UN SDGs

SDG 1 - No Poverty

Target focus areas:
SDG 1: 1.2, 1.4, 1.5

The Company is committed to making an important social impact, being a microfinance institution providing socially responsible financial services, such as loans, targeted at predominantly low-income female, small business owners. The Company is driven by advancing financial inclusion, by increasing the number of female low-income micro-entrepreneurs with little or no access to formalised credit resources, increasing self-employment opportunities, and thereby, alleviating poverty.

SDG 5 - Gender Equality

Target focus areas:
SDG 5: 5.5, 5.a, 5.b

As women generally have good loan repayment behaviour and money management, the Group is convinced that by targeting primarily women through business loans, the Group enhances these women’s independence and decision-making stature at home and in their communities. Additionally, the Company is committed to providing gender-neutral opportunities for employment and promotion.

SDG 8 - Decent work and Economic Growth

Target focus areas:
SDG 8: 8.3, 8.5, 8.10

The Company provides socially responsible employment opportunities to employees and services to its clients. The increased earnings of the Group’s clients are used to expand their businesses. Many clients buy and sell goods and the increased trading activity boosts the local economy.

SDG 9 - Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure

Target focus areas:
SDG 9: 9.3, 9.4

The Company supports industry, innovation and infrastructure by increasing the access of small-scale enterprises to financial services and through the establishment of an extensive branch network and operations across thirteen countries.

SDG 10 - Reduced inequalities

Target focus areas:
SDG 10: 10.1, 10.2

By offering loans to women, the Group promotes the use of disposable income for essential household needs, such as education, health, nutrition, sanitation, and housing. This supports economic development and leads to socioeconomic progress in the communities. Additionally, 0.5 to 1% of operating countries’ profits fund projects related to health, education, and relief, benefiting the communities where our clients reside and work.

Other UN SDGs supported

Through its community projects and environmental commitments, the Company aims to contribute, albeit on a smaller scale, to:

• The prevention of hunger
• Good health and wellbeing
• Quality education
• Clean water and sanitation
• Sustainable cities and communities
• Climate action
• Partnerships for the goals