The Technical Assistance Facility of the SANAD Fund for MSME (SANAD TAF) sponsored a two-day webinar for financial sector players to explore innovative approaches for financing agricultural producers and micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in Tunisia against the background of the COVID-19 crisis.

More than 30 participants and speakers shared their learnings and expertise from countries as far ranging as Tunisia, Egypt, Georgia, Côte d’Ivoire, Mauritius, and Germany. The exchange particularly focused on the potential for digital solutions to bridge disruptions to the flow of funding to agricultural producers, an economic segment contributing significantly to sustaining livelihoods across the Middle East and North Africa.

The first day provided an overview of the challenges faced by Tunisian agricultural producers and businesses, especially with respect to the current economic environment, and how innovations in financial technology – such as online banking, digital payments, mobile credit assessments, and more – can keep this segment’s access to crucial financing open. The second day focused on concrete examples and practical experiences in applying digital tools for inclusive outreach from financial institutions and digital solution providers in Tunisia, Georgia, Egypt, and sub-Saharan Africa.

The SANAD Fund was established in 2011 to foster economic development and create jobs, particularly for youth, in the Middle East and North Africa by providing debt and equity funding to local financial institutions that lend money to support MSMEs and housing development. The SANAD Technical Assistance Facility multiplies the fund’s development impact and outreach through capacity-building at partner institutions, developing financial infrastructures according to the principles of responsible finance and conducting much required R&D.

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Press release

SANAD Fund – website