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Anna Thorne & Paul Kweheria

Exploring Loan Guarantee Facilities and Risk-Sharing Funds in East Africa: A Comprehensive Insight

Updated: Dec 21, 2023

In East Africa, the landscape of financial support for micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) is undergoing a significant transformation. Central to this change are Loan Guarantee Funds (LGFs) and Risk Sharing Funds, innovative financial tools that are bridging the gap between lenders and businesses in need. This blog explores the types, nature, and the profound impact these facilities have on the region's economy and why we should be keeping a close eye...


What is a Loan Guarantee Facility?


LGFs are financial instruments designed to ease MSMEs' access to formal lending. By providing credit guarantees, they mitigate the risk of non-repayment for lenders, encouraging them to finance businesses that lack sufficient collateral. Typically covering 50-70% of a loan's value, these funds are regulated and subject to minimum capital requirements, ensuring their reliability and effectiveness.



Variation in Loan Guarantee Funds


Risk-Sharing Guarantee: This model involves sharing the risk of a loan between the lender and the guarantor.


First Loss Guarantee: The guarantor agrees to absorb the initial losses in case of defaults.


Full Guarantee: The guarantor covers the entire loan amount in case of default.


Partial Guarantee: Only a portion of the loan amount is guaranteed.


Direct and Indirect Guarantees: These refer to the nature of the agreement and involvement of third parties.


Blended Finance - A Synergistic Approach:


Blended finance combines public and private funds to support projects with significant social or environmental impacts. This approach uses public money to attract and de-risk private sector investments, aligning with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and fostering partnerships across sectors.

Examples from the Field


aBI Finance, Uganda: aBI Finance focuses on enhancing the livelihoods of smallholder farmers by providing loan guarantees in the agricultural sector. Their approach has significantly improved access to credit for farmers and agribusinesses, driving growth in rural Uganda.


ACELI Africa: This facility aims to mobilize $700 million in lending to agri-SMEs in East Africa. It offers financial incentives and a first-loss cushion to lenders, addressing the unique challenges of agricultural financing.


PASS Tanzania: Focused on green technologies in agriculture, PASS Trust provides loan guarantees up to 80% for projects aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions and enhancing climate resilience.


Young Africa Works - MasterCard Foundation: Targeting youth and women, this program in partnership with Equity Bank Uganda, aims to create jobs and promote entrepreneurship through financial literacy and credit access.


Nakivale Refugee Settlement, Isingiro District, where Mastercard Foundation's Young Africa Works Programme is being implemented via Equity Bank micro-enterprise loans (November 2022).


Impact & Challenges


While Loan Guarantee Funds and Risk Sharing Funds have been game-changers in terms of financial inclusion and economic growth, they face challenges.


A significant and recurring challenge is miscommunication. How? Many recipients benefitting from a LGF may be under the impression that the loan guarantee facility quantifies as “grant” money therefore not be as motivated to repay, hence leading to default or loan diversion. It is therefore crucial to educate both lenders and borrowers about these funds and establish clear, efficient procedures for loan disbursement and recovery.



Looking Ahead...The Role of Fintech in Enhancing LGFs?


Fintech companies, known for their agility, innovation, and technological prowess, could bring transformative changes to LGFs. They have the potential to streamline processes, introduce advanced risk assessment models, and offer more user-friendly platforms for both borrowers and lenders.


However, this integration is not without challenges; fintechs must navigate complex regulatory landscapes, manage risks associated with loan guarantees, and ensure stringent data privacy and security standards. Establishing trust with both lenders and borrowers is also crucial. Despite these hurdles, the potential for fintechs to significantly expand the reach and impact of LGFs in East Africa is immense, promising a future where technology and finance collaborate to drive sustainable growth and broader financial accessibility.


To conclude... Loan Guarantee Facilities and Risk Sharing Funds are reshaping the financial landscape in East Africa, providing much-needed support to MSMEs. By reducing lending risks and opening up new funding avenues, they are not just aiding individual businesses but are also contributing to the broader economic development of the region. As we move forward, the synergy between these funds and fintech innovations holds the potential to further revolutionize SME financing, driving sustainable growth and financial inclusion in East Africa.

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