**Fatshimetrie: The Makutano Forum in Kinshasa, a platform for the future of SMEs in the DRC**
The Makutano Forum held in Kinshasa on November 14, 2024 was the scene of exciting discussions on a crucial issue for the Congolese economy: unfair competition from conglomerates towards small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Renowned personalities such as Mustafa Rawji, Felly Samuna and Noël Tshiani took part in this debate of capital importance for the local economic fabric.
The intervention of Mustafa Rawji, Managing Director of Rawbank, was particularly striking. He shared the difficulties encountered by his bank in implementing an SME financing program launched in 2014. Despite a substantial initial credit, the high rate of non-payment forced Rawbank to review its strategy and begin a recovery phase to learn from the mistakes made. This experience allowed Rawbank to rethink its approach and launch an ambitious program in 2022 aimed at supporting no less than 20,000 SMEs by 2026.
To effectively support these companies, Rawji stressed the importance of training young academics to better understand the specificities of SME financing, which differs significantly from that of large companies. He stressed the need for a personalized approach to monitoring repayments, involving local actions and a careful risk assessment. Rawbank is committed to reassessing its risk policy and implementing innovative technological tools to better understand the needs of SMEs.
Felly Samuna, for his part, highlighted the importance of training for Congolese entrepreneurs, stressing the essential membership in professional structures such as the Federation of Congolese Enterprises (FEC) to strengthen managerial skills. He also stressed the importance of transparency in the financial statements of SMEs to ensure their long-term viability.
At the same time, Rawbank continued to expand its support to SMEs with a substantial budget of $200 million dedicated to financing these companies. This approach is part of a global strategy aimed at promoting inclusive and sustainable growth in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The partnership with the Regulatory Authority for Subcontracting in the Private Sector (ARSP) appears to be a cornerstone of this support policy, making it possible to identify and support subcontractors active in the various local markets. This ambitious vision led by Mustafa Rawji and his team positions Rawbank as a key player in financing and supporting SMEs in the DRC.
Rawbank’s commitment to transforming challenges into opportunities to ensure a prosperous future for small Congolese businesses is a source of hope. By cultivating an environment conducive to the emergence and development of SMEs, Rawbank actively contributes to the revitalization of the local economy and the creation of sustainable jobs for the Congolese population. The Makutano Forum has thus paved the way for strategic and collaborative thinking for the harmonious development of the entrepreneurial fabric in the DRC.