BFPME

What BFPME does

Banque de Financement des Petites et Moyennes Entreprises (BFPME) is a Tunisian state-owned specialized bank established in March 2005 with a statutory mandate to finance small and medium enterprises (SMEs). The bank is headquartered in Tunis and operates a regional office in each of Tunisia's 24 governorates, providing full national coverage of the SME market. Its ownership is dominated by the Tunisian State at 60%, with the remaining 40% held by public institutional shareholders — Groupe Chimique Tunisien (22%), Tunisie Télécom (10%), the Office de l'Aviation Civile et des Aéroports (OACA, 6%), and the Office du Commerce de la Tunisie (OCT, 2%) — reinforcing its public-policy remit. With 100 million DT in share capital and 123 employees (83% in management or supervisory roles), the institution runs a relationship-driven, advisor-intensive origination model rather than a high-volume transactional one.

BFPME's product set is structured around SME financing needs: medium- and long-term credits (CMLT), participatory loans (aligned with Islamic finance principles), working capital facilities, and equipment financing. Loan tickets range from 150,000 DT to 15 million DT, with pricing anchored to the Tunisian Money Market rate (TMM) plus a margin of 2.0% to 4.5%, differentiated by client credit risk and sector. The bank co-finances deals through a network of 22 partner banks, drawing on both on-balance-sheet resources and foreign credit lines sourced from Spanish, Japanese, Italian, and French institutions. In 2024, BFPME signed new conventions with the Ministry of Economy and Planning and the Ministry of Vocational Training and Employment, expanding its reach into green, circular, and export-oriented SME segments, and obtained approval of a 2024–2028 business plan to redefine its economic model following an interministerial commission review initiated in late 2022.

The bank's revenue model is interest-based, derived from its loan portfolio funded by share capital, partner-bank co-lending, and external credit lines. Following measures adopted in April 2023 and the June 2024 business plan, the bank is also deploying a non-performing receivables treatment policy under Article 63 of Law No. 17 of 2025 (Finance Law 2026) to clean up legacy distressed exposures, positioning the institution for renewed origination growth under its refreshed mandate.

Name

BFPME

Legal name

Banque de Financement des Petites et Moyennes Entreprises (BFPME)

Website

https://bfpme.com.tn

Company type

Private

Founded year

2005

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

101–250 employees

Short description

Banque de Financement des Petites et Moyennes Entreprises (BFPME) is a Tunisian state-owned specialized bank, founded in 2005, providing medium- and long-term credit, participatory loans, working capital, and co-financing facilities to small and medium enterprises across all 24 Tunisian governorates.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

SME Banking and Lending

NAICS

Commercial Banking (522110)

SIC

State Commercial Banks (6022)

akta.pro industry

PRIMARYBPADACAC

National Development Banks & State Development Finance Institutions (DFIs)

Business & Public Services/International Organizations & Development/International Financial Institutions & Development Banks

SECONDARYFSAKAGAI

SBA/Government-Backed & Development Finance Loans

Financial & Insurance/Lending & Consumer Finance/Small Business & Microenterprise Lending

SECONDARYBPADAOAD

Development Finance & Blended Finance Facilities

Business & Public Services/International Organizations & Development/Donor Coordination, Grantmaking & Development Finance Programs

Keywords

• SME financing
• Banking services
• Medium long-term credit
• Working capital loans
• Participative loans

Headquarters

HQ city

Tunis

HQ country

Tunisia

HQ region

Africa

Offices24 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Operations, Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Medium and Long-Term Loans (CMLT): BFPME provides medium and long-term credit (CMLT) for SME creation and extension projects. Loans are extended in co-financement with other banks on the market, or fully financed by BFPME for investments up to 2.5M DT and CMLT up to 1M DT. Interest rates are TMM (Taux Moyen Mensuel du marché Monétaire) plus a margin of 2% to 4.5% based on risk scoring.
2. Participatory Loans (Prêts Participatifs): BFPME extends participatory loans (prêts participatifs) as a financing mechanism for startups and SMEs. These are distinct from standard credit and provide quasi-equity financing.
3. Working Capital Financing: BFPME provides working capital (besoin en fonds de roulement) financing to support the operational liquidity needs of SMEs.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels2 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

BFPME is a public Tunisian banking institution that provides medium and long-term credit, working capital financing, participative loans, and rolling equipment loans to small and medium enterprises (SMEs) across Tunisia. The bank finances project creation and extension, often in co-financing with partner banks, and supports innovative startups through its Massar Startup program.

Product overview

BFPME is a unified banking institution providing SME financing services through its main product portfolio and complementary programs. The core offering consists of investment loans (Prêt Création from 150K to 15MDT), medium/long-term credit for extension projects, working capital financing (Besoin en Fonds de Roulement), rolling equipment financing (Matériel Roulant), and participative loans (Prêts Participatifs). These are complemented by the Massar Startup program offering specialized pathways for innovative startups, and supported by SOTUGAR guarantee services. The institution also provides extensive non-financial resources including business plan templates developed with GIZ, the Guide de Financement de la Startup Innovante, a financial glossary, SME studies and research publications, and a banking mediation service. With 24 regional offices plus headquarters, BFPME operates through partnerships with 22 banks, international development partners (QFFT, FADES, Coopération Suisse), and various public support structures including 29 business incubators across Tunisia.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Prêt Création Investment loans for SME project creation, with a minimum investment of 150,000 DT for SUARL and maximum total investment of 15 MDT. CMLT co-financing with partner banks or full financing for investments up to 2.5 M DT, with interest at TMM plus 2% to 4.5% based on risk scoring.
• Crédit MLT (Prêt Extension) Medium and long-term credit for SME project extension and expansion, offered in co-financing with other Tunisian banks. Covers up to 65% of project cost, capped at 2.5 MDT.
• Besoin en Fonds de Roulement Working capital financing to support SMEs' operational liquidity and cash flow needs.
• Matériel Roulant Rolling equipment and vehicle financing for SMEs.
• Prêts Participatifs Participative loans offering quasi-equity financing for SMEs, distinct from standard credit instruments.
• Massar Startup An accompaniment and financing program for innovative startups in Tunisia, providing a structured pathway from idea to financing, including Startup Act labeling, personalized support, and access to dedicated financing lines.
• Prêts Participatifs STARTUP Participative loans specifically designed for startups under the Massar Startup program, offering access to financing for innovative projects.
• Garantie SOTUGAR Guarantee services through the Société Tunisienne de Garantie covering investment credit, working capital, equity participation, and micro-enterprise credit guarantees.
• Médiateur Bancaire Banking mediation service provided as a privileged intermediary for resolving disputes between clients and the bank amicably and equitably.

Quantifiable outcome

• CMLT coverage: 65% of investment cost, capped at 2.5 MDT. Full financing possible for projects ≤ 2.5 M DT with CMLT ≤ 1 M DT.
• +1 more outcomes

Named customers3 records

Segments2 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

21 partnerships are on record, tiered core, flagship and minor.

• STB (Société Tunisienne de Banque)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorSTB is one of 22 partner banks co-financing SME projects with BFPME. STB participates in medium and long-term credit (CMLT) co-financing arrangements with BFPME.
• BNA (Banque Nationale Agricole)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorBNA co-finances SME projects with BFPME as one of the 22 partner banks in the national banking network.
• BIAT (Banque Internationale Arabe de Tunisie)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorBIAT participates as one of 22 co-financing partner banks with BFPME for SME lending.
• ATTIJARI BankcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorATTIJARI Bank is one of 22 partner banks for co-financing SME projects.
• ATB (Arab Tunisian Bank)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorATB partners with BFPME in co-financing arrangements for SME projects.
• BH (Banque de l'Habitat)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorBH participates as one of 22 co-financing partner banks with BFPME.
• BTS (Banque Tunisienne de Solidarité)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorBTS participates as a co-financing partner bank with BFPME.
• Amen BankcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAmen Bank is among the 22 partner banks co-financing with BFPME.
• Ministry of Finance (Ministère des Finances)flagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe Ministry of Finance is a key strategic partner supporting BFPME's mandate. An inter-ministerial commission was established end of 2022 to redefine BFPME's economic model, with measures discussed in April 2023, leading to BFPME's 2024-2028 business plan approved in June 2024.
• Ministry of Economy and Planning (Ministère de l'Économie et de la Planification)flagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerBFPME signed a convention with the Ministry of Economy and Planning in 2024 in the framework of the National Employment Fund (FNE) interventions, strengthening resources and accompaniment for SMEs in green economy, circular economy, and export sectors.
• Ministry of Vocational Training and Employment (Ministère de la Formation Professionnelle et de l'Emploi)flagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerBFPME signed a convention with this ministry in 2024 under the FNE framework to strengthen financing resources for SMEs and support employment-linked initiatives.
• SOTUGAR (Société Tunisienne de Garantie)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSOTUGAR provides credit guarantees for BFPME-financed projects. Eligible projects are required to subscribe to SOTUGAR guarantee. SOTUGAR covers investment credit guarantees, working capital credit guarantees, equity participation guarantees, and micro-enterprise credit guarantees.
• FNG (Fonds National de Garantie)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe National Guarantee Fund facilitates access to bank credit by sharing risk with lenders. It covers creation and extension projects across various sectors and supports regional development zones.
• APII (Agence de Promotion de l'Industrie et de l'Innovation)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAPII is a public support organization that promotes industry and innovation in Tunisia, and directs potential entrepreneurs to BFPME for financing.
• ANETI (Agence Nationale de l'Emploi et du Travail Indépendant)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerANETI is the national employment agency that directs job seekers and aspiring entrepreneurs to BFPME's financing programs.
• CEPEX (Centre de Promotion des Exportations)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCEPEX promotes Tunisian exports and works with BFPME to provide financing solutions for export-oriented SMEs.
• SICAR (Sociétés d'Investissement en Capital à Risque)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSICARs are venture capital investment companies that participate in equity financing of SMEs. BFPME directs eligible projects to SICARs, which also manage the FTI (Fonds Tunisien d'Investissement) participation. Major SICARs include SICAR Invest, SICAR Amen, SICAR BIAT, SICAR STB, SICAR BNA, and SICAR Avenir.
• CETIBAminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCentre Technique de l'Industrie du Bois et de l'Ameublement provides technical assistance and quality control for wood and furniture industry SMEs.
• CETIMEminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCentre Technique des Industries Mécaniques et Électriques supports mechanical and electrical industry SMEs with technical assistance.
• CETTEXminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCentre Technique du Textile provides technical support for textile sector SMEs.
• CTAAminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCentre Technique de l'Agroalimentaire provides agri-food sector SMEs with technical assistance and quality control services.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights4 records

Direct peers

• Amen Bank: Tunisian universal bank and BFPME co-financing partner with its own SICAR (SICAR Amen) and active SME and corporate banking book. Directly comparable in customer base and product overlap.
• BH (Banque de l'Habitat): Tunisian state-owned bank operating under the same Law 2016-48 as BFPME and listed among BFPME's 22 co-financing partner banks. Comparable in ownership structure, regulatory regime, and SME/housing credit exposure.
• STB (Société Tunisienne de Banque): One of the largest Tunisian state-owned banks and a core co-financing partner of BFPME for SME CMLT. Operates under the same banking law and shares BFPME's state-anchored governance and SME exposure.
• Attijari Bank Tunisia: One of the 22 partner banks that co-finances SME projects with BFPME. As one of Tunisia's leading private commercial banks with significant SME activity, it is a directly comparable lending institution and channel partner.
• BNA (Banque Nationale Agricole): State-owned Tunisian commercial bank that, like BFPME, is majority-owned by the Tunisian state and operates a sectoral/specialized mandate (agriculture) under the national banking law (Law 2016-48). Both banks co-finance each other's SME projects, making BNA one of BFPME's closest functional and structural peers.
• BIAT (Banque Internationale Arabe de Tunisie): Tunisia's largest private bank and one of BFPME's 22 co-financing partners. Operates an extensive SME franchise and its own SICAR (SICAR BIAT) for equity participations, making it directly comparable on SME lending and partnership economics.

Others

• FADES (Arab Fund for Economic and Social Development): Pan-Arab development finance institution that provides credit lines to BFPME and similar national DFIs. Directly comparable as a public-mandate development financier and one of BFPME's strategic international partners.

Regional players

• Tamwil El Fellah (Morocco): Moroccan specialized public lender focused on smallholder and SME financing in a different geography. Comparable to BFPME in its state-backed, sector-specific SME finance mandate and reliance on public policy capital.
• Caisse de Dépôt et de Gestion (CDG, Morocco): Moroccan public financial institution that channels long-term savings into development and SME financing. Comparable to BFPME as a state-owned development finance institution operating under public-policy mandate in a neighboring North African economy.

Broad incumbents

• IFC (International Finance Corporation): World Bank Group's private-sector development finance arm providing equity, debt, and advisory to SMEs and financial institutions in emerging markets. Comparable in mandate and SME focus, but operating at global rather than single-country scale.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks7 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCZsTbvZH1q5FqEUqxxtJNlg
• Xx.com/BFPME

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles3 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about BFPME