Access to Finance

At FC, we view access to finance as more than the provision of credit. It is the art of blending capital, knowledge, and partnerships to unlock opportunity where it is most needed. Finance, in our philosophy, is both a tool and a bridge: a tool for de-risking investments and empowering enterprises, and a bridge that aligns the interests of public and private actors, donors, and communities. By combining grants, guarantees, equity, and our own resources, we create financing structures that not only respond to immediate liquidity challenges but also strengthen institutions, markets, and the resilience of underserved groups. This blended approach ensures that capital is catalytic attracting additional resources, reducing risk perceptions, and building pathways for enterprises to move from survival to sustainable growth.

Mobilised $150 million in funding to drive inclusive growth

Supported more than 120,000 MSMEs to grow, formalize, and access new markets

Helped create and sustain over 700,000 dignified, fulfilling jobs across multiple sectors.

Grants management

Design and manage grants aimed at helping individuals, businesses, and communities withstand and recover from economic shocks caused by COVID-19, as well as other natural or manmade crises. This includes building resilience through targeted financial support, capacity strengthening, and sustainable recovery efforts.
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Credit guarantee management

Credit Guarantee Schemes (CGS) reduce lending risks for financial institutions by improving loan terms for high-risk groups. We design and implement development-focused CGSS to help micro. small, and medium enterprises access affordable and easier loan funding
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Financial literacy

In 2024, FC partnered with the National Bank of Ethiopia and the Mastercard Foundation to launch the National Financial Education module. Aimed at improving financial literacy, the module helps financial institutions equip millions of women, youth, and other customers with the skills to make informed financial decisions and promote economic stability.
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Customised product development

Banks and MFIs often exclude certain groups due to targeting, KYC, collateral, risk assessments, and loan conditions. We assess the needs of both clients and institutions to co-design and implement tailored financial products. Our customized solutions improve access for women, youth, climate- focused clients, and those seeking sharia-compliant, interest-free banking.
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Studies

We conduct studies on various topics related to the finance environment in Ethiopia and Africa. Our assessments have covered areas such as the technical assistance needs of financial institutions,the rural finance system,credit supply markets the risk capital environment, credit guarantees, national access-to-finance strategies, domestic public investment financing, and climate finance products.
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Technical assistance to financial institutions

Financial institutions gain from technical assistance that builds their capacity to reach untapped markets. They receive support to (re)design financial products and improve access processes. First Consult delivers this assistance, through digital courses and certification programs, to a wide range of institutions, from the Development Bank of Ethiopia and leasing companies to commercial banks and microfinance institutions.
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Wholesale lending linkages

FC is partnering with private banks to allocate part of their annual lending to agriculture and MSMEs using movable collateral, in line with central bank directives. Through a wholesale credit facility, we link banks and microfinance institutions (MFIs), supporting compliance while increasing the flow of finance to underserved sectors.
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Other Publications

Interest-Free Banking in Ethiopia – An Analysis of Product Offerings and Market Adoption

Programmes

We’re transitioning from First Consult to FC Africa. Our new identity reflects our growth, regional presence, and expanded work.

A full website update is underway, we thank you for your patience during this transition.

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