To support small- and medium-sized enterprises: US, KMBL sign $25m partnership deal

KARACHI: The United States government, through the US International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) and the US Agency for International Development (USAID), launched a new partnership with Khushhali Microfinance Bank Ltd (KMBL) to support micro, small and medium sized enterprises (MSMEs) and women-led businesses in Pakistan.

The partnership will enable the MSMEs to access finance with enhanced credit history and collateral accommodations. This project is made possible by an investment guarantee of up to $25 million provided by DFC in collaboration with USAID/Pakistan to KMBL.

The launch event brought together DFC’s Chief Climate Officer Jake Levine, USAID/Pakistan’s Acting Mission Director Michael Rossman, KMBL President Ghalib Nishtar, and other senior US government and KMBL representatives.

DFC has provided KMBL with a $10 million, 50 percent loan portfolio guarantee to mobilize commercial loans to 2X-qualified MSMEs that are majority-owned, operated or staffed by Pakistani women across the country. DFC’s 2X Global Women’s Initiative has catalyzed more than $13.5 billion of gender smart investment in projects that are owned by women, led by women, or provide a product or service that empowers women.

DFC also provided a $15 million, 50 percent loan portfolio guarantee to KMBL that will help mobilize commercial loans, specifically to MSMEs operating in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province and it’s Newly Merged Districts (NMDs).

USAID Acting Mission Director Michael Rossman said, “US government initiatives, such as these loan guarantee facilities, are playing a key role in unlocking private financing for small and medium businesses and women entrepreneurs and advancing the US government’s long-term commitment to helping Pakistan secure a more prosperous future.”

“Today’s signing underscores DFC’s commitment to supporting the resilience of small businesses that improve lives and enable inclusive growth and employment,” said DFC Chief Climate Officer Jake Levine.

KMBL President Ghalib Nishtar expressed his gratitude to the DFC for placing its trust in KMBL’s high standards and said, “These loan portfolio guaranties will build-capacity and create more opportunities for KMBL to empower micro and small businesses.”

Copyright Business Recorder, 2022