[Introduction] Mobilink Bank and Hashoo Foundation (HF) have recently entered into a significant partnership, signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at enhancing financial inclusion for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). This collaboration is set to empower and support MSMEs, particularly those trained and assisted by Hashoo Foundation, in their entrepreneurial journey. Mobilink Bank, a subsidiary of the VEON group, is committed to fostering the growth and success of small businesses within a rapidly evolving economic landscape.
[Body] The signing ceremony took place in the presence of senior officials from both organizations, with Ghazanfar Azzam, President and CEO of Mobilink Bank, and Ms. Ayesha Khan, CEO of HF and Chief Sustainability Officer (CSO) at Hashoo Group, signing the agreement. The partnership aims to establish an inclusive banking ecosystem by leveraging digital onboarding processes and granting entrepreneurs access to a wide range of vital financial products and solutions. One of the key initiatives resulting from this agreement is the inclusion of female beneficiaries of HF in Mobilink Bank’s Bint-e-Hawwa product, further enhancing their access to financial resources.
Mobilink Bank’s Women Inspirational Network (WIN) program, which seeks to bridge the gender gap in financial inclusion, will synergize with Hashoo Foundation’s capacity-building programs. The two institutions will jointly organize collaborative events to identify and nurture potential prospects, transforming them into viable business projects. With a shared vision of empowering women and MSMEs, this partnership aims to create opportunities that foster growth and prosperity for all stakeholders involved.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Ghazanfar Azzam, President and CEO of Mobilink Bank, expressed his excitement about the partnership, emphasizing its potential as a catalyst for change. He stated, “Mobilink Bank’s collaboration with HF is a powerful force driving the growth of women-led SMEs and micro enterprises. By creating a ripple effect of empowerment, prosperity, and a more inclusive financial landscape, we actively support the advancement of these enterprises. Our customized capacity-building initiatives and networking opportunities aim to narrow the gender gap and construct an economy that benefits all individuals.”
Ms. Ayesha Khan highlighted the positive impact of Hashoo Foundation’s programs, which have positively transformed the lives of three million people. Programs like the Entrepreneurship Training Hub and Incubation Center (ETHIC) have garnered international recognition, receiving awards such as the International Forum (iF) Social Impact Prize, BBC Global Challenge Award, and the Clinton Global Initiatives Award. Notably, HF’s Sustainable Methods and Resilient Technologies (SMaRT) village project has trained women entrepreneurs in waste-to-money conversion, showcasing innovative approaches to empowerment. In the past year alone, HF has empowered over 12,000 women and men through collaborations and partnerships like the one with Mobilink Bank.
[Conclusion] The partnership between Mobilink Bank and Hashoo Foundation marks a significant step towards advancing financial inclusion for MSMEs, particularly women-led enterprises. By leveraging their combined expertise and resources, both institutions are dedicated to fostering an inclusive banking ecosystem and empowering entrepreneurs to thrive in today’s evolving economic landscape. With customized capacity-building initiatives, essential financial products, and networking opportunities, this collaboration aims to create a more equitable and prosperous future for MSMEs and individuals alike.
