Meeting with ACEP as part of the partnership focused on the group's digital transformation

The signing of a partnership agreement with the ACEP group opens up a new integrated consulting approach for the Foundation: support the digital transformation of ACEP Group in Cameroon, Niger, Burkina Faso and Madagascar.

On June 6, all representatives of ACEP's subsidiaries met with the Foundation's team for an initial in-person steering meeting. It was an opportunity to take stock and discuss the implementation of this unprecedented partnership.

In 2022, the Foundation, a partner of three ACEP Group subsidiaries since 2016, was approached by ACEP Conseil as part of their digital transformation plan. This €10.6 million program, of which €6.3 million is co-financed by their subsidiaries and €4.2 million, the research of which is entrusted to the Foundation. Concretely, this involves supporting the group in their search for funds and coordinating the funds raised in order to facilitate the implementation of this digital transformation project for their subsidiaries. 

A unique approach

ACEP is accustomed to relying on its own resources, and for the first time is using a third-party structure to support it in its search for technical assistance funding. This is also a unique partnership for the Foundation. Until now, the Foundation's technical assistance team sought grants and signed contracts with donors such as Proparco, the EIB, SIDA, etc., then shared these with its partners, on themes corresponding to the expectations of either donors or partners. This new approach, providing greater advice to its partners, corresponds to the desired evolution of its technical assistance activities.

 

A synergistic agreement
Each partner will be able to learn from the other. ACEP, which is leading the project's implementation, requires the Foundation's experience in fundraising and managing the funds raised. The Foundation, for its part, will contribute to a large-scale digital transformation program.

ACEP
Founded in 1999, the Private Enterprise Credit Agency is a private operator specializing in the creation of urban MFIs.
Partner of the Foundation since 2016 in 3 countries (Niger, Cameroon, Burkina Faso,), its mission is to support small informal entrepreneurs who need credit.

ACEP in figures: 30 years of experience / 160,000 entrepreneur clients including 40% women borrowers / 124M outstanding loans

Testimony of Thierry Perreau, director of ACEP Conseil

 

Testimony of Yann AKINDELE, CEO of ACEP Cameroon, who explains why ACEP Cameroon is committed to digital transformation at the local level with its clients:

A lasting partnership

The Foundation has supported three ACEP Group subsidiaries since 2016 with debt and technical assistance. A total of eight loans were granted in local currency, representing a total of €12.5 million. Fifteen technical assistance missions were conducted on the following topics: social performance management, digitalization of operations and products, introduction to customer centricity, internal audit and risk management, and financial management.