Islamabad, July 10, 2025: The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has officially launched the Women Entrepreneurship (WE) Finance Code, a global initiative aimed at improving access to finance for Women-led Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (WMSMEs) in Pakistan.
This strategic move places Pakistan among 18 countries, including the UK, Egypt, Indonesia, and Nigeria, that are actively working to close the gender financing gap. The WE Finance Code was introduced by the World Bank Group in 2023 and is backed by 14 governments and 8 major development partners including the ADB, EBRD, GIZ, IsDB, and the World Bank.
A New Era for Women MSMEs in Pakistan
Pakistan joined the WE Finance Code in February 2025, with SBP taking the lead as the national anchor. The Asian Development Bank (ADB) is the official technical partner supporting implementation, alongside both national and international consultants.
By adopting this framework, SBP aims to promote greater transparency, data sharing, and accountability among financial institutions. This effort is expected to bridge longstanding gaps in financing for women entrepreneurs and improve the overall resilience of Pakistan’s economy.
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Key Benefits for Banks and Financial Institutions
The WE Finance Code offers banks and financial service providers (FSPs) a unique opportunity to:
- Expand their customer base through inclusive banking
- Position themselves as leaders in gender finance
- Access new revenue streams and diversify risk portfolios
According to data from SBP, targeting women customers could generate up to $650 million in additional banking revenues for Pakistan’s financial sector.
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A Platform for Real Change
This initiative encourages public-private partnerships and the standardization of WMSME financing approaches. Through a robust Champion’s Network, stakeholders will gain access to a data-driven, collaborative platform designed to align sector goals and drive sustainable economic growth for women entrepreneurs.
With SBP at the helm, Pakistan is set to unlock the untapped potential of women-led businesses—paving the way for a more inclusive and empowered financial ecosystem.
