Project Description
The proposed Facility aims to build on the positive experience of the first Framework by increasing the amount and variety of medium-term funding available to non-bank micro-finance institutions (MFIs) in the Early Transition Countries (ETCs) of Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Kyrgyz Republic, Moldova, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. The Facility targets increased access to finance by the smallest enterprises in the ETCs. This USD 25 million Framework will supplement the existing Framework and include: Senior loans of up to USD 5 million to non-bank MFIs for on-lending; Guarantees for on-lending in local currency to selected MFIs; Subordinated loans; and Equity.
The overall objective of this Framework is to increase financing for micro and small enterprises in the regions and to assist the non-bank MFIs in their commercialisation process supporting their long term sustainability.
Transition Impact
The transition impact is expected to be high to excellent. The project will have two main forms of transition impact. Firstly, it will contribute to the strengthening and commercialisation of financially viable non-bank MFIs. Secondly, it will increase the availability of finance to those micro-enterprises that would not normally be target borrowers for commercial banks.
The Client
Regulated, well-established non-bank MFIs, legally incorporated in the ETCs will be eligible for financing under this Framework.
EBRD Finance
The Framework is for USD 25 million with individual transactions not exceeding USD 5 million. Co-financing funds will be sought on a case by case basis.
Project Cost
USD 25 million.
Environmental Impact
Screened FI. The non-bank micro-finance institutions (MFIs) will be required to comply with the EBRD’s Environmental Procedures for Small and Micro Loans which require adherence to the EBRD’s Environmental Exclusion and Referral List. The MFIs must ensure that borrowers are compliant with relevant national regulations and standards for environment, health and safety and submit Annual Environmental Reports to the EBRD.
Technical Cooperation
TC funding in the amount of USD 1.11 million was and to date, USD 0.6 million has been provided by the ETC Multi-donor Fund.
Company Contact
Sabina Dziurman
E-mail: dziurmans@ebrd.com
Business opportunities
For business opportunities or procurement, contact the client company.
For state-sector projects, visit EBRD Procurement: Tel: +44 20 7338 6794
Email: procurement@ebrd.com
General enquiries
EBRD project enquiries not related to procurement:
Tel: +44 20 7338 7168
Email: projectenquiries@ebrd.com
Public Information Policy (PIP)
The PIP sets out how the EBRD discloses information and consults with its stakeholders so as to promote better awareness and understanding of its strategies, policies and operations. Please visit the Public Information Policy page below to find out how to request a Public Sector Board Report.
Text of the PIP
Independent Project Accountability Mechanism (IPAM)
If efforts to address environmental, social or public disclosure concerns with the Client or the Bank are unsuccessful (e.g. through the Client’s Project-level grievance mechanism or through direct engagement with Bank management), individuals and organisations may seek to address their concerns through the EBRD’s Independent Project Accountability Mechanism (IPAM).
IPAM independently reviews Project issues that are believed to have caused (or to be likely to cause) harm. The purpose of the Mechanism is: to support dialogue between Project stakeholders to resolve environmental, social and public disclosure issues; to determine whether the Bank has complied with its Environmental and Social Policy or Project-specific provisions of its Access to Information Policy; and where applicable, to address any existing non-compliance with these policies, while preventing future non-compliance by the Bank.
Please visit the Independent Project Accountability Mechanism webpage to find out how to submit a Request for review through our confidential online form, by email, mail or telephone. IPAM is available to discuss your concerns and answer any questions you may have about the submission or handling of Requests, which follow the Project Accountability Policy and Guidance. Requestors’ identities may be kept confidential, upon request.
