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: Netkigali, Re-bird Belgium, SBPME-UEMOA (Salon des Banques et PME de l'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 — Salon des Banques et PME de l'UEMOA
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
- •Commission de l'UEMOA
- •CCR UEMOA — Chambre Consulaire Régionale
- •Ministères des États membres de l'UEMOA
- •FAPEBF UEMOA (Fédération des Banques)
- •FAPSFD UEMOA (Fédération des Microfinances)
- •BADEA
- •OAPI
- •Universités et Écoles de Commerce
- •BCEAO — Banque Centrale des États de l'Afrique de l'Ouest
- •BRVM (Bourse)
- •FAGACE
- •BOAD — Banque Ouest Africaine de Développement
- •FSA — Fonds Africain de Solidarité
- •AGF Group — African Guarantee Fund West Africa S.A.
- •AUF — Agence Universitaire de la Francophonie
Banking & Financial Sector
- •BIS — Banque Islamique du Sénégal
- •CBI — Coris Bank International
- •BOA — Bank Of Africa
- •ECOBANK
- •ORABANK
- •VISTA Bank
- •BNDA — Banque Nationale de Développement Agricole
- •BADF — Banque Agricole Du Faso
- •Banque Atlantique
- •WBI — Wendkuni Bank International
- •BDU — Banque De l'Union
- •IB Bank — International Business Bank
- •BCB — Banque Commerciale du Burkina
- •UBA — United Bank for Africa
- •BAO-GB
- •BSIC
- •SUNU Bank
- •COFINA
- •FCPB — Fédération des Caisses Populaires du Burkina
- •Institutions de Microfinance
Private Sector & Associations
- •Chambres Consulaires et Associations de PME de l'UEMOA
- •Partenaires techniques internationaux
- •Opérateurs économiques régionaux
- •ASKY Airlines
- •Air Burkina
- •Air Côte d'Ivoire
- •Air Sénégal
- •Royal Air Maroc
Past Editions
A Proven Track Record
SBPME-UEMOA — Salon des Banques et PME de l'UEMOA
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. A pan-African model country and thriving technology hub, Rwanda provides the ideal ecosystem for connecting African SMEs to global capital and markets. The CBFF-SME 2026 Forum is held under the auspices of MINICOM — the Ministry of Trade and Industry of Rwanda — whose mandate is to position Rwanda as a continental hub for investment and private sector development.
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.
Pan-African Model Country
Rwanda is recognized across the continent as a model for governance, innovation, and inclusive economic development — an ideal facilitator for pan-African initiatives and investment dialogue.
Startup & Technology Hub
A thriving startup ecosystem with excellence sectors in agritech, fintech, health tech, and tourism — making Kigali a magnet for SMEs seeking innovation partnerships and cross-sector growth.
Expected Impact
Discover the six integrated pillars that power the CBFF-SME ecosystem
Meet the Speakers →