La Financière de l'Afrique de l'Ouest (La FINAO)

La Financière de l'Afrique de l'Ouest (La FINAO) is a specialized financial institution based in Senegal that serves as a bridge between decentralized financial systems (microfinance institutions) and the broader West African banking sector. Established with a capital of 5 billion CFA francs (approximately 7.6 million euros), La FINAO was created through a partnership between the Confederation of Financial Institutions of West Africa (CIF-AO) and the Swiss group Elephant Vert. The institution focuses on financial inclusion, particularly targeting rural populations, smallholder farmers, and decentralized financial systems across West Africa.