In Central America, Proparco supports micro-entrepreneurs and rural communities together with Fundación Génesis Empresarial, a key player in Guatemala

Fundación Génesis Empresarial (Génesis) is the leading microfinance institution in Guatemala and across the Central American region. It serves more than 401,000 clients, of which 72% are women and 80% live in rural areas, through an extensive network of 156 branches covering the entire country.

As a driver of local economic development in Guatemala and a key player in financial inclusion, Génesis focuses on reducing socio-economic, territorial, and gender inequalities. It primarily supports micro-entrepreneurs and rural communities, contributing to the development of their activities through a combination of financial services (individual microcredits and group loans) and non-financial services, such as training and technical assistance. Génesis is fully committed to client protection principles. In 2017, the institution received in a first opportunity the globally recognized "Smart Campaign" certification, and was recertified in 2021, confirming its commitment to providing secure and responsible financial services to the most vulnerable populations.

By providing a loan of USD 20 million equivalent in Guatemalan currency to Génesis, Proparco supports the development of this institution’s microcredits portfolio. This is also Proparco's first intervention in the microfinance sector in Central America, and AFD Group’s first financing denominated in Guatemalan currency.

The project will have a significant impact: nearly 30,000 jobs will be maintained, 18,300 micro-credits will be granted to entrepreneurs and 9,170 MSMEs will be supported.

Manuel Léon, Proparco’s Regional Director for Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean: "By supporting Génesis, Proparco is working with a responsible microfinance institution that is committed to developing entrepreneurship in the country, particularly among small-scale farmers and micro-entrepreneurs. Its values and mission are perfectly in line with Proparco's strategy, particularly its objective of reducing socio-economic, territorial and gender inequalities. We hope that this partnership will mark the start of a fruitful collaboration between our two institutions!”

Edgardo Pérez, General Manager of Génesis: "Joining efforts to make a greater impact on Guatemalan families is a significant achievement for Fundación Génesis Empresarial. Being the first microfinance institution in Central America to partner with the French development finance institution, Proparco, will allow us to reach more families on their journey towards sustainable development. We primarily work with women in rural areas, providing financial support, insurance, assistance, training, technical advice, and technological inclusion. This has enabled us to significantly improve the living conditions of these families, earning the trust of Proparco to collaborate with us in reducing poverty."

The project will contribute to SDG 1 "No poverty", SDG 8 "Economic growth and decent employment" and SDG 10 "Reduced inequalities".