The development of the microfinance sector in Bahrain, the first Gulf nation to join the Arab Gulf Programme for Development (AGFUND), and the kingdom's 12-year proficiency in this sector have been highlighted at a workshop.

Ebdaa microfinance company Bahrain co-organised the training workshop in Jordan entitled ‘SMEs Strategic Planning and Development of Financial Expectations’.

The workshop was organised under the supervision of the Microfinance Unit of AGFUND in collaboration with the National Bank for SMEs Finance in Jordan. Over seven days, cadres working in the field of microfinance from Bahrain, Jordan, Egypt, Sudan, and Mauritania participated in it. “This workshop's mission was to advance the knowledge and expertise of Arab cadres in the area of strategic planning for the microfinance business in line with AGFUND's goals for promoting regional growth, nurturing more start-ups, and expanding employment possibilities,” said Ebdaa CEO Dr Khalid Al Ghazzawi.

Dr Al Ghazzawi, who supervised the workshop, showcased successful examples of Bahrainis who had developed their ventures even outside of Bahrain thanks to Ebdaa company’s soft loans.

Sameh Al-Maharik, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Tanmia Network awarded diplomas to workshop participants at its conclusion.