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Projects financed by Proparco are eligible under the 2X Challenge, the initiative that certifies private-sector companies for their commitment to women’s economic empowerment

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As a founding member of the 2X Challenge launched in 2018 to coordinate the efforts of development finance institutions in support of women’s economic empowerment, Proparco has made gender equality a strategic priority. Several projects financed by Proparco in 2024 have just received the ‘2X Challenge’ qualification, recognizing the contribution of these investments to improving women’s economic participation and their access to leadership opportunities, quality jobs, finance, entrepreneurial support, as well as tailored products and services. A closer look at these committed clients.

In Asia, Africa, the Middle East, and Latin America, Proparco supports its clients in strengthening their strategies and growth while sharing ambitious impact objectives, including gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls.

  • In India, Proparco invested in Pahal Financial Services, a microfinance institution founded in 2011 and a trusted partner for more than 550,000 women clients across 11 Indian states.
  • In Panama, Proparco supports Unibank in the development of an ambitious gender strategy aimed at improving access to finance for women entrepreneurs in the country.
  • In Türkiye, Sekerbank is a financial institution that has benefited from the support of international investors, including Proparco, to reinforce its sustainable strategy and its focus on women’s financial inclusion. The bank is committed to supporting women entrepreneurs through dedicated financial products, and it also stands out for its inclusive governance, with women making up 40% of its senior management.
  • Uzbek bank Davr Bank, which is strongly committed to supporting women, received a loan from Proparco that will help finance 500 women-led businesses.
  • Proparco has invested in the SPE PEF III fund, a key private equity player in North Africa, and in the SEACEF II fund dedicated to the low-carbon transition. Both funds are committed to financing companies that meet the 2X Challenge criteria—respectively in Africa and Southeast Asia.
  • In Argentina, Genneia, the country’s leading wind and solar energy producer, received financing from several DFIs, including Proparco, to develop two renewable energy projects. The company has committed to supporting gender equality within its workforce and externally, among its suppliers.
  • In Vietnam, Proparco took part in the subscription of the first green and social bond issued on an international market by VP Bank. This operation contributes to financing projects that support the energy transition, in line with France’s commitments under the JETP (Just Energy Transition Partnership). It will also support small and medium-sized enterprises owned or led by women, helping maintain up to 15,907 jobs over the next five years.
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