More than 85,000 people in rural Tajikistan will now be able to leverage remittances from relatives working abroad to create long-term financial stability and adapt to environmental challenges linked to climate change. This initiative forms part of wider regional efforts in Central Asia to maximize the development impact of remittances and improve livelihoods in rural communities.
Co-funded by the European Union under the REMIT PRIME Central Asia Programme, the partnership between the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and FINCA Tajikistan LLC will directly support 13,000 remittance-recipient families. This includes migrants, their families, returnees, temporary migrant workers, and aspiring migrant workers. The project focuses on increasing access to financial tools, knowledge, and digital services, with a special emphasis on empowering women through cost-effective digital remittance channels.
In Tajikistan, remittances are a lifeline for half of rural households, with women and the elderly often being primary recipients. The project aims to transform remittances from a survival mechanism into a vehicle for financial inclusion, enabling households to invest in long-term opportunities, secure their future, and contribute to sustainable rural development.
Access to innovative financial products, such as tailored deposit accounts and loan options for remittance-receiving households, will be expanded through digital remittance channels and financial literacy training. FINCA will also deploy banking agents in small villages, making it easier for rural communities to access funds and conduct transactions locally.
The initiative integrates climate resilience into rural financial solutions, ensuring families can prepare for and adapt to environmental challenges while building long-term economic security. New digital remittance corridors from Europe, Türkiye, the Republic of Korea, and the United States will improve the speed, convenience, and affordability of international transfers, especially for remote rural households.
Women’s empowerment is a key component of the project. Through the FINCA Women’s Club, rural women entrepreneurs will receive training in financial literacy and business skills. The initiative aims to increase the participation of women among new cardholders accessing savings and credit products, supporting their economic independence and strengthening community resilience.
The European Union emphasized that the partnership is an investment in rural communities, women, and future generations, highlighting the potential of remittances to drive inclusive and sustainable development in Tajikistan.
