Women's Enterprise Development Programme (WEDP)
Partner
European Investment Bank, World Bank
Sector
Access to finance
Target
16 Financial institutions with increased capacity
Regions
Addis Ababa, Amhara, Dire Dawa, Oromia, Sidama, SNNPR
DAI and FC were instrumental in implementing the initial phase of the Technical Assistance of Women Entrepreneurship Development Program (WEDP) I and II, spanning from 2013 to 2023. This initiative, backed by the European Investment Bank and the World Bank, aimed to empower women entrepreneurs in Ethiopia by enhancing their access to finance, providing essential business skills training, and ensuring robust project management.
The first phase of WEDP successfully facilitated credit access for over 10,000 women entrepreneurs by working closely with microfinance institutions (MFIs). Building on this success, the second phase expanded the programme’s reach to additional MFIs and commercial banks, enabling more women to secure financing and grow their businesses.
By providing targeted support and fostering a conducive environment for women-owned enterprises, the programme has helped to create jobs, increase incomes, and drive sustainable development. Phase I of WEDP resulted in the creation of credit access for over 10,000 women entrepreneurs. Phase II of WEDP built on the success of Phase I to promote responsible financial inclusion and reached additional 15,000 women business owners.
Strategic Focus Areas
1. Access to Finance
WEDP expands access to tailored credit solutions for women-led enterprises by reducing collateral barriers and strengthening the capacity of financial institutions. Through training, new loan products, and inclusive lending practices, MFIs and banks are now better equipped to serve women entrepreneurs.
2. Business Skills Development
The program offers structured entrepreneurship training, equipping women with the skills to manage and grow their businesses with confidence. WEDP also contributes to national policy by advocating for an enabling ecosystem for women in business.
3. Technology and Innovation
WEDP promotes digital innovation in lending through credit scoring and psychometric tools that reduce the need for physical collateral, setting a new standard for inclusive finance in Ethiopia.
4. Sustainability and Scale
By combining finance with technical assistance, WEDP is creating a scalable model for supporting women-owned businesses, one that can be replicated across the wider SME sector nationwide.
Target Achieved
Loans & Training Delivered
Delivered 25,000+ loans and trained 38,000+ women.
Income & Employment Growth
Increased client incomes by 67% and employment by 58%.
Historic Reach & Scale
Over 60,000 women entrepreneurs supported, providing 25,000+ loans and training 30,000+ women.
Financial Innovation & Risk Reduction
Pioneered women-focused credit lines, and reduced collateral requirements, expanding access to finance for women entrepreneurs.
Improved Access to Finance
Over 70% of loan clients were first-time borrowers, gaining entry to formal finance.
Strengthened Institutions
Enhanced capacity of 12 MFIs and banks to deliver tailored loan products for women.
Other Publications
Interest-Free Banking in Ethiopia – An Analysis of Product Offerings and Market Adoption
Restoring Resilience: MESMER Programme Concludes First Phase of Psychosocial Support
