating awarded by Moody's and West Africa Rating Agency, a guarantee of reliability and transparency.

BIIC reaffirms its key role as a leading local investor, notably by supporting the government's 20,000 housing project. According to Mr. Arsène M. DANSOU, Managing Director of BIIC, "We wanted to be present alongside CRRH-UEMOA because this initiative is perfectly aligned with our mission as a bank committed to development. By facilitating access to housing, we are making a concrete contribution to improving people's living conditions and to Benin's economic development."

BIIC and AGF strengthen their partnership to finance SMEs

2025-05-08T13:54:43+01:00

BIIC STRENGTHENS ITS SUPPORT FOR SMEs WITH A 15 BILLION FCFA GUARANTEE LINE IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE AFRICAN GUARANTEE FUND

The International Bank for Industry and Commerce (BIIC) has taken a new step in its private sector support strategy by securing a portfolio guarantee line worth 15 billion FCFA from the African Guarantee Fund (AGF). Thanks to the support of the AGF's risk-sharing mechanism, BIIC has granted nearly 18 billion FCFA in loans. Under these credit facilities, AGF has supported a total of 112 SMEs to the tune of 4.2 billion FCFA. The current loan portfolio stands at 10 billion FCFA. To date, this partnership has created jobs, some of which are held by women and others by young people.

Signed by Mr. Arsène DANSOU, Director General of BIIC, and Ms. Sibi LAWSON, Acting Director General of AGF West Africa, this agreement marks the strengthening of an existing partnership between the two institutions, with a significant upward revision of the budget, from 5 to 15 billion CFA francs, for a period of five years. It aims to facilitate access to financing for Beninese and regional SMEs and SMIs, particularly those that lack sufficient collateral to access traditional bank loans. SMEs and SMIs are the backbone of the economy, especially in developing countries, where they contribute to job creation and income generation. Their impact is even greater in Benin, where they represent 90% of the industrial sector.

During the signing ceremony, Mr. Arsène DANSOU, CEO of BIIC, stated: "The strengthening of this credit line, increased from 5 to 15 billion FCFA, demonstrates the renewed confidence of our partner AGF. It also recognizes the rigor of our commitment and the leading role that BIIC plays in SME financing, with particular attention to women entrepreneurs." Beyond expanding the credit guarantee scheme, AGF will provide technical assistance to BIIC to strengthen its SME financing capacity. Particular attention will be paid to women-led businesses, through specific support aimed at structuring a pipeline of women-owned SMEs ready to access credit.

"Our partnership with BIIC marks a decisive step in our mission to support SMEs in Benin. BIIC is a privileged partner, and this upward revision marks a new milestone in our shared mission to unlock financing for SMEs. Our collaboration has already led to major progress, and by increasing this facility, we can further support companies that are actively contributing to the growth of the Beninese economy," said Ms. Sibi Lawson, Acting CEO of AGF West Africa.

Furthermore, this partnership is in line with AGF's strategic objectives, which aim to promote women's economic empowerment through the initiative to promote women's access to finance in Africa (AFAWA). It also helps support projects with a positive environmental impact through the Green Guarantee Facility. This partnership reflects a shared vision between BIIC and AGF: to strengthen local and sub-regional entrepreneurship, boost the economic fabric, and offer businesses a more inclusive financing framework better adapted to the realities on the ground. Through this initiative, BIIC confirms its position as a committed player in sustainable development, consistent with national economic priorities and international standards for responsible financing.

News

Reopening of the BIIC JERICHO agency

Reopening of the BIIC JERICHO agency

Reopening of the BIIC JERICHO agency

General Management BIIC, The bank at your service

Operational launch of the Entrepreneurship Support Fund to support and finance certified start-ups

Operational launch of the Entrepreneurship Support Fund to support and finance certified start-ups

BIIC co-organizes the BENIN-FRANCE industry meetings

BIIC co-organizes the BENIN-FRANCE industry meetings

BIIC voted Best Commercial Bank of the Year 2025

BIIC voted Best Commercial Bank of the Year 2025

BIIC and CRRH commit to facilitating access to affordable housing in the UEMOA

Social Bond : A strong commitment to affordable housing alongside CRRH-UMOA

BIIC and AGF strengthen their partnership to finance SMEs

BIIC STRENGTHENS ITS SUPPORT FOR SMEs WITH A 15 BILLION FCFA GUARANTEE LINE IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE AFRICAN GUARANTEE FUND

General Management
BIIC, The bank at your service