Micro-Entrepreneurs

TAEF invests directly to support Tunisia’s growing microfinance sector and thus to increase access of micro-entrepreneurs to capital.
TAEF tailors investments in MFIs to meet the specific needs of each with a mix of debt, equity, and technical assistance. TAEF has invested in three of Tunisia’s microfinance institutions, each with a different focus.

TAYSIR MICROFINANCE

Investment Amount: $1M
Company Name: Taysir
Sector: Microfinance
TAEF Investment Type: Debt
Website: www.taysir.com.tn

Taysir
As the first microfinance corporation licensed by the Ministry of Finance, Taysir began its operations in June 2014 with four branches: Tunis, Béni Khalled, Kef, and Siliana. The institution primarily targets rural areas and underserved neighborhoods in Greater Tunis, providing funding and support for all types of income-generating activities, with a special focus on young entrepreneurs and women who are either launching or developing their businesses.

By the time TAEF exited its position in 2018, Taysir had financed over 2,500 individuals. The institution continues to expand its reach through mobile branches, mobile banking, and new technologies. Teams of young advisors are available to guide and support micro-entrepreneurs and project initiators.

In 2015, TAEF provided debt financing to Taysir. This partnership enabled Taysir to expand its branch network, grow its client portfolio, and reach a greater number of small entrepreneurs and micro-enterprises.

More about Taysir Microfinance

(DAAM) Centre Financier aux Entrepreneurs Tunisie

Investment Amount: 17.6 million TND
Company Name: DAAM Tunisie
Sector: Microfinance
TAEF Investment Type: Equity, debt, and technical assistance

Founded in 2015, DAAM Tunisie is a microfinance institution with a mission to provide professional financial services to micro and small entrepreneurs to promote sustainable prosperity, support the growth of the private sector, and improve the living conditions of Tunisians.

DAAM Tunisie was established by Développement international Desjardins (a member of the Desjardins Movement, the largest financial cooperative in North America) and AfricInvest, a major pan-African private equity player, both of whom played a key role in its development. Since then, other renowned institutional investors, both local and international, including Proparco, TAEF (invested in 2017), and Attijari Sicar, have joined its shareholder base.

DAAM Tunisie continues to expand nationwide, opening new branches to better serve micro-entrepreneurs and support them in their development, diversifying its offerings, and digitalizing its processes to optimize operations while upholding social and societal responsibility within the institution and towards its clients.

MORE ABOUT DAAM

ENDA TAMWEEL

Investment Amount: 15 million TND
Sector of activity: Microfinance
TAEF Investment Type: Debt
Website: www.endatamweel.tn/

Enda Tamweel, established by the NGO Enda inter-arabe, a pioneer in microfinance in Tunisia, is a joint-stock company licensed by the Ministry of Finance since December 31, 2015. The institution is dedicated to the financial inclusion of vulnerable populations, especially women and youth who are often excluded from the traditional financial system.

Enda Tamweel places a strong emphasis on promoting entrepreneurship and self-employment among youth and women, particularly in disadvantaged neighborhoods and rural areas, thereby contributing to the country’s economic development. As a leader in its sector, Enda Tamweel offers a wide range of financial services tailored to the needs of micro-entrepreneurs, with a network of 93 branches across Tunisia, as well as three mobile branches serving remote areas.

Through close collaboration with the Enda inter-arabe association, Enda Tamweel also provides micro-entrepreneurs with training, guidance, and marketing support, aimed at strengthening their skills and ensuring the sustainability of their micro-enterprises. Since its founding, Enda has supported over 800,000 projects.

More about Enda