Douglas Mwiti 
- Oikocredit extends USD 1 million loans to Ailos partners Acredicoop and Evolua to boost Brazil’s SMEs;
These first loan agreements with Ailos system support SME portfolio expansion in Joinville, SC, and Francisco Beltrão, PR.
Amersfoort, the Netherlands –Social impact investor Oikocredit has teamed up with the Ailos System, a network of credit cooperatives established in 2002, comprising over 1.6 million members and operating across Southern Brazil.
The funds were disbursed in May. The new partnership was introduced by Water.org, with a conservative initial amount to establish a working relationship and gain experience.
It involves an initial loan agreement with Acredicoop and Evolua, each receiving USD 1 million to support small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in their portfolios.
Ailos provides direct financing, channels funds from the Brazilian National Development Bank (BNDES), and extends technological and operational support, nurturing solid growth for both cooperatives.
Acredicoop and Evolua follow Ailos’ environmental and social policies, incorporating them into their strategic planning and using key performance indicators such as Body, Soul, and Mind to meet multi-stakeholder objectives.
This collaboration not only strengthens the financial inclusion of urban SMEs but also aligns with Oikocredit’s mission to promote sustainable development.
The conservative initial amount allows both Oikocredit and Ailos to build a robust working relationship and gather valuable experience for future ventures.
Nicolas Viedma, Investment Manager for Oikocredit, said, “We’re partnering with Ailos and its member cooperatives to enhance financial inclusion within urban centres.
The alliance will help Ailos’ members to strengthen their SME portfolios and improve economic outcomes in their regions where they operate.
With its commitment to cooperative principles and its robust network of credit cooperatives, Ailos is an ideal partner for Oikocredit as we look support sustainable development and prosperity.”
Zenilde Osório, Operations Director of Acredicoop, said, “Collaboration is the foundation of the cooperative system. The partnership with the global cooperative Oikocredit, through the Ailos System, opens many opportunities for Acredicoop, such as diversifying funding sources and accessing international investors, thus fostering local growth and business expansion.”
Kelvi Krauspenhar, Executive Director of Evolua, stated: “We have inaugurated a great inter-cooperation partnership with Oikocredit, providing more resources for our members and the development of our community. Evolua is proud to be part of this moment for the Ailos system.”
André Luiz Greboge, Ailos Capture and Interfinancial Transfers team leader, said, “By joining Oikocredit, the next step involves raising funds from other institutions for the interested cooperatives.
This includes seeking diversified funding sources, access to international investors, and alternatives to enhance the reference equity.”
