Podcast: A Journey with Changemakers in Inclusive Finance and Social Entrepreneurship #2

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Episode 2: From Economist to Women's Champion – Roshaneh Zafar's Vision for Financial Inclusion

Discover the podcast: Episode 2

Welcome to our podcast series

The Grameen Crédit Agricole Foundation continues its podcast series that brings you transformative stories of game-changing leaders from the Grameen family who are reshaping the landscape of inclusive finance and social business across the globe. In this second episode, we sit down with Roshaneh Zafar, founder and CEO of the KASHF Foundation, to explore her remarkable 30-year journey from economist to visionary leader in women's financial empowerment.

What you'll discover

Roshaneh Zafar shares how KASHF Foundation has evolved from a bold vision inspired by Professor Muhammad Yunus into one of leading microfinance institutions in Pakistan, reaching nearly 18 million individuals. Discover how listening to women's needs led to the creation of innovative, integrated financial solutions from microcredit to micro-insurance, and micro-pensions—all guided by a powerful commitment to gender equity and women's agency.

Key Highlights

• The power of a mentor's belief : How Professor Muhammad Yunus's confidence and guidance transformed a young economist's career

• Breaking down barriers : Understanding the multi-layered obstacles women face—from birth through entrepreneurship—and how KASHF Foundation systematically addresses them through integrated services

• From credit to transformation : The evolution from micro loans to comprehensive financial services including micro-insurance tailored to specific trades and innovative micro-pension products that enable long-term planning

• Holistic financial inclusion : How understanding women's multitasking realities led to designing products that address their interconnected financial needs—business, family, health, and future security

• Pioneering financial innovation : KASHF's groundbreaking achievements, including Pakistan's first gender bond and South Asia's first gender Sukuk (Islamic bond), bringing capital markets to women entrepreneurs

• The value of partnerships : How strategic collaborations with investors, insurance companies, and organizations sharing core values have been essential to scaling impact

Why this matters

In a world where poverty has a distinctly feminine face, Roshaneh Zafar's approach shows how strategic innovation, rooted in understanding women's real needs and challenges, can scale transformative impact and inspire a global movement.
This episode is particularly timely as the Grameen family strengthens collaboration to amplify collective impact on women's empowerment and financial inclusion.

Perfect for

Impact investors, social entrepreneurs, development professionals, policymakers, nonprofit leaders, women's rights advocates, and anyone passionate about creating meaningful change through finance, business, and gender equity.

Key quote

"This is not a transaction. This is about transformation. Be value-driven, understand the impact you want to create, and build your strategy from there". – Roshaneh Zafar

Listen now and be inspired by a leader who truly makes a difference.

" A Journey for Change in Inclusive Finance and Social Business " – Where impact meets innovation.
Subscribe to our podcast series to stay updated on upcoming episodes featuring other transformative leaders from the Grameen family who are driving change across continents and sectors.

Discover the podcast via this link

 

French transcript

English transcript

Mission to the Philippines: Meeting with stakeholders in climate change and sustainable agriculture

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Ghuilem Vincent, Philippines, February 2026

In February 2026, Camille Huret of Foster Impact Advisory and Guilhem Vincent of the Grameen Crédit Agricole Foundation conducted a two-week mission to the Philippines to meet with existing partners and new prospects of the Foundation, and also as part of the Women Empowerment for Climate Fund (WEC).

The Philippines, facing an intensification of extreme weather events, naturally fit into the strategy of both institutions, which aim to strengthen the adaptation of rural communities to climate change. This mission allowed us to discover a diverse range of actors involved in several key sectors: from the inclusive finance to sustainable agriculture, passing through the cold chain in the fishing industry.

The team notably met Kennemer Foods International, a partner of FGCA since 2022, which works to promote sustainable agriculture in Mindanao, particularly through the cocoa and banana value chains. They also met Agronomika Finance Corporation, an entity of the Kennemer group, having benefited from a SSNUP Technical Assistance Program, aiming to strengthen its capacity to offer financial services to rural women. Agronomika enabled Camille and Guilhem to collect the testimonials of 35 women on the impacts of climate change in their communities, as well as on the local solutions being considered. The vast majority of these people expressed needs for solar water pump as well as climate resilience work for their home and their business.

While these testimonials are not representative on a large scale, they will provide valuable insights to inform the WEC's strategy and guide the development of its investment pipeline. Corresponding product offerings could be developed, such as index-linked loans coupled with targeted technical assistance.

Ghuilem Vincent, Philippines, February 2026

This mission also provided an opportunity to meet other field partners such as the NGO Acted.

The operational launch of the WEC, which supports women's empowerment facing climate change in emerging countries through debt financing for microfinance institutions and SMEs, is planned for the second half of 2026.

This mission illustrates ongoing commitment from FGCA and WEC for a more resilient and sustainable future.

Four Years of Support for Inclusive Insurance

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How an ambitious program transformed the approach to microinsurance at twelve microfinance institutions.

Every year, millions of smallholder farmers in Africa and Asia see their crops devastated by natural disasters. A quarter of adults in low- and middle-income countries have already been affected by such a disaster. For farming households, this reality is not abstract: the loss of income often means the loss of a future.

Faced with this emergency, how can we protect the most vulnerable? How can we transform microfinance into a shield against climate unpredictability?

An ambitious program: four years to lay the foundations

Between 2021 and 2025, a program funded by Proparco and implemented by the Grameen Crédit Agricole Foundation and the ILO supported twelve microfinance institutions in Africa and Asia to develop microinsurance solutions adapted to populations vulnerable to climate shocks.

The approach adopted was progressive and structured: raising awareness among teams, providing in-depth technical support, and then offering intensive assistance with the integration of expertise within the institutions. The results speak for themselves: insurance departments created, agricultural products tested, teams trained, and strategic partnerships established.

Despite these advances, the path to large-scale inclusive insurance remains fraught with obstacles:

  • Lack of reliable data : without robust climate and agricultural data, it is difficult to design relevant and viable products.
  • Low insurance culture Rural populations have little knowledge of insurance and its benefits.
  • Massive need for digitalization Technologies must be accessible and adapted to rural contexts.
  • Fragile business models Without patient and long-term investment, these initiatives remain precarious.
  • From experimentation to large-scale : the frontier

These four years have laid solid foundations. They have demonstrated that, with the right support, microfinance institutions can become credible players in inclusive insurance.

But the real question now is: how do we move from experimentation to scaling up?

Faced with accelerating climate change, inclusive insurance must no longer be a pilot project. It must become a structuring pillar of agricultural and financial resilience. This requires long-term commitments, patient investments, and the political will to transform these foundations into sustainable markets.

The question is no longer whether we should invest in inclusive insurance. It is: how do we structure sustainable commitments to make them a reality for millions of small farmers?

 

Read the full article via this link.

Md. Ashraful Hassan: New Vice President of the Foundation

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Grameen Family, Paris, February 11, 2026

Md. Ashraful Hassan, Chairman of the Grameen Group, has just been elected to board of directors of the Grameen Crédit Agricole Foundation and takes over the Vice-Presidency of the Foundation. This appointment recognizes his long-standing commitment towards our foundation's mission of financial inclusion and social empowerment.

With more than 40 years of experience professional With Grameen, his professional journey demonstrates a deep understanding of the social enterprise ecosystem of the Grameen Group.

As a board member of over 30 companies, Md. Ashraful Hassan possesses extensive expertise spanning telecommunications, healthcare, education, renewable energy, financial inclusion, and rural development. He ensures that all initiatives remain firmly aligned with Grameen's social enterprise principles and shared mission. Zero poverty, Zero unemployment and Zero Net Carbon Emissions.

Listen to his story in our podcast

Discover how Md. Ashraful Hassan guided the evolution of the Grameen Group, transforming Professor Muhammad Yunus's pioneering microfinance initiative in 1976 into a comprehensive ecosystem of 31 social enterprises. In this podcast, he shares how listening to the needs of borrowers led to innovative solutions covering health, renewable energy and digital financial services, all guided by the vision of the Three Zeros.

Listen to the podcast: Episode 1: From Engineer to Social Leader – Md. Ashraful Hassan's Vision for the Grameen Group

His election to the Grameen Crédit Agricole Foundation strengthens the link between the two founding organizations of the Foundation and opens of new perspectives to amplify the collective impact in favor of financial inclusion and the empowerment of the most vulnerable populations around the world, particularly women.

Podcast: A Journey with Changemakers in Inclusive Finance and Social Entrepreneurship #1

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Episode 1: From Engineer to Social Leader – Md. Ashraful Hassan's Vision for the Grameen Group

Discover the podcast: Episode 1

Welcome to our new podcast series

The Grameen Crédit Agricole Foundation is thrilled to launch an exciting new podcast series that brings you transformative stories of game-changing leaders from the Grameen family which are reshaping the landscape of inclusive finance and social enterprise worldwide. In this inaugural episode, we meet Md. Ashraful Hassan, President of the Grameen Group, to explore his remarkable 40-year journey from engineer to visionary social leader.

What you'll discover

Md. Ashraful Hassan shares how the Grameen Group has evolved from Professor Muhammad Yunus's pioneering microfinance initiative in 1976 into a comprehensive ecosystem of 31 social enterprises tackling poverty, unemployment, and climate change. Find out how listening to the needs of borrowers led to the creation of innovative solutions covering health, renewable energy and digital financial services — all guided by the powerful vision of Three Zeros: Zero Poverty, Zero Unemployment, Zero Net Carbon Emissions.

Key Highlights

  • The evolution of microfinance From credit-only programs to comprehensive social enterprise models addressing interconnected challenges
  • Empowering the next generation How Grameen Group's entrepreneurship programs, including Nobin, have created over 200,000 new jobs and inspired youth-led innovation
  • Revolutionary initiatives in health A 700-bed hospital meeting international standards and the Shukhi digital health platform serving 3.5 million subscribers, bringing quality healthcare services to underserved communities.
  • Integrating social impact with profitability How social enterprise creates a lasting and scalable impact while maintaining its financial viability

Why this matters

In a world facing unprecedented challenges, Md. Ashraful Hassan's approach demonstrates that inclusive finance and social enterprise are much more than tools for poverty reduction. They are catalysts for systemic change which tackle interconnected global problems. His vision shows how strategic innovation, rooted in the needs of communities, can amplify transformative impact and inspire a global movement.

This episode is particularly timely as the Grameen family reunites to strengthen their collaboration and amplify their collective impact.

Perfect for

Impact investors, social entrepreneurs, development professionals, policymakers, nonprofit leaders, and anyone passionate about creating meaningful change through finance and business.

Listen now and be inspired by a leader who truly makes a difference.

" A Journey for Change in Inclusive Finance and Social Business " Where impact meets innovation.

Subscribe to stay updated on upcoming episodes featuring other transformative leaders from the Grameen family who are driving change across continents and sectors.

 

French transcript

English transcript

The Grameen Crédit Agricole Foundation and Delta sign a loan indexed to ESG criteria, an innovative scheme in Uzbekistan

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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

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Read more

Grameen Family Gathering

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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.

 

 

 → 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

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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 Proparco are joining forces to develop microfinance in rural African areas.

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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.

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