Women entrepreneurs contribute significantly to economic development and financial integration on the continent. However, they continue to have difficulty in accessing loans, partly due to their inability to provide immovable collateral, the roadblock of existing land and property rights laws and social barriers that hinder women’s ability to grow their businesses. This is why AFAWA works closely with financial institutions to ensure they have what they need to lend to women.

Through the AFAWA Guarantee for Growth program, in partnership with the African Guarantee Fund, the Bank aims to unlock up to $3 billion in financing for women-owned small- and medium-sized enterprises by de-risking them and enhancing financial institutions' appetite to lend to women. The Guarantee for Growth mechanism builds upon the existing network of commercial banks and microfinance institutions to create structural change and lasting impact for women.

AFAWA also leverages the Bank’s investment instruments, including lines of credit, trade finance and equity investments, through which 30% is earmarked for lending to women small and medium-sized enterprises.

AFAWA also provides advisory services to financial institutions to ensure the successful development of women’s banking programs, supports the implementation of their product portfolios for women, and strengthens the capacity of women entrepreneurs through training to enhance business productivity and growth.