SANAD enables over USD 1 billion loans to MSMEs and households through financial institutions in MENA and SSA
Providing tailored financing and technical assistance to its partners, the Fund has supported 267,000 jobs
Luxembourg, 31 August 2022 – The SANAD Fund for MSME (SANAD) has enabled more than USD 1 billion in sub-loan disbursements made by partner institutions to micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSME) and households. These loans support growth and employment creation in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) and in selected countries in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA).
SANAD has achieved this significant milestone despite challenging markets, COVID 19, and the food security crisis as a result of the war in Ukraine, highlighting the fund’s ability to leverage its unique strengths to deliver impact across its target region. By working in partnership with 43 partner institutions, SANAD has been instrumental in enabling 264,000 sub-loans since the fund’s inception, empowering young and female entrepreneurs and MSMEs. Together with this financing, the SANAD Technical Assistance Facility has contributed strongly to building the necessary capacity of the fund’s partners by engaging into long-term partnerships to serve the needs of small businesses in the region.
SANAD contributes to six of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Through the USD 1 billion disbursed in sub-loans, the fund contributes to SDG 9, namely Industry Innovation and Infrastructure, by facilitating inclusive industrialization and giving small-scale enterprises access to finance and innovative business solutions. The loans have a clear focus on the underserved very small businesses in the region with an average loan size of USD 3,721, while a large majority of these loans (88%) were facilitated in local currency.
As a blended finance fund, SANAD also contributes to SDG 17, Partnership for the Goals, by bringing together public and private investors for sustainable development. Investors and donors have committed over USD 471 million to the SANAD Debt Sub-Fund, and USD 69 million to the SANAD Equity Sub-Funds.
SANAD Board Chairperson Dr. Daniela Beckmann said, “I am thrilled that SANAD has managed to achieve this momentous milestone, notwithstanding the challenging socio-political and economic times. This achievement is enabled by the continuous support of the fund’s shareholders among which the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and the European Union. The fund is committed to remain a dedicated and reliable partner for local financial institutions within the region and to continue creating economic and employment opportunities for local MSMEs.”
| One of the fund’s success stories is that of its end-client Amina and her entrepreneurial endeavours. The mother of three, living in Sabaa Ayoun, Morocco, received her first microloan from Al Amana Microfinance, a long-standing partner of SANAD in Morocco. Using the loans proceeds, Amina bought land and constructed a house with subsequent loans. With her last loan Amina invested EUR 100 equivalent in Moroccan Dirham into developing her clothing business in which she buys clothing for children and adults from wholesalers in Fès and Meknès and sells them in her neighborhood. Based at home, she described her financial situation as more stable and feels proud of being able to contribute to household expenses. |
About SANAD
The SANAD Fund for MSME, advised by Finance in Motion, finances micro, small, and medium enterprises and low-income households in the Middle East and North Africa and selected countries in sub-Saharan Africa via qualified local lenders. SANAD thereby fosters economic development and job creation – including youth employment – agriculture, affordable housing, and innovations in finance and financial technologies. SANAD strives to meet these goals by providing debt and equity financing to its local partners. The SANAD Technical Assistance Facility multiplies the fund’s development impact and outreach through capacity-building with partner institutions, developing financial infrastructures according to the principles of responsible finance and conducting much required R&D.
An impact investment fund, SANAD’s investors include the KfW Development Bank, which initiated the fund; the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ); the European Union; Switzerland’s State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO); OeEB, the Development Bank of Austria; Germany’s GLS Bank and GLS Treuhand; the Dutch development bank FMO; and Calvert Impact Capital.
For more information on the SANAD Fund for MSME, please visit: www.sanad.lu
For more information on Finance in Motion, please visit: www.finance-in-motion.com
Media contact – SANAD
Anne Johnson
Manager, Marketing & Communications
Phone: +49 (0)69 271 035-171
Email: press@sanad.lu