Access to Capital - Eritrea

Access to capital for Eritrean women entrepreneurs

Women entrepreneurs in Eritrea have limited access to finance. This is partly because of the limited number of financial institutions in the country and CSOs that provide credit. The major micro credit institution providing access to finance include: Saving and Microcredit Program (SMCP); National Union of Eritrean Women (NUEW); National Union of Eritrean Youth and Students (NUEYS); and National Union of Eritrean war disabled association. The Commercial Bank of Eritrea (CBE) and the Investment and Development Bank of Eritrea (IDBE) also provide loan to women owned business in Eritrea.

Access to capital in general and finance in particular is essential for start-up and growing businesses. Economic empowerment makes women independent and enhances their confidence in doing business. Thus, to start and grow their own business they need access to capital.