The fund is launched in addition to HSBC Roar program to help women entrepreneurs address business challenges. For that purpose, it will provide funds and technical support.
British banking group HSBC recently announced the launch of a US$1 billion fund dedicated exclusively to financing women entrepreneurs in 11 countries around the world. Only one of the beneficiary countries is in Africa, Egypt namely.
Through the fund, HSBC will provide loans to women-led businesses over the next 12 months. It will also offer technical support including networking sessions, coaching from experienced bankers, and masterclasses led by business leaders.
The exact volume of the loans to be provided to each company was not disclosed, nor were the repayment terms or the interest rates.
"The level of funding received over time by female-led businesses is significantly lower than male counterparts, while the recent impacts of the pandemic have seen these same businesses disproportionately affected. female-owned businesses are also less likely to have global networks, meaning international expansion can prove particularly challenging [... ]As the global economy continues to rebuild from the impact of the pandemic, small and medium-sized businesses will continue to be the bedrock on which our economies and local communities are built, meaning we need to ensure that those led by women are given the support to fulfill their full potential," said Sam Cooper-Gray, Global Head of Market Strategy at HSBC Business Banking.
The fund launched in addition to HSBC’s Roar programs aimed at helping “address the challenges and bias that female leaders face.”
In Africa, credit access is one of the major challenges faced by women entrepreneurs. In 2019, only 3% of startup funding and 2% of venture capital went to women entrepreneurs globally. According to a 2019 study by the Boston Consulting Group, closing the gender gap would increase global GDP by US$5 trillion.
Chamberline MOKO
• Inflation within the West African Economic and Monetary Union (UEMOA) fell to a two-year low of 0....
Flutterwave gained a BCEAO license to operate in Senegal, expanding to 35 African countries. ...
In Africa, the private sector is widely seen as the main engine of industrialization and plays a cen...
President Paul Biya, 92, to seek eighth term in October 2025 election In power since 19...
• Interbank volumes rose 18.7% in May, while rates declined across the market• The BCEAO cut its mai...
Highlights: • Kobold Metals signed an agreement in principle with the DRC government on July 17, 2025.• The deal includes the Manono lithium project,...
Highlights: • Global cocoa processing down across all major regions in Q2 2025• ECA: Europe’s grindings at lowest since 2020, Asia at lowest since...
Highlights: • Egypt targets 42% renewable energy share by 2030.• POWERCHINA to build 130-km high-voltage line signed on June 25.• National grid expansion...
Highlights: • EXIM Bank issues letter of intent for $150M to support Botswana's NexMetals• US eyes battery-grade nickel sulphates and cobalt from...
Ashenda is a vibrant traditional festival celebrated primarily in northern Ethiopia, particularly among the Tigray and Amhara communities, as well as in...
The Emerald Sea is a vast turquoise lagoon located in the northern part of Madagascar, just a few kilometers from the town of Antsiranana (formerly Diego...