The tri-party collaboration between AWIEF, AGF, and FSDH Merchant Bank Limited was created with the aim to increase access to finance for WSMEs who are driving solutions in different catalytic sectors in Nigeria

Women entrepreneurs represent a powerful yet largely untapped source of job creation and economic growth. Removing barriers faced by women entrepreneurs would significantly boost economic growth, as women-led businesses can play a central role in creating more jobs for women. To realize this potential, it is essential to support growth-oriented women-led small and medium enterprises (WSMEs)—the “missing middle” —that can generate substantial job creation and productivity growth. Yet these businesses face major financing constraints, as they are too large for microfinance yet often considered too small or risky for banks and investors. Limited data and evidence on what works to improve access to finance for growth-oriented WSMEs remains a key challenge, as highlighted in a dynamic evidence review conducted in 2022 and 2025. Existing evidence predominantly focuses on microenterprises, with limited studies on WSME financing for growth-oriented enterprises. While further research is needed to assess what works for growth-oriented WSMEs, emerging findings point to three critical strategies for improving access to finance for growth-oriented WSMEs and supporting jobs and business growth: better segmentation, tailored product design, and effective digital delivery. Segmenting and targeting growth-oriented businesses with job creation potential WSMEs are not a homogeneous group, they have diverse motivations, entrepreneurial...

Crystal Mugimba / Millie Maina / Shiemaa Ahmed After Kenyan entrepreneur Joy Obuya gave birth in 2019, she quickly spotted a gap in the local fashion industry: Finding chic clothing that catered to pregnant women and new mothers like her...

Analysts explore the roadblocks facing women-owned or -led small and medium-sized enterprises (WSMEs) in Africa, and share some solutions.

Tien Phong Commercial Joint Stock Bank (TPBank) is committed to providing innovative and efficient banking and financial solutions, particularly to young and dynamic customers. TPBank was the first bank supported by ADB to conduct a comprehensive Gender Gap Assessment. Following the assessment, the bank developed a dedicated customer identification system for WSMEs, launched new gender-responsive credit products and marketing channels, and introduced tailored advisory services to better meet the needs of women-led enterprises. TPBank also delivered gender awareness training to enhance staff capacity and commitment. With ADB’s support, TPBank has actively participated in multiple initiatives to expand access to finance for WSMEs, including the COVID-19 Relief for WSMEs project, which helped mitigate pandemic impacts. Chapters: 0:00 - Introducing the ADB project 0:57 - TPBank and Impacts of Gender Gap Assessment on TPBank’s operation and strategy 2:19 Changes of the enterprise #adb #asiandevelopmentbank #adbvideos ================================= DISCLAIMER Comments made on this channel do not represent the views of ADB. While ADB welcomes discussion on development issues, viewers are requested to stay on point, be respectful, and refrain from posting anything abusive, defamatory, hateful, libelous, obscene, threatening, or violent against any person or entity. ADB reserves the right to delete any comments that it may deem inappropriate or unacceptable. ABOUT THE ASIAN DEVELOPMENT BANK The Asian Development Bank (ADB) is a leading multilateral development bank supporting sustainable, inclusive, and resilient growth across Asia and the Pacific. Working with its members and partners to solve complex challenges together, ADB harnesses innovative financial tools and strategic partnerships to transform lives, build quality infrastructure, and safeguard our planet. Founded in 1966, ADB is owned by 69 members—50 from the region. Corporate website https://www.adb.org Follow ADB also on social media: • Exposure: https://adb.exposure.co/ • Flickr: https://www.flickr.com/adbpresidentkanda/ • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AsianDevBank/ • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/adb_hq/ • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/asian-development-bank/ • X/Twitter: https://x.com/ADB_HQ =================================