New Blended Finance Initiative Empowers Women Entrepreneurs in Rwanda

Women for Women International has launched Ziza Social Investing, a new blended finance initiative. The programme aims to support women entrepreneurs in Rwanda by providing access to formal financial services. It combines investment with grant-backed technical assistance to build local capacity. The initiative will initially channel up to $5 million to microfinance lenders in Rwanda. These funds will be used to offer individual loans of $500 to $1,000 to women at around 4% annual interest over three years. The loan model is designed to be self-sustaining, reducing reliance on external support and lowering the risk of failure.

Beyond financing, Ziza Social Investing includes training for women on using mobile phones as business tools. The programme also provides technical assistance to strengthen local lending institutions. Women for Women International has a strong foothold in Rwanda, having opened a Women’s Opportunity Centre in 2013.

The first loans to Rwandan borrowers are expected to be disbursed in early 2027. The goal is to prove that investing in women entrepreneurs in fragile settings can be economically viable, not just socially beneficial. Ziza Social Investing seeks to address the gap in formal finance for women in post-conflict areas. The combination of loans, training, and institutional support aims to create lasting economic opportunities. The initiative will begin operations in Rwanda within the next two years.