Supporting the empowerment of women entrepreneurs in Pakistan

Founded in 1996 by Ms. Roshaneh Zafar, Kashf Foundation is one of Pakistan’s leading institutions dedicated to women’s empowerment through microfinance. By providing access to credit, financial education, and entrepreneurial training, it has transformed the lives of millions of women and their families. At the forefront of breaking down barriers for women-led businesses, Kashf has become an emblematic institution, championing economic and social empowerment. Beyond microcredit and micro-insurance, it delivers financial literacy programs, mentorship for young female entrepreneurs, and initiatives promoting gender equality within its clients’ families.

Proparco has strengthened its partnership with Kashf Foundation through a $15 million loan to empower women entrepreneurs and expand Kashf’s client base.This project aims to support Kashf's growth strategy while enhancing access to financial services for women. This partnership aligns with Proparco’s 2023-2027 strategic objectives of fostering a more sustainable and resilient economy and advancing gender equality by supporting an MFI dedicated to women's financial inclusion and economic empowerment through enhanced business opportunities.

The expected impacts of this financing are as follows:

•  Support for around 60,000 jobs within the companies financed by the bank (indirect jobs) over the next 5 years
• Support for more than 74,400 micro-entrepreneurs through high-quality and sustainable microfinance services
•  Contribution to gender equality through a commitment to finance women (100% of Proparco's financing). Proparco's financing is 2X aligned based on criteria 2 (Leadership), 3 (Employment), 5 (Products and Services) and 6 (Portfolio)

The project will thereby contribute to the achievement of SDG 1 (No poverty), SDG 5 (Gender equality), SDG 8 (Decent work and economic growth) and SDG 10 (Reduced inequalities).