Home Business Hashoo Foundation, Mobilink Bank in partnership for Financial Inclusion Initiatives for SMEs

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Hashoo Foundation, Mobilink Bank in partnership for Financial Inclusion Initiatives for SMEs

May 23, 2023

Mobilink Bank and Hashoo Foundation (HF) have entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the aim of enhancing financial inclusion for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in a collaborative effort. The partnership focuses on supporting and empowering MSMEs that have received training and assistance from Hashoo Foundation, enabling them to embark on their entrepreneurial journeys.

Under this alliance, Mobilink Bank is dedicated to facilitating the growth and success of small businesses in a rapidly evolving economic environment. Mobilink Bank is a part of the VEON group, a global digital operator offering converged connectivity and online services in seven countries.

Mobilink Bank’s flagship initiative, the Women Inspirational Network (WIN), is specifically designed to bridge the gender gap in financial inclusion.

By combining the strengths of their respective capacity-building programs, Mobilink Bank and HF will organize collaborative events aimed at identifying and nurturing potential prospects, transforming them into viable business projects. The agreement was signed by Ghazanfar Azzam, President and CEO of Mobilink Bank, and Ms. Ayesha Khan, CEO of HF and Chief Sustainability Officer (CSO) at Hashoo Group. The signing ceremony was attended by senior officials from both organizations.

With a specific focus on fostering an inclusive banking ecosystem, this partnership leverages the potential of digital onboarding processes. Ghazanfar Azzam, President and CEO of Mobilink Bank, expressed, “Mobilink Bank’s collaboration with HF is a powerful catalyst for change, as it fuels the growth of women-led SMEs and micro enterprises, creating a ripple effect of empowerment, prosperity, and a more equitable financial landscape. Through tailored capacity-building initiatives and networking opportunities, we actively support the progress of these enterprises, narrowing the gender gap, and constructing an inclusive economy that benefits all individuals.”

Ms. Ayesha Khan highlighted the positive impact of Hashoo Foundation’s programs on the lives of three million individuals. These programs, such as the Entrepreneurship Training Hub and Incubation Center (ETHIC), have received prestigious accolades including the International Forum (iF) Social Impact Prize, BBC Global Challenge Award, and the Clinton Global Initiatives Award for their commitment to empowering women through various value chain approaches.