Awash Bank has launched a new platform, MESMER Digital Lending, aimed at expanding access to finance for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) through a fully digital system.
The platform allows SMEs to apply for loans via the Awash Birr Pro mobile application or by dialing *901#, streamlining the lending process and reducing barriers to credit access.
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The initiative builds on the success of the MESMER lending program, developed in partnership with the MasterCard Foundation and First Consult, which over the past three years has provided financial support and business development training to thousands of SMEs.
Since the digital platform’s rollout, more than 66,000 SMEs have applied for loans, with over 13,000 enterprises receiving financing totaling 1.3 billion birr. Women entrepreneurs account for 32% of the beneficiaries, according to the bank.
Awash Bank said the implementation of the MESMER program was supported by 1,276 loan officers, who facilitated loan requests and improved service outreach.
The bank said the new MESMER Digital Lending system underscores its commitment to enhancing financial inclusion and empowering entrepreneurs through technology-driven financial solutions.
