The World Bank Group and Visa Foundation are partnering to support women-led micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) across emerging markets through a programme designed to improve access to finance, digital tools, business training and stronger financial ecosystems.\n<\/p>\n
The initiative, which will initially cover Nigeria, India, South Africa, Colombia and Mexico, aims to help local financial institutions, governments, microfinance organisations and non-profit groups develop solutions tailored to the needs of women entrepreneurs.\n<\/p>\n
According to the World Bank, MSMEs account for a significant share of businesses and employment in developing economies but many women-owned enterprises continue to face limited access to capital, business training and financial services.\n<\/p>\n
The programme combines financing with digital innovation, including alternative data sources, digital distribution channels and technology-enabled tools that can help financial institutions better serve underserved entrepreneurs.\n<\/p>\n
\u201cTailoring alone is not enough. What changes the equation is innovation,\u201d the World Bank said, highlighting the role of digital tools in expanding access to finance.<\/p>\n
In Nigeria and other participating markets, the partnership will support initiatives focused on improving access to finance, strengthening financial institutions, expanding market opportunities and building the capacity of women entrepreneurs through training and innovative financing solutions.\n<\/p>\n
The World Bank noted that business support must reflect local realities, explaining that financing models effective in one country may require adjustments to meet the needs of entrepreneurs in another.\n<\/p>\n
The programme will also explore technology-driven solutions such as AI-assisted credit assessments, digital business support platforms and financial products designed for smaller businesses.\n<\/p>\n
Among the interventions is a pilot project in India exploring credit-enhanced gender bonds to help financial institutions secure long-term funding for women-owned businesses.\n<\/p>\n
The partnership also places emphasis on digital and business skills development. In Latin America, Visa Foundation has already supported training programmes that provide women entrepreneurs with digital business tools and practical resources.<\/p>\n
For Nigeria, the initiative aligns with ongoing efforts to improve access to finance for MSMEs, particularly women-led businesses, which continue to face challenges in accessing formal credit.\n<\/p>\n
The World Bank and Visa Foundation said the long-term goal is to strengthen the business ecosystem by combining global expertise with local knowledge to help more women entrepreneurs access the capital, skills and technology needed to grow sustainable businesses.\n<\/p>\n