The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) has approved a financing package of up to $20 million for the First MicroFinanceBank of Tajikistan (FMFB) to bolster green lending and support entrepreneurship among youth and women. The signing ceremony took place in London on September 25, 2024, attended by EBRD Managing Director Francis Malige and FMFB CEO Mirzosafar Safarov. This financing package includes three loans: up to $4 million for the Tajikistan Green Economy Financing Facility II, up to $3 million for the Youth in Business program, and up to $3 million for the Women in Business program. Notably, this is the largest financing package offered to a financial intermediary in Tajikistan to date, with the EBRD having invested €992 million through 175 projects in the country [b0d7b0c5].
In addition to this, the European Union (EU) has recently announced a separate allocation of $141 million in grants and concessional loans to Tajikistan for the development of priority sectors. This decision was made following a meeting between Tajik Minister of Economic Development and Trade Zavqi Zavqizoda and European External Action Service Deputy Managing Director Luc Devigne. The priority areas discussed include trade, energy, industry, healthcare, education, rural development, border security, green economy, establishment of technoparks, digitalization, and the completion of the Roghun hydropower plant. Of the total allocation, $101 million will be provided as grants, showcasing the EU's commitment to supporting Tajikistan's economic development and strengthening bilateral relations [380921ac].