The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) is increasing its support to micro and small enterprises (MSEs) in Tunisia by granting a loan of 11 million dinars (equivalent to EUR 5 million) to Enda Inter-Arabe, the oldest microfinance institution in Tunisia.
This loan, concluded in the framework of the Mechanism for Local Businesses (MLE) of the EBRD, includes a technical assistance program for the design of specialized financing products.
Enda Inter-Arabe lends funds to MSEs, targeting in priority borrowers in rural areas and in the agricultural field. The support of MSEs will also contribute to the development of poor regions and job creation.
Enda Inter-Arabe, which has been operating micro-credit in Tunisia since 1995, is the main source of microfinance in the country.
The microfinance institution is the only in Tunisia that is non-governmental and managed by internationally recognized best practices. It currently serves 240,000 micro-entrepreneurs from 77 branches across the country.
Since the start of EBRD operations in Tunisia in September 2012, the Bank has invested € 113 million in nine projects across the country.
