Tamweelcom acquires green funding for sustainable projects

AMMAN — The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), the European Union (EU) and the Green Climate Fund (GCF), are actively promoting green investment in Jordan through the EBRD’s Green Economy Financing Facility (GEFF) with a financing package to Tamweelcom.

The package, totalling $4 million (€3.6 million), includes $1 million (€922,000) in co-financing from the GCF, complemented by incentive grants provided by the EU. Additionally, technical assistance supported by the EBRD, EU and GCF, the EBRD will be provided, as announced on its website on Tuesday.

This facility aims to provide financial support to the private sector and local micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) to invest in climate change mitigation and adaptation technologies and services.

Under this initiative, Tamweelcom will enhance its capacity to provide awareness-raising activities, targeting women and men who are sub-borrowers of green financing or loans for climate change mitigation and adaptation technologies. Sub-borrowers will also enjoy cash-back incentive upon the successful implementation of eligible projects.

A comprehensive technical cooperation package will support the preparation, implementation and monitoring of the project. Tamweelcom staff will undergo training in gender-responsive green finance to address gender-specific challenges in both supply and demand.

The loan agreement was signed by Mike Taylor, EBRD Head of Financial Institutions for the Southern and Eastern Mediterranean region, and Basem Khanfar, Chief Executive Officer at Tamweelcom.

Mike Taylor said: “The EBRD is delighted to sign a new agreement under its Green Economy Financing Facility in Jordan. We are proud of our partnership with the EU and GCF and we hope this collaboration with Tamweelcom will boost on-lending to the private sector. We also hope it will inspire Jordanian small businesses to invest in greener products, fostering a more sustainable and gender-inclusive impact.”

Thibaut Moyer, Deputy Head of Cooperation for the European Union Delegation to Jordan, said: “The EU welcomes the mobilisation of financing institutions, notably Tamweelcom, in advancing development cooperation to enhance climate action. This will strengthen the private sector through MSMEs, reflecting the EU’s commitment to empowering the private sector in driving economic development and job creation.”

Basem Khanfar, CEO of Tamweelcom, affirmed: “This agreement with the EBRD under the Green Economy Financing Facility in Jordan, in partnership with the EU and GCF, is a significant commitment by Tamweelcom to the global sustainability goals by offering green financing solutions and promoting sustainable practices, especially for micro and small enterprises (MSEs). By accessing new and sustainable financial products and services, MSEs will be able to invest in energy-efficient machinery, renewable energy or waste-reduction techniques, aiming for positive environmental benefits and the mitigation of climate change.”

Tamweelcom is one of the leading microfinance institutions in Jordanian, serving around 100,000 clients through 39 branches. Established in 1999 as a non-profit company, it aims to provide responsible and client-responsive financial services that align with international standards. With a focus on environmental and social responsibility, Tamweelcom seeks to assist MSEs, empower entrepreneurs, help low-income earners improve their standard of living, and increase job opportunities.

Since 2012 the EBRD has provided over €2 billion through 71 projects in Jordan, with 71 per cent dedicated to the private sector, including financial support to the Jordanian banking sector through MSME loans, subordinated debt and trade finance facilities.