With the launch of its subsidiary Manko in 2013, Société Générale de Banques au Sénégal (SGBS) is one of the few banks that offers a banking solution to low-income earners usually working in the informal sector. Entrepreneurs and micro-businesses have traditionally been excluded by banks as they can’t provide a banking history or guarantees to get a loan for example. Only 6% of the adult Senegalese population has a bank account according to Société Générale (in Senegal). Now with Manko more than 6,000 people have been able to open an account or get a loan. The bank even sends out its bankers on scooters to meet with clients to save everybody time – because time is money when you have a business to run. Emmanuelle Landais went to meet with Manko and a small business owner in the suburbs of Dakar.
Others episodes
-
With Somalia naval deal, Turkey steers into strategic but volatile region
A naval agreement between Turkey and Somalia positions the Turkish navy in a strategically vital region, underlining Ankara's growing ambitions at sea. But analysts warn that the deal threatens to escalate tensions with Somalia's neighbour, Ethiopia.23/03/202405:19 -
Deepfake videos used in local elections in Turkey as Erdogan battles for Istanbul
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is leading a battle to regain control of Istanbul in hotly contested local elections this month. However, opposition media is warning about deepfake videos in campaign ads, while international rights groups are voicing alarm over social media companies' willingness to comply with Turkish censorship ahead of the critical polls.16/03/202406:23 -
Turkey and Italy consider teaming up to seek new influence in Africa
Turkey and Italy are finding common ground as they seek to expand their economic and diplomatic influence in Africa. The two nations are eyeing opportunities to cooperate on security, energy and migration as France's traditional influence on the continent wanes.09/03/202405:42 -
Islamic State attack on Istanbul church raises fear of further terror
Heavily armed police are protecting churches across Istanbul day and night after an Islamic State attack on a Catholic church in Istanbul. The terrorist group has warned of further attacks against Christians and Jews.03/03/202404:35 -
Will Turkey ditch Russian missiles for US military jets?
As Turkey's rapprochement with the United States gathers pace, the future of Turkish-purchased Russian S-400 missiles is increasingly in question. The missile deal is a potent symbol of Ankara's close ties with Moscow, but Washington is offering to sell Turkey its advanced F35 military jet for the removal of the Russian weapons.25/02/202404:51