The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) is providing further support for small private businesses in Tajikistan by offering fresh funds to the country’s second largest microlender, MDO HUMO.
A loan of US$ 2 million will improve sustainability of domestic micro and small enterprises and will help create new jobs. As part of the project, Humo will team with a local vocational school to provide certified computer training to 240 women.
The training will help them access market-relevant IT skills and thus improve their employment opportunities. It will also help address the issue of computer literacy, which affects all Central Asian states, where only 11 per cent of the population can perform basic IT functions.
HUMO is a subsidiary of Gojo & Company Inc., a Tokyo-based investment holding company promoting greater financial inclusion in developing countries. This microfinance institution is serving mainly small and microbusinesses in retail and agribusiness and has been the EBRD client since 2008.
To date, the EBRD has invested €958 million through 155 projects in Tajikistan’s economy.
