Presentation of FPM

FPM was created in 2007 as a “micro” component of the Microfinance Sector Support Programme (MSSP). It was institutionalized in November 2010 as a non-profit organization under Congolese law on the initiative of its donors: the German Development Bank (KfW), the World Bank and UNDP/UNCDF.

FPM provides technical assistance and financing services to Partner Financial Institutions (PFIs) that target micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) throughout the country. FPM recognizes that permanent access to quality financial services by MSMEs is only achieved if financial institutions that serve them operate on a “triple-bottom-line” basis, i.e. a combination of commercial, social and environmental principles. Financial institutions must ensure their own profitability in order to be able to offer financial services in a sustainable manner. FPM aims to ensure the viability and sustainability of its partner institutions.

In 2012, FPM abandoned its first corporate name of “Fonds de Promotion de la Microfinance”, to simply keep the name of FPM backed by a slogan: “Fonds pour l’inclusion financière en RD Congo” (Financial Inclusion Fund in DR Congo). This change reflects the shift towards a broader vision of financial inclusion, considering all financial institutions, including banks, as vehicles that can serve the final target, which is MSMEs.

In 2014, FPM initiated the process of creating a financial institutions refinancing entity. This process took shape with the creation of FPM SA in 2015, approved by the Central Bank of Congo (BCC) as a financial institution (“société financière”). FPM SA is a commercial entity whose shareholders are currently KfW, BIO, Cordaid and Incofin.

1. Funds comparable to the FPM worldwide

In the attached note is a brief selection of funds working on the issue of financial inclusion worldwide: African national funds and two regional funds.

For more information: Note on FPM model