The verdict in three sentences
In Senegal, public money to go digital exists: the DER/FJ, the FONGIP and guarantee funds support entrepreneurship with tickets from a few hundred thousand to tens of millions FCFA. These schemes offer subsidized rates and partial guarantees that unlock bank credit for SMEs with no track record. The crux remains the file: targeted, quantified and credible.
The main schemes compared
Each fund targets a specific audience and amount. Here are 2026 orders of magnitude (confirm with each body).
| Scheme | Target | Typical amount | Nature | Processing time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DER/FJ | Youth, women, micro-firms | 300,000 – 10,000,000 FCFA | Subsidized funding | 1 – 3 months |
| FONGIP | SMEs, loan guarantee | 5,000,000 – 50,000,000 FCFA | Guarantee + subsidy | 1 – 2 months |
| Guarantee fund | SMEs via bank | Per guaranteed loan | Guarantee 50 – 80% | Follows bank credit |
| Sector programs | Targeted value chains | Variable | Grant / support | 2 – 4 months |
DER/FJ finances directly, often at very soft or zero rates for small tickets. FONGIP does not lend directly: it guarantees your bank loan, reassuring the bank and reducing the required contribution.
Targets, guarantees and contribution
| Criterion | DER/FJ | FONGIP | Guarantee fund |
|---|---|---|---|
| Contribution asked | 0 – 10% | 10 – 20% | Per bank |
| Guaranteed share | — | Up to 80% | 50 – 80% |
| Effective rate | 0 – 6% | Subsidized | Reduced bank rate |
| Business plan | Mandatory | Mandatory | Mandatory |
| Company formalization | Recommended | Required | Required |
The guarantee changes everything: a bank lending at 14% with a 30% contribution can lower the contribution and secure the file when a fund covers 50 to 80% of the risk.
Fund your digitalization, and reward your network
A grant can cover your site or app. And if you know other entrepreneurs, the Kolonell business referrer program turns your recommendations into income.
| Division | Commission on sale | Recurring |
|---|---|---|
| Showcase | 15% | 5% |
| E-commerce | 12% | 5% |
| Marketplace | 10% | — |
| Institutional | 8% | — |
Refer an institutional project at 5,000,000 FCFA and earn 400,000 FCFA. Many of our referrers are themselves entrepreneurs supported on financing.
Mini case study
Need a professional website?
Kolonell builds websites that attract clients, optimized for the Sénégalese market. Free quote in 2 minutes.
Moussa, founder of an agricultural cooperative in Kaolack, wants a Starter e-commerce site at 1,000,000 FCFA to sell online. He secures subsidized DER/FJ funding covering 70% (700,000 FCFA), and tops it up with a 300,000 FCFA contribution. Thanks to the subsidy, his annual financing cost stays below 6%, versus 14% on a classic bank loan — a direct saving on his margin.
FAQ
Does DER/FJ finance a website?
Yes, an income-generating digital project is eligible as long as it fits a clear economic activity. Tickets range from roughly 300,000 to 10,000,000 FCFA depending on the profile.
What is the difference between DER and FONGIP?
DER/FJ finances directly (often subsidized). FONGIP guarantees a bank loan up to 80%, which unlocks credit without heavy personal collateral.
Do I need to be formalized (NINEA, registry)?
For FONGIP and guarantee funds, yes. DER/FJ accepts younger project holders, but formalization is strongly recommended.
How long for an answer?
Expect roughly 1 to 4 months depending on the scheme and file completeness. An incomplete file greatly extends the delay.
What is the main reason for refusal?
A weak file: vague business plan, unrealistic forecast, no market study. File quality weighs more than the idea itself.
Let's talk about your project. We price your digital project so it slots cleanly into your grant application. WhatsApp +221 77 596 93 33.
Mohamed Bah
Fondateur, Kolonell
Passionate about digital and entrepreneurship in Africa, Mohamed has been helping Sénégalese businesses with their digital transformation since 2020. Founder of Kolonell, he believes every SME deserves a professional and accessible online présence.
