The Capital Reach Forum opened on Monday, 26 October 2026, in Cotonou, Bénin. Organizers established the event to address regional challenges regarding banking and investment infrastructure. Participants gathered to evaluate current economic conditions and discuss improvements for small and medium-sized enterprises. Officials defined the primary theme of the Capital Reach Forum as: "Finance africaine de proximité : rendre le marché plus accessible, plus utile et plus transactionnel". Armel TOGNON, Théodore Ganflè, and Aristide Médénou joined representatives from SGI AGI and FIC-PME to begin the proceedings. The sessions focus on identifying specific barriers to capital for local businesses. Attendees will continue discussions throughout the week to determine actionable solutions for expanding financial inclusion across the regional market.
Forum Objectives and Vision
Société de gestion et d’intermédiation (SGI) AGI initiated the Capital Reach Forum to address structural gaps in the financial sector. During the opening sessions, Théodore Ganflè, Director General of SGI AGI, explained the necessity of aligning the needs of local businesses with the requirements of financiers. He stated, "les entrepreneurs ont besoin de conseils et de solutions adaptés à leurs activités." Regarding the perspective of those providing capital, he added, "les investisseurs quant à eux recherchent des projets bien structurés, une gouvernance crédible et des informations financières fiables."
Economic data presented at the event indicates a shift in the fiscal landscape of Bénin. Domestic resource mobilization in Bénin increased from 9% of GDP in 2016 to 14% in 2025. This growth in domestic resources coincides with recent efforts to tap into alternative financing mechanisms. In January 2026, Bénin issued an international seven-year sukuk to diversify its funding sources and attract a broader range of investors to the regional market.
Institutional development remains a core component of the forum's agenda, particularly regarding the support available for small and medium-sized enterprises. The Fonds d’investissement et de garantie des PME (FIC-PME) has received approval from the Central Bank. Officials expect the institution to become operational soon, providing a new layer of support for local businesses that currently face difficulties in accessing traditional credit. The forum serves as a venue for stakeholders to coordinate how the operations of FIC-PME will integrate with existing market structures to improve financial access.
