Mediterrania Capital Partners, a prominent private equity firm focused on growth investments in North and Sub-Saharan Africa, has announced a landmark €100 million co-investment in Coris Holding, the parent company of Coris Bank Group, the second-largest banking institution in the West African Economic and Monetary Union (WAEMU).
The transaction, one of the most significant private equity investments in the region’s financial sector, was executed in partnership with several leading European development finance institutions, including:
- FMO (Netherlands)
- British International Investment (UK)
- BIO (Belgium)
- IFU – Impact Fund Denmark
Founded in 2008 by Idrissa Nassa, Coris Bank Group has grown into a regional powerhouse, operating under the Coris Bank International brand. The group maintains a strong presence in ten countries, including:
- Burkina Faso
- Côte d’Ivoire
- Senegal
- Togo
- Benin
- Mali
- Guinea
- Chad
It also operates branches in Niger and Guinea-Bissau, serving millions of customers and supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across the WAEMU region.
Idrissa Nassa, Founder and Chairman of Coris Holding, welcomed the investment:
We are delighted to welcome Mediterrania Capital Partners and the DFIs as strategic partners. Their support will accelerate our growth ambitions, strengthen our regional footprint, and reinforce our mission to deliver innovative and inclusive financial solutions to customers across Africa.
The investment aligns with Mediterrania Capital Partners’ mission to support high-impact businesses that drive inclusive growth and sustainable development. The firm has a strong track record of investing in financial institutions that empower entrepreneurs and expand access to finance.
Albert Alsina, Founder and CEO of Mediterrania Capital Partners, emphasized the strategic importance of the deal:
Financial inclusion is a cornerstone of Africa’s long-term development and a catalyst for entrepreneurship, job creation, and improved living standards. This partnership with Coris Holding underscores our commitment to driving sustainable economic growth and promoting social progress across the region. The support of leading European DFIs further reinforces this shared vision, ensuring that capital is directed where it can generate lasting impact for businesses and communities alike.
Maty Ndiaye, Managing Director for West Africa at Mediterrania Capital Partners, added:
Our mission is to empower entrepreneurs and strengthen financial institutions that drive inclusive growth. Coris has demonstrated its ability to support SMEs and expand access to finance across the WAEMU region, and we are proud to contribute to its next phase of growth.
The capital injection will enable Coris Holding to deepen its reach, enhance digital banking capabilities, and expand its product offerings tailored to underserved segments. It also reflects growing investor confidence in West Africa’s financial sector and its potential to drive regional development. This strategic partnership is expected to unlock new opportunities for collaboration, innovation, and financial empowerment across the continent.
