Pakistan Secures $350 Million from ADB to Boost Women’s Financial Inclusion
In a major step toward fostering inclusive economic growth, the Government of Pakistan has signed a $350 million financing agreement with the Asian Development Bank (ADB) to launch the Women Inclusive Finance Sector Development Program (Subprogram-II). This initiative is designed to improve women’s participation in the country’s financial ecosystem and create an enabling environment for gender-responsive economic development.
As part of the agreement, the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) also entered into a separate Project Agreement for the Financial Intermediary Loan (FIL), further cementing the country’s commitment to gender-inclusive financial reforms.
The loan arrangement consists of two components: a $300 million policy-based loan and an additional $50 million dedicated to the FIL. The funds are aimed at advancing policy reforms that enhance access to financial services for women, support women-led enterprises, and cultivate a more inclusive workplace culture within the banking and finance sector.
Building on the progress made under Subprogram-I, this second phase will implement structural reforms to remove gender-based barriers in finance, promote digital financial inclusion, and strengthen institutional capacity to support women entrepreneurs. Particular emphasis will be placed on increasing the outreach of microfinance and SME lending to women across urban and rural areas.
ADB officials highlighted that empowering women financially is not only a development imperative but also a proven strategy for sustainable economic resilience. The partnership is expected to play a crucial role in narrowing the gender gap in financial services while helping Pakistan meet its broader economic reform goals.
