Microfinance Country Information
Afghanistan
Resource Links:
Microfinance Investment Support Facility for Afghanistan
The Microfinance Investment Support Facility for Afghanistan (MISFA) was set up in 2003 at the invitation of the Afghan government ... as a vehicle through which the Afghan Government and international donors could channel technical assistance and funding to build Afghanistan’s microfinance sector.The website lists more than 16 partners MFIs of MISFA that are providing microfinance in Afghanistan.
Ariana Financial Service Group, started by Mercy Corps in Kabul in 2003, provides fair priced savings and loan products to poor clients to help increase their incomes, expand their businesses and improve their quality of life. Since the program inception, Ariana has supported nearly 17,000 clients with a total of over three million US dollars in loans. 82% of Ariana's clients are women, who represent one of the most vulnerable social groups in Afghanistan. Ariana's clients run micro-enterprises in all areas of Afghan life; i.e. weaving, carpentry, tailoring, hair dressing, food processing, florists, kite production, knitting, leather working or animal husbandry. Ariana has received funding from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and from MISFA (Microfinance Investment Support Facility for Afghanistan). Phone +93 79 327 849
Email mf.kabul@mercycorpsfield.org
Hari Srinivas - hsrinivas@gdrc.org
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