📋 Tender Overview
Project ID: 56430
Status:In Exploratory, Pending Final Review
Location: Morocco
Business Sector: Financial Institutions
Notice Type: Private
Environmental Category: FI
Approval Date: 01 Jul 2025
Disclosure date: 30 Jun 2025
Project Description
Provision of a senior unsecured loan in the amount of up to EUR 10 million equivalent in local currency (MAD 110m) in favour of Fondation Arrawaj under the Youth in Business ("YiB") programme to support private Moroccan MSMEs owned or led by young entrepreneurs under 35 years of age, with a focus on the ones located in the regions affected by the 8th September 2023 earthquake.
Project Objectives
The project aims at opening up economic opportunities of underserved Moroccan young entrepreneurs, building on the idea that MSMEs owned or led by Youth under 35 years of age represent a unique market opportunity for the Moroccan financial sector and a unique vehicle to increase financial inclusion. Furthermore, the project will also contribute to the recovery and the reconstruction of the region affected by the September 2023 earthquake by leveraging on Fondation Arrawaj's unique outreach in the region.
Transition Impact
ETI score: 73
Inclusive: the project will help Fondation Arrawaj adapt its lending practices, strategy, business model and outreach capabilities in order to better serve Youth, thereby helping the microfinance institution expand its lending in favour of this underserved segment. Complementary technical cooperation delivered by EBRD's Advice for Small Businesses will further support sub-borrowers' business acumen and provide them with necessary skills to help them grow their businesses. A minimum of 65% of the proceeds of the loan will be specifically allocated to the regions affected by the September 2023 earthquake, further contributing to the Inclusive TI quality.
Competitive: the project will contribute to the expansion of Fondation Arrawaj's loan portfolio extended to young entrepreneurs, with a focus on new clients, asset quality and regional outreach.
Client Information
FONDATION ARRAWAJ DE LA FINANCE INCLUSIVE
Founded in 1996 under the name "FONDEP", Fondation Arrawaj is the third largest microfinance institution in Morocco. As of end of March 2025, Fondation ARRAWAJ managed total assets nearing EUR 200 million, held a lending market share of 19% and employed 1,942 staff across its headquarter and 256 branches in 15 regions of Morocco, serving close to 120,000 clients nationwide.
