IFC, Banque Misr sign agreement to expand financial inclusion of women entrepreneurs

Banque Misr signed yesterday an agreement with the International Finance Corporation (IFC) to help increase the number of women-led businesses receiving financing from Banque Misr as part of its SME portfolio, according to an emailed statement (pdf). “IFC will work with Banque Misr to conduct market research on the needs of women in business; provide access to global best practice; and develop and implement a sustainable business model for its women banking program.” The agreement will also see the two institutions working to help informal micro enterprises, which the statement notes are often owned by women, go legit.