161 M€
Wallet
25 967
Number of beneficiaries
30,3%
Women beneficiaries
67,4 %
Rural beneficiaries
Palestine
Financial services
Funding granted
Loan of €3.0M*
(local currency equivalent)
Partner of the Foundation
since 2014
(3 loans granted)
*Outstanding at grant value
Context :
The Palestinian agricultural sector represents one of the most important sources of income for the Palestinian economy, and in 2006 employed approximately 15.7 billion Palestinians.
The company:
In 1995, the international NGO Save the Children founded the microfinance institution FATEN. Its motto is "Credit and Development for Palestine." This non-profit institution is the largest microfinance institution in the region and operates in remote areas.
Impact :
FATEN offers a wide range of sustainable financial services for low-income and economically active small businesses, microentrepreneurs, and individuals, particularly women. Through advanced human resources and technical infrastructure, it contributes to family empowerment and community development in Palestine.
The Grameen Crédit Agricole Foundation invests in Palestine
In November, the Grameen Crédit Agricole Foundation signed a new partnership in Palestine with the microfinance institution FATEN, for a loan equivalent to one million euros in local currency. The Foundation now has two partners in Palestine, where it has been present since 2012.
FATEN, an NGO that provides financial products and services to the country's small entrepreneurs, as well as farmers who own isolated land near Israel's separation wall. Its product offerings include group loans, individual loans, Islamic loans, and housing and startup loans.
FATEN is the largest microfinance institution in the region and operates in remote areas. The current stability has allowed the institution to expand while continuing to serve a majority of women, with a strong presence in rural areas and refugee camps.
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Created in 2008, under the joint leadership of Crédit Agricole SA's management and Professor Yunus, 2006 Nobel Peace Prize winner and founder of Grameen Bank, the Grameen Crédit Agricole SA Foundation is a multi-sector operator that contributes to the fight against poverty through financial inclusion and social impact entrepreneurship. As an investor, lender, technical assistance coordinator, and fund advisor, the Foundation supports microfinance institutions and social enterprises in nearly 40 countries.
More information about the Foundation's partners here.
Solidarity Bankers: two online missions are available for FATEN (Palestine) and OXUS (Kyrgyzstan)
© Philippe LISSAC (Godong) / GCA Foundation
Solidarity Bankers is a skills volunteering program launched by the Grameen Crédit Agricole Foundation and Crédit Agricole SA in 2018 with a dual objective: on the one hand, to support microfinance institutions and social impact businesses financed by the Foundation with technical assistance, and on the other hand, to promote the skills of Group employees who wish to get involved in projects with a strong social impact.
The missions can take place during the Solidarity Banker's working hours (skills sponsorship) AND/OR during holidays (volunteering).
Currently, two online positions are available. The Solidarity Banker will work on this position one day per week for 15 weeks. These durations can be modified based on the preferences of the Solidarity Banker, the beneficiary organization, and the employer.
- “Financial Management” Mission for FATEN (Palestine)
FATEN is a microfinance institution founded in 1995 by the NGO Save The Children whose mission is to meet the financial service needs of low- and middle-income Palestinian entrepreneurs and individuals. The Grameen Crédit Agricole Foundation has supported FATEN since 2014 through various loans and technical assistance as part of the Solidarity Bankers missions.
The selected Solidarity Banker will support FATEN in updating financial procedures, policies, and tools. Knowledge of international financial reporting standards, particularly the latest changes to IFRS 16 and IFRS 9, is required. Fluency in English is required, and excellent knowledge of Arabic would be a plus.
For more information, see the mission sheet on ca-solidaires.fr
- “Digital Strategy” Mission for OXUS (Kyrgyzstan)
OXUS Kyrgyzstan (OKG) is a microfinance institution that provides financial services to the working poor and underbanked in Kyrgyzstan. The institution serves 8,000 active borrowers and manages a portfolio of €6.4 million.
The selected Solidarity Banker will be responsible for supporting OKG in evaluating digitalization processes and developing a new digital strategy. Experience in IT project management, ideally with digitalization projects, is required. Fluency in English is required; knowledge of Russian would be a plus.
For more information, see the mission sheet on ca-solidaires.fr.
To apply: send your CV and cover letter (or 2 paragraphs presenting your motivations and expertise) to:
- Cécile DELHOMME, Communications and Partnerships Manager: cecile.delhomme@credit-agricole-sa.fr
- Violette CUBIER, Technical Assistance Manager: violette.cubier@credit-agricole-sa.fr