IFC and DAVR-BANK Partner to Boost Financing for Small Businesses and Women Entrepreneurs in Uzbekistan

• $40 million financing package to expand lending to micro and small enterprises, with 25% earmarked for women-owned businesses.
• Initiative to support job creation, innovation and inclusive growth across Uzbekistan.

Tashkent, Uzbekistan, September 25, 2025—To expand access to finance for underserved entrepreneurs, IFC and DAVR-BANK have signed a $40 million loan agreement to boost lending to micro and small enterprises (MSEs) across Uzbekistan, with a focus on women-led businesses. The initiative aims to promote inclusive economic growth, empower small entrepreneurs, and create jobs.

The financing package, which comprises a $30 million loan from IFC’s own account and an additional $10 million loan mobilized from micro and small loans-focused impact investor Invest in Visions GmbH, will help address a critical financing gap for smaller businesses in the country. One-quarter of the funding will be dedicated to women-led businesses, which often face additional barriers.

“This partnership with IFC will allow us to significantly expand our support for small businesses and women entrepreneurs, who are key drivers of innovation and economic resilience in Uzbekistan,” said Abdumajid Samadov, Chairman of the Management Board of DAVR-BANK. “By increasing access to finance, we are helping to unlock the potential of thousands of business owners across the country.”

Micro and small enterprises form the backbone of Uzbekistan’s economy and account for a significant share of employment. However, many face persistent challenges in securing financing—particularly women-led businesses, which often encounter additional hurdles such as limited collateral and restricted access to formal banking services.

“Supporting micro and small enterprises, especially those led by women, is central to IFC’s mission in Uzbekistan,” said Alain Nounke, IFC’s Regional Industry Manager for Financial Institutions Group in Central Asia and Türkiye. “Through our investment in DAVR-BANK, we aim to foster inclusive growth, create jobs, and strengthen the country’s private sector.”

The project is part of IFC’s MSME Finance Platform - Base of the Pyramid Envelope, which works to close financial inclusion gaps by providing medium- and long-term loans to eligible financial service providers. The platform focuses on reaching micro and small enterprises, informal businesses, and low-income households—groups often excluded from traditional banking services.

For more information about DAVR-BANK, visit www.davrbank.uz.