Advans is an international microfinance network currently active in 9 countries in Africa and Asia. By providing credit and other financial services to micro, small and medium-sized enterprises often excluded from the traditional financial system, Advans plays a major role in supporting entrepreneurs and developing the private sector. AFD Group has been supporting Advans since 2009.
3 pilot projects on technological innovations
As part of its digital strategy, Advans aims to use new technologies to better serve its customers, whose needs are changing fast. The projects supported by Proparco aim to facilitate access to credit for microentrepreneurs, who represent a large proportion of Advans’ clients.
The first pilot project aims to implement a credit scoring tool in Tunisia, which will enable the institution to create very simplified access to credit for micro entrepreneurs with a low risk profile.
Two other pilot projects, in Ghana and Nigeria, will enable Advans to offer 100% digital credits, accessible directly via mobile phones. These loans will allow Advans to respond immediately and accurately to the urgent needs of its customers, and to serve new customers who will be able to access nano loans thanks to their savings history.
The technical assistance provided by Proparco falls within the framework of FISEA, a fund for African businesses owned by AFD and advised by Proparco. The funds allocated under this grant will enable Advans to strengthen its data exploitation capacities through the recruitment of a data analyst and several external consulting missions.