Floods, fires and extreme weather events are becoming an
increasingly harsh reality for small businesses across Ghana — wiping out
stock, destroying equipment and pushing entrepreneurs to the brink overnight.
To help MSMEs get back on their feet faster, Advans Ghana Savings and Loans has
launched the Restart Loan, a facility specifically designed to support
businesses in recovering from climate-related shocks and other external
disruptions.
Dubbed the
‘Restart Loan’, the offer is designed to support businesses affected by events
such as floods, fires and extreme weather conditions, which have become
increasingly frequent across the country. The initiative forms part of the institution’s broader strategy to
build resilience among its over 140,000 clients nationwide.
Speaking
at the launch in Accra, Advans Ghana’s Chief Executive Officer, Guillaume
Valence said the Restart Loan was developed from years of observing the
vulnerabilities of clients, particularly those operating in high-risk areas to flooding
and fire outbreaks.
“The
Restart Loan came from experience. We have seen clients face shocks such as
fires, including incidents in major markets, as well as floods and extreme
heat. These events can completely disrupt businesses, and we realized the need
to go beyond traditional lending to help clients recover quickly,” he noted.
He
explained that the offer is anchored on the company’s long-term climate
roadmap, which focuses on identifying risks faced by clients and developing
practical solutions to address them.
According
to him, the Restart Loan is not an improvised intervention but one built
through continuous engagement with clients.
Under the
facility, affected businesses can access flexible loan durations, discounted
interest rates and customized repayment terms to enable them to restock after
disasters, and invest in their business facilities to make them more resistant
to shocks. The recovery
of clients is also strengthened [LP1] by
an existing credit risk insurance scheme, which settles outstanding loans in
the event of disasters.
Mr.
Valence emphasized that
while Advans Ghana continues to provide routine financial services – including
loans and savings products – the new offering reinforces its commitment to
standing by clients during difficult times[LP2] .
“In business, there are good times and bad times. We want our clients to know
that we are their partner through all these phases. Exactly what we are saying
in twi as ye kura wo mu,” he added.
Chief
Sales and Distribution Officer, Barbara Odei noted that the facility will be
offered on a case-by-case basis, taking into account the extent of losses and
the client’s repayment capacity. Loan amounts and terms will therefore vary
depending on individual circumstances.
Chief
Business Development Officer Seth Micah Nunoo highlighted the simplicity of
accessing the facility, stating that eligible clients only need to contact
their relationship officers after experiencing a climate-related event.
Mr. Nunoo
stressed that climate change is already having tangible effects on Ghana’s
economy, particularly on the informal sector, which constitutes a significant
portion of economic activity. “When floods or fires affect these
small businesses, it goes beyond individual losses—it impacts livelihoods and
the broader economy,” he said. “That is why building resilience is critical.”
He added that the institution has
been investing in client education to raise awareness about climate risks and
encourage preventive measures. With the Restart
Loan, Advans Ghana is positioning itself not only as a financial service
provider but also as a long-term partner committed to sustaining the growth and
resilience of MSMEs in an increasingly uncertain climate environment.
About
Advans Ghana
Advans
Ghana is a leading financial institution committed to providing tailored
financial services primarily to micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises
(MSMEs) with limited access to formal banking services in Ghana. Licensed by
the Bank of Ghana in 2008, Advans Ghana opened its first branch in October 2008
and now operates a network of 21 branches across 9 regions. Advans Ghana is a
subsidiary of the Advans Group, headquartered in Paris with a presence in 6
countries across Africa
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