The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), in partnership with the European Union (EU), is expanding financial support for women-led businesses in the West Bank through a new €2 million loan to Palestine Investment Bank (PIB).
The financing aims to improve access to capital for women-led micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), helping them navigate challenging economic conditions and strengthen their business operations.
The loan is provided under the EBRD’s Women in Business programme and will support eligible private-sector businesses through lending provided by Palestine Investment Bank. The facility includes EU-funded support through technical assistance and a 20% first-loss risk cover under the EU’s Initiative for Financial Inclusion.
The partnership will help PIB develop sustainable lending mechanisms, including financial products and credit solutions designed specifically for the needs of women entrepreneurs. The bank will also receive support for staff training and marketing activities to improve services for women-led MSMEs.
Through the EBRD’s Advice for Small Businesses programme, women entrepreneurs receiving financing will gain access to business advisory services, training, mentorship, coaching, and consultancy support aimed at improving competitiveness and long-term business performance.
The initiative reflects a shared commitment by the EBRD and EU to promoting gender inclusion, expanding financial opportunities, and supporting entrepreneurship in the West Bank.
Palestine Investment Bank, established in 1994 and headquartered in Ramallah, provides commercial banking services to retail, corporate, SME, and public-sector customers. The bank operates through 21 branches and offices, including a branch in Bahrain and a representative office in London.
Since launching operations in the West Bank and Gaza in 2017, the EBRD has approved 39 projects worth a total of €209.5 million, supporting economic development and private-sector growth in the region.
The latest financing agreement highlights continued efforts to strengthen financial inclusion and create greater economic opportunities for women entrepreneurs in the West Bank.
