Mr. Wakil Adjibi
Mr. Wakil Adjibi is a prominent figure in the microfinance sector in West Africa, serving as the Founder and Director General of Vital Finance Benin, a leading microfinance institution based in Cotonou, Benin. Established in 1998, Vital Finance has developed a network of approximately 20 branches across the country, focusing on providing financial services to micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), particularly targeting low-income populations and women entrepreneurs. Under Mr. Adjibi's leadership, Vital Finance has played a significant role in addressing the "missing middle" financing gap in Benin—offering loans that are larger than traditional microfinance but smaller than those typically provided by banks. This approach has been instrumental in supporting the growth of small businesses that might otherwise lack access to adequate funding. In 2021, Vital Finance entered into a partnership with the European Investment Bank (EIB), securing €4 million in local currency financing. This collaboration aims to enhance investment by small businesses and support thousands of jobs across Benin, with a particular focus on female entrepreneurs, who are expected to account for 70% of the final beneficiaries. Beyond his role at Vital Finance, Mr. Adjibi is actively involved in the broader financial sector in Africa. He is a member of Le Club des Dirigeants de Banques et Établissements de Crédit d’Afrique, an organization that brings together leaders from banks and credit institutions across the continent to discuss and promote best practices in the industry. Mr. Adjibi's contributions to microfinance and economic development in West Africa have been recognized through various partnerships and initiatives aimed at improving access to finance for underserved populations.
