AGFUND Achieves International Recognition for Excellence in Inclusive Banking and Social Impact

AGFUND Achieves International Acclaim in Inclusive Banking

In an impressive showcase of commitment to global social impact, the Arab Gulf Programme for Development (AGFUND) recently received the coveted award for 'Excellence in Inclusive Banking and Social Impact' during the 2026 Sustainable Development Goals Awards. This prestigious event, organized by the World Savings and Retail Banking Institute (WSBI) in collaboration with the European Savings and Retail Banking Group (ESBG), took place in Bangkok, Thailand, on October 16, 2026.

The award was presented to AGFUND's CEO, Hammam bin Nasser bin Juraid, amid the Annual Meetings of the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank Group. This recognition not only celebrates AGFUND’s innovative banking practices but also highlights its impactful initiatives aimed at empowering underserved communities.

His Royal Highness Prince Abdulaziz bin Talal, president of AGFUND, expressed pride in the organization’s journey, noting that this accolade underscores how AGFUND leverages financial services to uplift marginalized groups, bolster their livelihoods, and promote economic independence. He attributed the success to the pioneering founders of AGFUND's microfinance banks, particularly the late Prince Talal bin Abdulaziz, who laid the groundwork for institutions dedicated to people empowerment.

The recognition is a culmination of over twenty years of dedicated service by AGFUND and its partners in the financial inclusion sector. Since its inception, AGFUND has provided support to more than 1.3 million clients and has disbursed upwards of $1.37 billion in financing. Notably, 59% of its borrowers are women, reflecting a strong commitment to enhancing economic opportunities for women and contributing to their empowerment.

The award also acknowledges AGFUND's effectiveness in linking financial services with social impact while promoting sustainable development. Founded in 1924, WSBI and ESBG's joint award emphasizes a strategy that integrates financial services, social impact, and long-term goals of sustainable development.

Following the establishment of its first bank in Jordan in 2004, AGFUND has expanded its reach across nine countries including Yemen, Bahrain, Syria, Lebanon, Palestine, Sudan, Mauritania, and Sierra Leone. This expansion has primarily focused on communities that are often overlooked by traditional financial institutions, bringing vital resources to those in need.

AGFUND’s financial inclusion network has facilitated the granting of over 1.5 million loans, opened more than 927,000 savings accounts, and established 112 branches while employing over 1,500 individuals. The services provided by AGFUND span financing for micro and small enterprises along with income-generating activities, ultimately enhancing livelihoods and fostering economic independence.

Looking to the future, AGFUND aims to strengthen developmental partnerships, promote digital solutions, and innovate its financial products. Additionally, there is a strategic focus on integrating financing with capacity building, market access, and risk protection. The organization is also exploring geographical expansion, particularly in Africa, by aligning institutional partnerships that adapt successful models to local needs and further advance sustainable financial inclusion.

To learn more about AGFUND and their impactful initiatives, visit their official website.