The interview was conducted on the sidelines of the launch of the IFC report “Digital Opportunities in African Businesses,” which provides comprehensive insights into the state of digitalization in African businesses and the economic potential it holds.
IFC’s Role in West Africa
“IFC is committed to fostering economic development in West Africa by providing critical financial support and expertise,” Buyoya explained. “Our goal is to stimulate private sector growth and create jobs, thereby improving the living standards of millions of people.” He highlighted several key projects, including investments in infrastructure, agriculture, and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
Buyoya emphasized that IFC’s strategy involves collaborating with both public and private sectors to create an enabling environment for businesses. “We work closely with governments to improve regulatory frameworks and with private enterprises to provide the necessary capital and advisory services,” he noted. This dual approach ensures that investments are sustainable and have a long-term positive impact on the economy.
Economic Challenges and Opportunities
Buyoya acknowledged the significant challenges the region faces, such as political instability, limited access to finance, and infrastructural deficits. “These challenges are not insurmountable,” he stated. “West Africa is rich in natural resources and has a young, dynamic population. With the right investments and policies, we can unlock this potential and achieve sustainable economic growth.”
One of the primary areas of focus for IFC is improving access to finance for SMEs, which are the backbone of the economy. “We are working on innovative financial solutions to bridge the funding gap for SMEs,” Buyoya explained. “By empowering small businesses, we can drive job creation and economic diversification.”
The IFC report “Digital Opportunities in African Businesses” sheds light on the uneven adoption and utilization of digital technologies across the region. The report highlights that fewer than one in three firms that have adopted digital technologies make intensive use of them for business purposes. Buyoya pointed out that “this presents both a challenge and an opportunity. By increasing the productive use of digital technologies, firms can significantly boost productivity and integration into global value chains.”
Sustainable Development and Investment
Sustainability is at the core of IFC’s mission in West Africa. “We believe that economic growth must go hand in hand with environmental and social responsibility,” Buyoya asserted. He discussed IFC’s efforts to promote renewable energy projects and sustainable agricultural practices. “Investing in green energy not only addresses the power deficit but also creates jobs and reduces environmental impact.”
Moreover, Buyoya highlighted the importance of attracting foreign direct investment (FDI) to the region. “FDI is crucial for technology transfer, capacity building, and infrastructure development,” he said. “We are actively engaging with international investors to showcase the vast opportunities in West Africa.”
The report also emphasizes the potential for digital upgrading to drive economic development. It identifies more than 600,000 formal firms with high potential to benefit from digital upgrades and highlights that more than 40 million microbusinesses could start using digital technology for various business functions.
Looking ahead, Buyoya shared an optimistic vision for the future of IFC in West Africa. “Our focus will be on deepening our engagement in key sectors such as agribusiness, manufacturing, and the digital economy,” he revealed. “We aim to support projects that have a high developmental impact and can drive inclusive growth.”
He also mentioned IFC’s plans to expand its presence in the region and increase its investment portfolio. “We are committed to scaling up our operations to meet the growing needs of the market,” Buyoya said. “Our goal is to create a vibrant, resilient economy that can withstand global shocks and provide a better future for all.”
The report concludes that addressing barriers to digital adoption—such as poor digital and electricity infrastructure, high costs of technology, and limited access to finance—can unlock significant private investment opportunities. Buyoya stressed the importance of these findings, stating, “By overcoming these barriers, we can pave the way for a more digitally integrated and economically prosperous West Africa.”
