EBRD Partners with Tajikistan to Boost Women's Entrepreneurship and Banking Sector Capacity

Memorandum of Understanding Signed to Develop Women Entrepreneurs Finance Code.

In a significant move towards fostering gender equality and supporting women's entrepreneurship in Tajikistan, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) has joined forces with the country to enhance the capacity of its banking sector.

Today, a memorandum of understanding was signed by Firdavs Nazrimad Tolibzoda, Chairman of the National Bank of Tajikistan, and Odile Renaud-Basso, President of the EBRD. This collaboration aims to develop the Women Entrepreneurs Finance Code (WE Finance Code), a commitment by financial service providers, regulators, development banks, and other stakeholders to increase financial assistance to women-led micro, small, and medium enterprises.

President Renaud-Basso expressed optimism about the partnership, highlighting its goal to engage public and private-sector partners from Tajikistan’s financial sector to improve the collection, analysis, and use of data related to the financial inclusion of women-led enterprises. The WE Finance Code seeks to eliminate constraints and financing gaps for women entrepreneurs in Tajikistan, thereby adding value to the economy.

Furthermore, a US$ 1 million (€0.9 million) limit under the EBRD’s Trade Facilitation Programme (TFP) has been allocated to MDO HUMO (HUMO), one of Tajikistan's leading microlenders. This support will enable HUMO to scale up its trade-finance business, ultimately assisting local firms in importing necessary goods, services, and equipment, as well as exporting their products.

The EBRD's commitment to Tajikistan extends beyond this partnership, with investments totaling €947 million through 168 projects to date. This latest collaboration underscores the EBRD's dedication to promoting inclusive economic growth and empowering women entrepreneurs globally.