Maldivian Women Entrepreneurs Receive Over USD 2 Million in Targeted Loans

More than USD 2 million in loans have been disbursed to women entrepreneurs across the Maldives between November 2023 and April 2026, according to data from SME Digital. The funding was distributed through two primary channels designed to lower the barrier to entry for female business owners. Under the specialized Women Entrepreneurs Financing Scheme, 31 women-owned businesses received a combined USD 401,053.02. This scheme provides unsecured financial support, with individual loan amounts ranging from USD 1,617 to approximately USD 16,171. Further boosting the figures is the government-led "Fashaa Madhadhu" scheme, which specifically targets female-led start-ups. This initiative has distributed USD 1.62 million to 97 women. The "Fashaa Madhadhu" loans offer larger capital injections, ranging from USD 6,468 to USD 32.34 million, with a fixed annual interest rate of six per cent. In total, these programs have reached 128 businesses, emphasizing a concerted effort to diversify the economy by empowering women in the commercial sector. SME Digital, a financial institution dedicated to the growth of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), launched its first dedicated financing scheme for women last November to fill existing gaps in credit accessibility. These financial initiatives are part of a broader national strategy to strengthen the SME sector. By providing targeted capital and reducing the need for traditional collateral, the government aims to integrate more women into the formal economy, recognizing that female-led enterprises are vital drivers of local innovation and sustainable economic growth.