Improving access to finance for businesses in MENA region

Improving access to finance for businesses in MENA region

Only 8% of bank lending is available to small and medium enterprises in the Middle East and North Africa.

Public-private collaboration is needed to establish a uniform regulatory framework to help create more job opportunities and build a resilient economy.

The Regional Action Group for the Middle East and North Africa proposes businesses in the region become part of a singular credit readiness system.



An Actionable Idea of a Member of the Regional Action Group for the Middle East and North Africa.

The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region is at a critical juncture, facing the imperative to create jobs for the 20 million young people expected to join the workforce by 2025.

Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) could play an instrumental role in tackling this challenge, given their potential to create jobs, foster innovation and contribute to growth.

MENA-based SMEs represent 96% of registered companies in the region, and are among the lowest recipients of bank loans globally. This lack of access to finance severely impacts SME growth and employment.



Not only lending for operations is limited in such a way, but lending for capital expenditures is also severely restricted.

One reason for this can be