ADB Grants 350 Million Loan to Boost Women Entrepreneurship in Pakistan

Pakistan has secured a USD 350 million loan from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) to enhance financial access for women. This will also be promoting women-led entrepreneurship. The funding includes a USD 300 million policy-based loan and a USD 50 million financial intermediation loan aimed at improving access to finance for women across the country.

• Pakistan received 350 million US dollars from the Asian Development Bank to support women's entrepreneurship
• The funding includes 300 million policy-based and 50 million financial intermediation loans
• The program aims to reach over two million women and boost their role in the economy

This initiative is a key step in addressing the significant gender gap in Pakistan’s economy, where the country ranks second-lowest out of 146 economies in the Global Gender Gap Index 2024. The program is part of Pakistan’s broader efforts under its Country Partnership Strategy 2021–2025, which emphasizes inclusive economic growth and gender equality.

Sani Ismail, ADB Director, stated, “The program is ambitious with a goal to reach out to over two million women in Pakistan to help them fulfill their potential, through a combination of access to finance, inclusive legal and policy reforms, and expanding capacity for entrepreneurship.”

This funding is expected to play a crucial role in empowering women by providing them the financial tools and institutional support needed to participate more actively in the economy, ultimately contributing to sustainable development and social upliftment in Pakistan.