AYV News, October 11, 2023
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has announced the award of $300,000 operational support grants ($150,000 each) to Apex Bank and LAPO Microfinance as part of the EU-funded Informal Economy Project, “Supporting Informal Enterprises Transition Towards Sustainable Growth and Formalization in the African, Caribbean and Pacific Regions”.
The project aims to develop and support the implementation of favourable regulatory conditions and relevant incentives for informal businesses to formalize and unlock their potential for inclusive economic growth.
The grants awarded to Apex Bank and LAPO Microfinance as financial intermediaries are aimed at supporting them to develop and pilot new innovative financial products and services for informal enterprises.
Speaking at the grant signing ceremony, the Resident Representative of UNDP, Fred Ampiah said, “UNDP supports the informal sector in Sierra Leone because it is a vital source of income and livelihood for many people, especially women and youth, who are challenged by access to finance.
By helping the informal sector to become more productive, resilient, and integrated into the formal economy, UNDP is contributing to poverty reduction, inequality, and vulnerability in the country.”
According to the Mario Caivano, Team Leader, Economy & Social Sectors from the Delegation of the European Union in Sierra Leone, the promotion of private sector development, economic growth and job creation has always been (and will remain) one of the top priorities of the EU interventions in Sierra Leone.
“We are well aware that access to credit constitutes one of the main challenges for MSME’s development. We consider the two proposals from APEX and LAPO as very interesting innovative solutions that should improve the access to financial services to informal enterprises in rural and remote areas”.
The Supporting Informal Enterprises Transition Towards Sustainable Growth and Formalization in the African, Caribbean and Pacific Regions project with funding from European Union is implemented in Mozambique, Sierra Leone, and Solomon Islands by UNDP and International Labour Organization in partnership with the Organization of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS).
The project aims to support the informal businesses in the three countries to grow, formalize, and access better services and opportunities.
UNDP is the leading United Nations organization fighting to end the injustice of poverty, inequality, and climate change. Working with our broad network of experts and partners in 170 countries, we help nations to build integrated, lasting solutions for people and planet.
