Baobab Senegal celebrates the inaugural listing of its green, social, and sustainable bond on the BRVM

Dakar, February 25, 2025

Following the successful subscription to Senegal’s first green, social, and sustainable bonds, Baobab Sénégal marks a new milestone with the official listing of these securities on the Regional Stock Exchange (BRVM). The ceremony, relocated from Abidjan to Dakar, was held on February 25 at the Noom Hotel in Dakar, in the presence of key players in the regional financial market and project partners.
This listing represents a major advancement for inclusive financing in West Africa and confirms investors’ confidence in initiatives with high social and environmental impact.

A Resounding Success

With this inaugural listing of a bond with social and environmental impact, Baobab Sénégal demonstrates its role as a catalyst in transforming the regional financial landscape. This achievement is expected to inspire other stakeholders to adopt responsible financial models in support of economic and social development.

Recall that the first bond issuance by a private entity labeled “green, sustainable, and social” was launched in September 2024 on the regional financial market of the West African Economic and Monetary Union (WAEMU). This CFA 20 billion operation (30 million euros), initiated by USAID Entrepreneurship and Investment in collaboration with Baobab Sénégal, was structured by CGF Bourse with the support of the Africa Local Currency Bond Fund (ALCB Fund) and the International Finance Corporation (IFC), which jointly invested XOF 10.5 billion (16.8 million USD) in this transaction.
This initiative marks a historic first for Baobab Sénégal, doubling the amount of its previous fundraising on the regional financial market and establishing a new milestone in its commitment to financing MSMEs.

Promising Economic and Social Benefits
The subscription to this bond met with strong success thanks to an attractive interest rate of 6.80% and a face value of 10,000 CFA francs. The bond has a maturity of 5 years, with semi-annual interest payments and principal repayment after a one-year grace period.
The impact of this fundraising goes beyond the financial realm. It is expected to directly finance 5,000 MSMEs and create 1,000 direct jobs, 50% of which will be allocated to women and youth, thereby meeting sustainable development goals and aligning with public authorities’ vision for equitable and inclusive economic growth.

An Institution Committed to Responsible Finance
Mr. Mamadou Cissé, CEO of Baobab Sénégal, expressed his satisfaction with the success of this operation and reaffirmed the institution’s commitment:
“We are aware of the responsibility that comes with being pioneers of this innovative financing approach. We are doing everything possible to uphold our commitments and offer sustainable and inclusive financial solutions to those who need them the most.”

About Baobab Sénégal
Baobab Sénégal is a microfinance institution and a member of the Baobab Group, a pan-African player specializing in financial inclusion. The institution offers a wide range of financial services tailored to the needs of entrepreneurs, traders, and small businesses. With an extensive network of branches and innovative digital solutions, Baobab Sénégal plays a key role in supporting micro, small, and medium enterprises by facilitating their access to financing and promoting their economic growth.
With a strong commitment to innovation and client focus, Baobab Sénégal is on a path of continuous transformation and expansion, actively contributing to the economic development of Senegal and the West African region.

About the Baobab Group
Baobab is a leading provider of financial services for small businesses on the African continent. Through its seven subsidiaries, Baobab offers financial services to more than half a million micro-entrepreneurs and small businesses. By leveraging data and digital technologies, Baobab extends its reach to small businesses in emerging markets, fulfilling its mission to broaden access to financing for those underserved by traditional banks. Baobab’s product range includes loans, savings solutions, and mobile payments.

For more information, visit www.baobab.com.

Contacts médias

Baobab Sénégal – [email protected]

Baobab Group – [email protected] – tél +33 6 82 32 86 50