According to SME Digital, more than USD 2 million has been disbursed in loans to women entrepreneurs between 17 November 2023 and 15 April 2026.
SME Digital reported that loans have been provided to a total of 128 businesses, of which 31 are women-owned. Women-led businesses have received USD 401,053.02 in financial assistance. Meanwhile, under the “Fashaa Madhadhu” scheme, USD 1.62 million has been distributed to 97 women.
The Women Entrepreneurs Financing Scheme offers unsecured financial support through SME Digital, with loan amounts ranging from USD 1,617.11 to USD 16,170.87. The “Fashaa Madhadhu” scheme, aimed at start-ups, provides loans between USD 6,468.58 and USD 32.34 million at an annual interest rate of six per cent.
A number of financial assistance programmes are targeted at women entrepreneurs. For example, the “Fashaa Madhadhu” loan scheme was established by the government to support female-led start-ups. SME Digital, a financial institution dedicated to supporting SMEs, launched its first Women Entrepreneurs Financing Scheme last November.
These initiatives form part of broader government efforts to develop small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which play a vital role in the economy.