About CBFF-SME
Background, Vision & Why Rwanda
Background & Origins
How CBFF-SME Came to Be
The Cross-Border Finance Forum for SMEs (CBFF-SME) is a consortium initiative bringing together four complementary organisations: NET Kigali, Re-bird Belgium, SBPME-UEMOA, and Congruence Consulting.
The initiative builds on the practical experience of the Salon des Banques et des PME de l'UEMOA (SBPME-UEMOA), a recognized regional initiative focused on connecting banks and SMEs in West Africa. Over time, this forum became a reference platform for SME financing, banking innovation and economic development across the region.
These lessons inspired the creation of a new generation platform designed to move from dialogue to transactions — evolving a successful regional forum into a pan-African platform dedicated to financing and scaling SMEs.
“From dialogue to transactions — a permanent ecosystem connecting SMEs with capital and global markets.”
SBPME-UEMOA Heritage
Historical Partners
The Forum built a leading public-private ecosystem bringing together states, regional institutions, banks and technical partners. Over its editions, the SBPME-UEMOA ecosystem gathered:
Public & Regional Institutions
- •Member States' Ministries of the UEMOA
- •UEMOA Regional Consultative Chamber
- •BOAD — West African Development Bank
- •BCEAO — Central Bank of West African States
- •FAGACE
- •FAPSFD UEMOA
- •AUF — Agence Universitaire de la Francophonie
Banking & Financial Sector
- •CORIS Banque
- •ECOBANK
- •ORABANK
- •UBA — United Bank for Africa
- •VISTA GROUP
- •BDNDA — Banque Nationale de Développement Agricole du Mali
- •Banque Agricole du Faso
Private Sector & Associations
- •UEMOA Entrepreneurs' Associations
- •ASKY Airlines
- •International technical partners
- •Regional economic operators
SBPME-UEMOA Heritage
Key Lessons Learned
1. Dialogue alone is insufficient
SMEs require structured financing mechanisms, not just discussion.
2. Trust & information asymmetry
Banks and investors lack reliable SME performance data.
3. Regional integration opens markets
AfCFTA is creating new cross-border opportunities.
4. Matchmaking platforms are essential
Structured environments connecting SMEs to capital are critical.
Strategic Vision & Objectives
Long-Term Vision
The long-term vision of CBFF-SME is to establish a permanent ecosystem that connects SMEs with capital, markets, and strategic partners. The initiative aims to position Kigali as a continental hub for SME financing structuring and investment matchmaking.
Mobilize Capital
Connect SMEs with banks, investors, and development finance institutions across Africa.
Reduce Investment Risk
Through certification, digital trust infrastructure, and alternative data sources.
Promote Economic Integration
Support cross-border trade under the AfCFTA framework across the continent.
Accelerate Market Access
Connect African producers with international buyers and markets globally.
Pilot Launch
Why Rwanda?
Rwanda offers one of the most favorable environments in Africa to launch this initiative. By anchoring the financial infrastructure in Kigali and creating a commercial gateway in Brussels, the initiative builds a bridge connecting African enterprises with global capital and European markets.
Pro-Business Regulatory Framework
Highly efficient environment supporting private sector growth with transparent governance structures.
Digital Infrastructure
Advanced mobile money ecosystem and digital connectivity enabling seamless financial transactions.
KIFC Hub
Kigali International Financial Centre positions Rwanda as a premier regional financial platform.
Government Commitment
Strong public sector support for private sector development and international investment attraction.
Expected Impact
Discover the five pillars that power the CBFF-SME ecosystem
Project Architecture →