Podcast: A journey with changemakers in inclusive finance and social entrepreneurship #7

 

EPISODE 7: INCLUSIVE FINANCE AS A LEVER FOR EMANCIPATION WITH LAMIYA MORSHED

Discover the podcast : Episode 7

Welcome to our podcast series

The Grameen Crédit Agricole Foundation continues its podcast series showcasing the stories of Grameen family leaders who are reshaping the landscape of inclusive finance and social business worldwide. In this seventh episode, we meet Lamiya Morshed, director of the Yunus Center for Social Business and a pioneer in microfinance since 1991, to explore her journey with Professor Muhammad Yunus and her vision of inclusive finance as a tool for empowerment.

What you'll discover

Lamiya Morshed shares her incredible journey, from her first internship at Grameen Bank in 1991 as a student at the London School of Economics, to her pivotal role in replicating microfinance in over 37 countries. Explore how she worked alongside Professor Yunus to transform a revolutionary idea born in Bangladesh into a global movement. Discover how she contributed to the implementation of the Three Zeros strategy and how she inspires the next generation to become agents of change.

Key Highlights

  • Economic diplomacy How a revolutionary idea created in Bangladesh proved its global relevance, attracting donors and organizations from around the world
  • The fundamental role of women Why do women, when presented with an economic opportunity, prioritize investing in their family's health and education, creating a multiplier effect?
  • The evolution of microfinance How microfinance was gradually refined and then complemented by social entrepreneurship and the Three Zeros vision
  • The 3 Zeros Clubs A pioneering initiative where young people, from the age of 12, form peer groups to take action on the Three Zeros (Zero Poverty, Zero Unemployment, Zero Net Carbon Emissions) in their own lives.
  • The impact of change in Bangladesh How Professor Yunus's transitional government reforms contribute to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals

Why this matters

The world faces interconnected challenges: persistent poverty, youth unemployment, environmental degradation, and gender inequality. Lamiya Morshed shows us that inclusive finance is not simply an economic tool; it is a powerful lever for empowerment for individuals, families, and communities. Her experience of over 30 years demonstrates that when the poorest people, particularly women, receive access to appropriate financial services, they become the primary agents of their own development and that of their society.

Perfect for

Social entrepreneurs and impact creators, policymakers and public transformation actors, innovators in inclusive finance, women entrepreneurs, young people seeking meaning and purpose, advocates for climate action and the circular economy, impact investors, leaders of non-profit organizations, and all those who believe that systemic change is possible and necessary.

Key quotes

«"When you give a woman an economic opportunity, she benefits not only herself, but also her family and her community."»

«"Everyone has power. Young people, especially girls, have a very important role to play, starting today."»

Listen now and be inspired by the woman who has dedicated her life to proving that inclusive finance is a powerful and transformative lever for empowerment.

Subscribe to our podcast series to stay informed about upcoming episodes featuring other transformative leaders from the Grameen family who are creating change across continents and sectors.

Discover the podcast via this link

French transcript

English transcript

Episode 7: Inclusive Finance as a Lever for Empowerment with Lamiya Morshed

Advans Côte d'Ivoire, the big winner of the 2026 National Microfinance Days

Five prizes for one single mission: to make finance accessible to all

The Grameen Crédit Agricole Foundation is proud to celebrate its partner Advans Côte d'Ivoire, which emerged as the big winner of the second edition of the National Microfinance Days (JNM) held on June 25 and 26, 2026 in Abidjan. The microfinance institution won five prestigious awards recognizing its development strategy and economic impact:

✅ Financial Inclusion Award – recognizing its commitment to expanding access to financial services for historically excluded populations

✅ Responsible Finance Award – celebrating its ethical practices and customer protection

✅ Rural Finance Award – welcoming its direct support for the agricultural sector

✅ Institutional Transparency Award – reflecting its commitment to governance

✅ Digital Transformation Award – highlighting its capacity for innovation

A real impact in service of rural women

Behind these five awards lies a concrete and measurable impact. Thanks to our partnership with Advans Côte d'Ivoire, we support women farmers who are strengthening their agricultural activities and developing their businesses. With tailored support, combining credit, savings, and insurance, they improve their harvests, save more, and actively participate in the development of their communities.

When a woman gains economic independence, her entire family and village benefit. 💪

Discover their inspiring stories

Dive into the stories of these women in our latest video report, produced and published by the "« Le Média Positif Afrique » in partnership with the Grameen Crédit Agricole Foundation.

Watch the video.

These five awards demonstrate Advans Côte d'Ivoire's commitment to financial inclusion and sustainable development. With over 275,000 clients, the institution continues to serve entrepreneurs, traders, and artisans through its 27 branches and more than 40 partner locations in Côte d'Ivoire.

Positive Media – Advans CI

Climate finance for smallholder farmers: the GEF-IFAD program in action

Climate change threatens the viability of family farms in sub-Saharan Africa. Prolonged droughts, unpredictable floods, and erratic seasonal variations are jeopardizing the food security of millions of people.

Microfinance institutions are the preferred partners of smallholder farmers, but most lack the tools to assess and manage climate risks when granting credit. This is the challenge that the Grameen Crédit Agricole Foundation has committed to addressing.

An ambitious program funded by the GEF and IFAD

The Foundation coordinates the program «Indicators and framework for financing climate change adaptation and biodiversity conservation», funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and theIFAD.

This program aims to transform how financial institutions assess climate risks in their loan portfolios. In partnership with the JuST Institute, the Foundation develops innovative indicators, methodological frameworks and technological tools to integrate climate resilience into the heart of lending processes and encourage the financing of adaptation solutions.

The program operates in Senegal, in Benign and in Zambia, targeting 3,500 smallholder farmers, with particular attention to women farmers. The approach recognizes that each region and financial institution has its own characteristics, requiring methodological standardization coupled with flexibility for local adaptation.

YAPU: a technological tool for climate finance

YAPU, our technology platform partner is designed for rural African contexts where connectivity is limited. It integrates climate risk assessment directly into the credit granting process, enabling loan officers to collect data and generate a real-time risk assessment.

In June 2026, YAPU tested the platform alongsideAgora Microfinance Zambia (AMZ) and VisionFund Zambia, validating several key principles:

  • Connectivity is not an obstacle : YAPU works without a stable internet connection, synchronizing data as soon as possible.
  • The field validates the theory : Actual interviews with farmers confirmed that the workflows work where it really matters.
  • Essential local adaptation : Adapting YAPU to the realities of each institution while maintaining a standardized methodology has proven crucial.
  • Adoption is a human process : Continuous support and on-the-ground coaching have transformed the tool into a trusted element of daily work.

A measurable and lasting impact

This program creates a systemic shift in how rural finance integrates climate resilience. Benefits include: climate-responsive credit for farmers, improved risk management for financial institutions, enhanced agricultural resilience for communities, and finance that encourages sustainable practices.

A strategic collaboration

This program is the result of a collaboration between the Grameen Crédit Agricole Foundation (coordinator), the JuST Institute, the partner financial institutions, YAPU, the GEF and theIFAD.

Together, we are building a climate finance infrastructure designed for real-world conditions and lasting impact. 🌍

Study on Oxus Tajikistan women clients

 

 

OXUS Tajikistan, Robiyamo Rakhimova, Bakery; 2 employees; Join OXUS in 2017
6 loans from 30 to 50,000 somonis; Use to buy flour, pay employees; Plan to electrify the oven.

Listen to 261 women in Tajikistan

As a partner of OXUS Tajikistan, we participated in an impact study conducted by the firm leonardo.impact. Between November and December 2025, we interviewed 261 clients to measure the true impact of microfinance services on their lives.

Promising results, but opportunities to be seized

  • 90 % report an improvement in their income thanks to OTJ's services
  • 89 % find loan repayment easy, well above the Asian benchmark of 78 %
  • 94 % report increased confidence in independent financial decision-making
  • 79 % could face a significant unexpected expense, nearly three times the global benchmark of 28 % for women

Beyond credit: identifying gaps

However, the study also reveals significant opportunities to strengthen long-term empowerment. Although 91 % of the clients are satisfied with the size of their loans, structural challenges persist:

  • The lack of savings : 89 % customers do not have a savings account, although 82 % express an interest in opening one, citing trust in OXUS as a key factor.
  • Gaps in financial education Although 87% of clients report not needing additional training, only 11.1% have ever received financial education. The most vulnerable clients, particularly those with incomplete secondary education, face greater difficulties.
  • Shared decision-making Although women are heavily involved in household lending decisions, some are solely responsible for repayment, creating an asymmetry that can increase financial stress.

Towards an integrated and inclusive offer

For OXUS Tajikistan, this study paves the way for a strategic transformation:

  • Expanding access to savings and complementary services :
  • Integrating financial education: Incorporate practical training modules into loan cycles, with an emphasis on budgeting, goal setting and cash flow management.
  • Strengthening the gender-sensitive approach Increasing the recruitment of female credit officers (72% of clients prefer to discuss finances with officers of the same sex) and integrating financial advice at the household level could alleviate psychological and financial pressures.
  • Review the loan terms Reviewing interest rates, rigid repayment terms, and penalty policies could significantly improve customer satisfaction and experience.

This study demonstrates that OXUS Tajikistan is already generating positive and significant results for its clients. High levels of trust, satisfaction with loan amounts, and ease of repayment confirm that the core credit products are well aligned with customer needs.

 

➡️ More information here: Leonardo Oxus Report Tajikistan

Studies on Oxus Tajikistan customers

The Grameen Crédit Agricole Foundation joins the GSEF

The Grameen Crédit Agricole Foundation is pleased to announce its membership in Global Forum for Social and Solidarity Economy (GSEF).

About the GSEF

Founded in Seoul in 2013, the GSEF is a global network mobilizing local governments and civil society actors around the Social and Solidarity Economy (SSE). With its headquarters now located in Bordeaux since 2022, the GSEF brings together 91 members from 36 countries across 5 continents, making it an essential platform for promoting a more inclusive and sustainable economy.

 

A joint mission

By joining the GSEF, the Grameen Crédit Agricole Foundation pursues a shared objective: to support the development of the social and solidarity economy (SSE) worldwide. This involves dialogue between public authorities and civil society actors to co-create public policies that favor the SSE and contribute to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.

 

Our areas of action

Our membership in the GSEF allows us to actively contribute to its five strategic pillars:

  • Advocacy at the international, national and local levels
  • Training and capacity building territories
  • Support for development networks of public and private actors
  • Promoting initiatives and exchange of experiences
  • Applied research and publications

Alongside our peers around the world, we will amplify our advocacy for inclusive and responsible finance, strengthen our capacities by sharing experiences, and contribute to the establishment of ecosystems favorable to the social and solidarity economy.

 

A strengthened commitment

This membership represents an important step in our commitment to the Social and Solidarity Economy, strengthening our position in promoting a fairer and more sustainable economy, rooted in local communities and serving the most vulnerable populations.

Voices for Change – Véronique Faujour, Grameen Crédit Agricole Foundation

Podcast: A Journey for change in Inclusive Finance and Social Entrepreneurship #6

Episode 6: The Economy Three Zeros with Professor Muhammad Yunus: Building a world without poverty, unemployment and net carbon emissions

Discover the podcast: Episode 6

Welcome to our podcast series

The Grameen Crédit Agricole Foundation continues its podcast series that features stories from leaders of the Grameen family who are reshaping the landscape of inclusive finance and social business around the world. In this sixth episode, we meet Professor Muhammad Yunus, Nobel Peace Prize laureate, microfinance pioneer and visionary of social entrepreneurship, to explore his trajectory from Bangladesh to the world stage and his vision of the Three Zeros: Zero Poverty, Zero Unemployment and Zero Net Carbon Emissions..

What you'll discover

Professor Yunus shares his journey, from the 1970s in Bangladesh where he challenged the paradigm of inevitable poverty to his recent role as head of the transitional government organizing democratic elections in Bangladesh for 180 million people. Explore how his simple intuition "What if the poorest could become actors in their own development?" changed our understanding of entrepreneurship, financial inclusion, and social change. Also discover his latest initiative: a pioneer university entirely dedicated to the creation of a world of Three Zeros..

Key Highlights

  • The power of simple intuition How a question asked in 1976 in Bangladesh enabled the development of microfinance, redefining what poor people can achieve
  • The fundamental role of women : Why women, naturally creative and imaginative, are the main drivers of social entrepreneurship and economic transformation
  • The Three Zeros Vision A radically different economy, based on Zero Poverty, Zero Unemployment and Zero Net Carbon; not as a utopia, but as a necessity
  • Imagination as a foundation of change Imagination costs nothing but creates everything: it is the starting point of any real transformation
  • A new university launched this year that completely rethinks education, training job creators rather than job seekers
  • Young people as architects of the future How to inspire a generation to define which world they want to build

Why this matters

The world is facing an unprecedented convergence of crises: persistent poverty, youth unemployment, environmental degradation, and gender inequality. Professor Yunus is proposing not a series of solutions, but a complete new imagination of the economic system itself. His Three Zeros vision is not a distant dream – it is an urgent call to rethink our institutions, our universities, our businesses, and our very conception of what it means to “create value.”

Perfect for

Social entrepreneurs and impact creators, political decision-makers and public transformation actors, innovators in inclusive finance, women entrepreneurs, young people seeking meaning and purpose, advocates of climate action and the circular economy, impact investors, leaders of non-profit organizations, and anyone who believes that systemic change is possible and necessary.

Key quote

" What if the poorest people could become the actors of their own development? " – Professor Yunus' founding question

" Imagination costs nothing. Imagine what you want to build and you'll be amazed to see it become reality. "

Listen now

Listen now and be inspired by the visionary who showed the world that another economic system is possible.

________________________________________

Subscribe to our podcast series to stay informed about upcoming episodes featuring other transformative leaders from the Grameen family who are creating change across continents and sectors.

Discover the podcast via this link

 

French transcript

English transcript