NextBillion - An Initiative of the William Davidson Institute at the University of Michigan

Background:

The Women Entrepreneurs Finance Code (WE Finance Code, or the Code) is a global framework that bridges the gender finance gap by helping financial institutions and regulators empower champions, improve data and spur action to get more financing to women. The Code is a commitment by financial service providers, regulators, development banks, and other financial ecosystem players to work together to increase funding provided to women-led micro, small and medium enterprises (WMSMEs) around the world, so that they can grow and add value to the economy and their communities.

Since its launch in 2023 at the World Bank-IMF Annual Meetings in Marrakech, Morocco, over a dozen countries have joined the Code by launching national pilots, and organizations such as UN Women, Standard Chartered, CARE, and BBVA Microfinance Foundation have also joined the Code as global signatories. As the initiative continues to gain momentum, the WE Finance Code Forum will offer a unique platform for pilot countries, champions, implementing partners, and private sector representatives to share knowledge, collaborate, and set the direction for expanding the WE Finance Code globally.

Taking place in Casablanca, Morocco, alongside the African Financial Institutions Summit (AFIS) and AfDB’s Africa Investment Forum, this half-day event will feature insightful presentations, engaging panels, and interactive sessions to strengthen the WE Finance Code community and explore pathways for scaling the initiative.