Financing is essential to expanding women’s economic opportunities and entrepreneurship in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). Yet women entrepreneurs continue to face significant barriers to accessing finance, from limited collateral and credit histories to financial products that do not adequately meet their needs. At a time when global development assistance is declining, mobilising additional sources of finance and making existing resources more effective is increasingly important.
This report examines how development finance supports women’s economic empowerment across eight MENA economies: Algeria, Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, the Palestinian Authority and Tunisia. It maps financing trends, identifies gaps and opportunities, and explores innovative financing approaches that can expand women entrepreneurs’ access to capital. Drawing on practical examples from the region and beyond, it highlights how guarantees, blended finance, digital financial services, early-stage investment and other approaches are helping address barriers to finance.
The report offers insights for policymakers, development partners, financial institutions and investors seeking to expand financing opportunities for women entrepreneurs and support more inclusive economic growth.
