A fundamental issue for the Grameen Crédit Agricole Foundation
Since its creation in 2008, the Grameen Crédit Agricole Foundation (GCA Foundation) has pursued Professor Muhammad Yunus's vision that women's financial inclusion is a powerful lever for empowerment. Despite significant progress, 742 million women remain excluded from the global financial system, and women-owned SMEs face a credit gap of $320 billion, even though they have lower non-performing loan rates than men.
Improving women's access to financial services generates a triple impact: strengthening women's control over resources and decision-making, stimulating sustainable economic growth, and improving household financial stability and community well-being.
Understanding the challenges by listening to women leaders
During a side event at the African Financial Inclusion Week 2025 in Nairobi, the GCA Foundation organized a roundtable with women leaders from partner institutions: Susan Chibanga (CEO of Agora Microfinance Zambia), Josephine Namugga and Florence Mutonerwa (respectively Finance Manager and Product Development Manager at UGAFODE Uganda).
Structural and cultural obstacles
Women face multiple barriers: lack of guarantees, limited financial and digital literacy, and a lack of confidence. In rural areas, these obstacles are compounded by restricted mobility and limited property rights. The digital divide exacerbates these difficulties, with women being 81% less likely to own a mobile phone and 141% less likely to use mobile internet in low- and middle-income countries.
Susan Chibanga emphasized the crucial importance of the support system: "If the support system is not supportive, a woman can succeed while feeling excluded. We must certainly make equal access possible, but this will not work for women if we do not make that access desirable for them."«
Effective approaches to empowerment
The participants advocated for inclusive approaches rather than those reserved solely for women. Digital transformation represents a strategic imperative, enabling women to manage their transactions from home while juggling their other responsibilities.
Florence emphasized the importance of having women in decision-making positions: "When a woman holds a leadership role, it brings considerable added value to our clients, because a woman is better positioned to understand the needs of another woman." UGAFODE's objective is to increase the proportion of female clients to 401% by the end of 2027.
Local initiatives and partnerships
The progress made by AMZ and UGAFODE is supported by enabling local environments. In Zambia, the National Financial Education Strategy 2019-2024 and the National Financial Inclusion Strategy 2024-2028 specifically target women from vulnerable groups. In Uganda, the National Financial Inclusion Strategy 2023-2028 includes a strategic objective focused on women's inclusion.
Partnerships are essential for developing innovative approaches. UGAFODE, with the support of the GCA Foundation, is launching a study on female clients to increase their proportion in its portfolio. Since Women's World Banking became a shareholder, UGAFODE has also implemented a gender-focused action plan.
The experience of these female leaders reveals that women's empowerment requires a holistic approach that considers not only access to financial services, but also cultural dynamics and support systems. The GCA Foundation continues its mission to make financial inclusion a powerful lever for empowering women and their communities worldwide.
For more details, discover the full article by clicking here.
The Grameen Crédit Agricole Foundation and Delta sign a loan indexed to ESG criteria, an innovative scheme in Uzbekistan
A partnership dedicated to impact
The Grameen Crédit Agricole Foundation is proud to announce the signing of a new loan agreement with a new partner, Delta, a Microfinance Institution (MFI) in Uzbekistan. This collaboration is notable for its unique structure: it is a loan whose interest rate is indexed to the achievement of Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) and impact indicators.
This innovative format reflects the alignment between the Foundation's and Delta's interests. Improving the institution's socio-environmental performance has a direct impact on the cost of funding, creating a strong incentive to commit to concrete objectives.
• The improvement of Delta's overall ESG performance.
• Improving customer service and borrower protection.
• The collection of in-depth impact data on the IMF's clientele.
A historic first in the Uzbek microfinance sector
This signing marks a significant first: it is the very first loan of this type in the microfinance sector in Uzbekistan.
The country, which recently opened its non-banking market to international investors, is booming. The Grameen Crédit Agricole Foundation is positioning itself there to support the development of responsible microfinance, following the successes seen in recent years in Central Asia.
This loan is fully aligned with the Foundation's approach of offering innovative financing products to its partners. This approach was recently shared during the training session organized by InFiNe on impact finance. More information on the training and testimonial.
Zoom on Delta
Founded in 2009, Delta is an Uzbek financial institution specializing in microcredit services, primarily for individuals and micro-enterprises without access to traditional banks. Delta began operations in the capital, Tashkent, before gradually expanding to other regions of the country. Today, the organization has a network of over 30 branches, enabling it to cover a large area, with a strong presence in rural communities.
Photos Grameen Family Gathering
Grameen Family Gathering
Grameen Family, Paris, February 11, 2026, ©Philippe Lissac
The very first conference was held in Paris on February 11th and 12th. First Meeting of the Grameen Family, marking a historic moment in the collective journey towards a world Three zeros: Zero poverty, Zero unemployment and Net zero carbon emissions.
The event brought together more than 60 participants from 25 organizations of 18 countries to strengthen their ties and amplify their collective impact. Participants shared diverse experiences from around the world focusing on financial inclusion, women's empowerment, digital technology, climate action strategies, etc.
This meeting represents the first step towards a more interconnected Grameen ecosystem that honors its shared heritage of Prof. Muhammad Yunus while embracing the innovation needed to meet the challenges of the 21st century. The workshops and discussions highlighted that cooperation is essential to addressing complex global problems, with participants recognizing that their diversity is also their strength.
The event reinforced Grameen's fundamental conviction: When you trust people, they live up to your expectations.. This principle also extends to institutions, with the meeting serving as a call to transform shared values into common actions.
→ Full event report
→ Field News Article
→ Video Message from Professor Yunus
→ Opening speech by Mr. Md. Ashraful Hassan
→ Opening speech by Mr. Raphaël Appert
→ Key Note Speech by Abdul Hai Khan
→ Closing remarks for the first day by Ms. Véronique Faujour
→ Closing remarks by Mr. Md. Ashraful Hassan
→ Event presentation
→ Full event document
→ Photos
Listening to women leaders in the field of financial inclusion
Listening to women leaders in the field of financial inclusion
A fundamental issue for the Grameen Crédit Agricole Foundation
Since its creation in 2008, the Grameen Crédit Agricole Foundation (GCA Foundation) has pursued Professor Muhammad Yunus's vision that women's financial inclusion is a powerful lever for empowerment. Despite significant progress, 742 million women remain excluded from the global financial system, and women-owned SMEs face a credit gap of $320 billion, even though they have lower non-performing loan rates than men.
Improving women's access to financial services generates a triple impact: strengthening women's control over resources and decision-making, stimulating sustainable economic growth, and improving household financial stability and community well-being.
Understanding the challenges by listening to women leaders
During a side event at the African Financial Inclusion Week 2025 in Nairobi, the GCA Foundation organized a roundtable with women leaders from partner institutions: Susan Chibanga (CEO of Agora Microfinance Zambia), Josephine Namugga and Florence Mutonerwa (respectively Finance Manager and Product Development Manager at UGAFODE Uganda).
Structural and cultural obstacles
Women face multiple barriers: lack of guarantees, limited financial and digital literacy, and a lack of confidence. In rural areas, these obstacles are compounded by restricted mobility and limited property rights. The digital divide exacerbates these difficulties, with women being 81% less likely to own a mobile phone and 141% less likely to use mobile internet in low- and middle-income countries.
Susan Chibanga emphasized the crucial importance of the support system: "If the support system is not supportive, a woman can succeed while feeling excluded. We must certainly make equal access possible, but this will not work for women if we do not make that access desirable for them."«
Effective approaches to empowerment
The participants advocated for inclusive approaches rather than those reserved solely for women. Digital transformation represents a strategic imperative, enabling women to manage their transactions from home while juggling their other responsibilities.
Florence emphasized the importance of having women in decision-making positions: "When a woman holds a leadership role, it brings considerable added value to our clients, because a woman is better positioned to understand the needs of another woman." UGAFODE's objective is to increase the proportion of female clients to 401% by the end of 2027.
Local initiatives and partnerships
The progress made by AMZ and UGAFODE is supported by enabling local environments. In Zambia, the National Financial Education Strategy 2019-2024 and the National Financial Inclusion Strategy 2024-2028 specifically target women from vulnerable groups. In Uganda, the National Financial Inclusion Strategy 2023-2028 includes a strategic objective focused on women's inclusion.
Partnerships are essential for developing innovative approaches. UGAFODE, with the support of the GCA Foundation, is launching a study on female clients to increase their proportion in its portfolio. Since Women's World Banking became a shareholder, UGAFODE has also implemented a gender-focused action plan.
The experience of these female leaders reveals that women's empowerment requires a holistic approach that considers not only access to financial services, but also cultural dynamics and support systems. The GCA Foundation continues its mission to make financial inclusion a powerful lever for empowering women and their communities worldwide.
For more details, discover the full article by clicking here.
Retransmisión Webinario 29/01/2026
Webinar Replay 22/01/2026
The Grameen Crédit Agricole Foundation and Proparco are joining forces to develop microfinance in rural African areas.
A strengthened commitment to financial inclusion
The Grameen Crédit Agricole Foundation and Proparco are proud to announce the signing of a new loan agreement for €15 million. This significant financing is part of the Grameen Crédit Agricole Foundation's strategy to support microfinance institutions operating primarily in rural areas of the African continent.
This collaboration demonstrates the shared commitment of our two institutions to actively contribute to the development of inclusive and sustainable financial services in regions where access to traditional banking services remains limited.
Clear objectives to support development
This new financial partnership pursues three main objectives:
Supporting rural populations
The funding will facilitate access to credit in areas where traditional banking services are often absent, thereby helping to reduce financial inequality and stimulate local economic development.
Promoting women's empowerment
Women's economic empowerment is a strategic pillar for both our institutions. This loan will particularly support initiatives aimed at strengthening women's entrepreneurship and financial independence in rural areas.
Strengthening a partnership of trust
This new milestone strengthens the close and long-standing partnership between Proparco and the Grameen Crédit Agricole Foundation. This collaboration also benefits from ARIZ guarantees and technical assistance funds, enabling the partners to be supported over the long term with a comprehensive and integrated approach.
"Financial Inclusion for Refugees" Programme in Uganda: From Concept to Market Development
"Financial Inclusion for Refugees" Programme in Uganda: From Concept to Market Development
The Grameen Crédit Agricole Foundation (FGCA), alongside its partner Proparco, is embarking on a new strategic phase of its program dedicated to Financial Inclusion for Refugees in Uganda (2025-2027). This three-year program builds on the lessons learned from a pilot program (2019-2023, co-financed by SIDA) which demonstrated the existence of a viable economic model (or business case) for the financial inclusion of refugees.
Based on Proven Results
The pilot program demonstrated that refugees have consumption patterns similar to other populations and engage in sustainable economic activities, thus contradicting the idea that they are "unbankable." Based on these results, GCA and Proparco are now aiming to develop this emerging market.
Programme Objectives
The main objective is to build on promising results to refine interventions and prepare for broader market expansion by identifying other financial service providers (FSPs) that could be candidates for private sector investment. The programme aims to improve sustainable livelihoods and market viability for refugees and host communities.
Approach and Implementation
The FGCA uses a blended finance approach (debt and technical assistance, or TA) with its two implementing partners: UGAFODE Microfinance Limited and Vision Fund Uganda (VFU). These institutions bring essential local expertise and proven experience working with vulnerable populations.
Technical assistance is structured around three main areas:
The essence of this approach is to demonstrate the commercial/economic viability of the refugee segment in order to unlock commercial investment and institutionalize this market. This requires patient, low-cost capital, flexible, risk-reducing capital, and catalytic financing.
Towards a Sustainable Financial Inclusion Ecosystem
This project aims to trigger a sustainable financial inclusion ecosystem for this underserved segment, including not only humanitarian partners, but also other actors in the financial sector and private investors. The objective is to integrate the refugee market into the global financial inclusion ecosystem, thereby shifting the focus towards the Development component of the Humanitarian-Development-Peace (HDP) nexus.
For more details, discover the full article by clicking here.