Main Forms of Support  

Microfinance/Microcredits

We are involved in microfinance programs in some countries to facilitate access to financing for people from underprivileged backgrounds to start a business.
One example is Myanmar, where the Yadana Suboo microfinance program was launched in 1997. In an effort to optimize this program and expand its benefits, Total works closely with specialists from Entrepreneurs du Monde, a French NGO focused on microfinance. Involved in crafting the lending policy and training local staff, its experts go out into the field three times a year to check that the program is operating smoothly.
At end 2009, more than 1,200 loans were outstanding. The repayment rate exceeds 90%, and monthly interest rates were lowered in early 2010. For the most part, it is the poorest families who benefit, accounting for 68% of borrowers. Cemented by the creation of Village Banking Committees, the initiative now includes a savings program, which was introduced in four villages in 2009.

　

Guarantee Funds

In Angola, we launched the Zimbo program in 2006 with Angolan bank Banco Totta and several NGOs to support the creation and growth of small and medium-sized companies. As part of the program, we have set up a guarantee fund to facilitate access to loans for small businesses. The program minimizes the credit risk for Banco Totta, making it easier for it to grant affordable loans to small and medium-sized businesses. Zimbo has led to the creation of 300 jobs and a dozen local businesses, including a textile workshop, an Internet café and a farm cooperative.

Loans

Total Développement Régional (TDR) supports the creation and acquisition of businesses through unsecured, interest-free loans. Loan recipients are mainly entrepreneurs, businesses in operation for less than five years, acquirers and companies in the first year following a buy-out.

Over the ten years, Total Développement Régional has loaned out €70 million. Some 17,000 jobs have been created, saved or planned thanks to current loans.