Symbiotics, the leading market access platform for impact investing, has facilitated a USD 3.5 million debt investment in Djamo, a fintech providing financial solutions to underserved populations in Côte d’Ivoire and Senegal. This financing will support Djamo’s expansion and enhance its service offerings in the fintech’s main market – Côte d’Ivoire.
In the region, the average cost of maintaining a bank account is approximately USD 120 annually, even when accounts are inactive or have insufficient balances. This burden disproportionately affects vulnerable populations, exacerbating financial exclusion. Djamo is dismantling traditional banking barriers such as high fees, minimum deposits, cumbersome processes, and limited access through bank branches, setting new standards for inclusive banking. About 50% of Djamo users were previously unbanked, and 60% are accessing their first-ever bank card. The fintech allows users to easily open a virtual account and receive a card, and make local and international payments. Additionally, it offers savings solutions, empowering individuals and businesses with greater financial autonomy.
“Symbiotics is happy to support Djamo in its mission to improve access to financial services in Francophone Africa, a region where a large part of the population does not have access to accessible banking solutions.”, said Vincent Lehner, Head of Markets at Symbiotics. “This investment is aligned with our view that innovative fintechs such as Djamo play an important role in fostering financial inclusion in emerging and frontier markets”.
“This financing is fully aligned with Djamo’s growth strategy. Our goal is to further expand access to financial services across our region and strengthen our solid base of active users. With Symbiotics’ support, we will accelerate the rollout of simple, accessible, and impactful solutions that help millions of people manage their finances every day.”, added Hassan Bourgi, CEO and founder of Djamo.
Through this partnership, Symbiotics participates in improving universal access to banking and financial services, thus contributing to SDG 8.
This investment reflects Symbiotics commitment to improving financial inclusion with sustainable and state-of-the-art digital solutions.
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For more information, contact:
Samy Derradji, Head of Corporate Communication, Symbiotics
samy.derradji@symbioticsgroup.com
Marie Kassé Papale, Senior Manager Brand & Communication
marie.kasse@djamo.io
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About Symbiotics
Symbiotics is the leading market access platform for impact investing, dedicated to private markets in emerging and frontier economies. The group offers investment, asset management and capacity building services. Since 2005, we have originated over 8,200 investments representing more than USD 10.5 billion for 608 companies in 99 countries. We manage an aggregate portfolio of USD 2.5 billion spread across 19 funds and mandates. Our portfolio companies have also benefited from over 170 technical assistance projects worth more than USD 19 million. symbioticsgroup.com
About Djamo
Djamo is a Pan-African digital financial services platform designed to make financial services simple, accessible, and useful to millions of people excluded from the traditional banking system, particularly in Francophone Africa, where fewer than 25% of adults hold a bank account. Founded in 2019 in Côte d’Ivoire by Hassan Bourgi and Regis Bamba, Djamo provides, through a single interface, a range of solutions including Visa cards, instant transfers, bill payments, budgeting tools, secure savings vaults, and investments. Driven by rapid growth, Djamo continues its regional expansion and its ambition to become the financial partner of choice in Francophone Africa. djamo.com
