The Women Entrepreneurs Finance Initiative (We-Fi) is a transformative program aimed at unlocking opportunities for women entrepreneurs in developing countries. Launched in 2017, We-Fi helps women overcome barriers to financing, capacity building, and market access by offering a range of resources, from financial products to mentorship and global networking opportunities. By mobilizing over $355 million and supporting 150,000 women-led small and medium enterprises (WSMEs) across 69 countries, We-Fi is driving systemic change in the entrepreneurial ecosystem.
The core mission of We-Fi is to close the gender financing gap, especially in underserved markets where women entrepreneurs struggle to access the resources needed to scale their businesses. This is particularly critical in regions where cultural norms and economic structures hinder women’s entrepreneurial potential. We-Fi’s partnership with multilateral development banks (MDBs) ensures a broad global reach, with tailored programs that address the specific needs of women in these challenging environments.
One key initiative is the WE Finance Code, a multi-stakeholder effort to mobilise institutions worldwide to better support women entrepreneurs by providing financial services that meet their unique needs. This initiative emphasizes the importance of collaborative partnerships in achieving lasting systemic change.
We-Fi's success stories showcase the resilience and creativity of women entrepreneurs who have leveraged the initiative's support to grow their businesses and make an impact on their communities. These entrepreneurs span a variety of industries, from agriculture to tech, and their businesses contribute to sustainable development goals, including gender equality and poverty reduction.
We-Fi's approach is multi-faceted, including capacity-building programs, mentorship opportunities, and policy advocacy to create more inclusive financial systems. With a strong focus on innovation, the initiative is leading efforts to ensure women entrepreneurs are not left behind in the rapidly evolving global economy.
By supporting women entrepreneurs, We-Fi not only fosters gender equality but also boosts economic growth, as women reinvest a significant portion of their earnings back into their communities. The success of We-Fi's programs demonstrates the profound impact that empowering women can have on the global economy.
For more information on how We-Fi is driving change, visit We-Fi’s official website.
