IFC signs agreement with SECO to increase access to financial services for MENA women

The IFC signed an agreement with the Swiss Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO) to boost access to financial services for women in the Middle East and North Africa, to help close the economic gender gap and support growth and jobs. SECO will provide up to USD 5 mn IFC Advisory’s Women Banking Champions initiative in Egypt, Morocco, and Tunisia. “As well as highlighting the fact that lending to women makes good business sense, the program will help lenders tailor their products and services for female borrowers. It will also provide customized training for women in business planning, management and financial literacy, and offer networking and mentoring opportunities to spur business growth. The program also supports thought leadership and knowledge management activities,” the IFC notes.