EBRD backs green lending, youth and women's entrepreneurship in Tajikistan

The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) is providing a financing package of up to US$ 16 million (€14.2 million) to Humo Bank to advance resource-efficient and climate adaptation technologies as well as businesses owned or led by young people or women entrepreneurs in Tajikistan, according to a press release issued on 27 October 2026. The funding will promote green lending alongside youth- and women-led entrepreneurship across the country. It consists of three distinct loan components channeled through Humo Bank. Each targets a specific segment of borrowers. Together, the components reflect the EBRD’s layered approach to sustainable finance in Tajikistan.

Tajikistan has been a long-standing partner of the EBRD in Central Asia. To date, the Bank has invested more than €1 billion in the country through 200 projects. These engagements span infrastructure, finance, and private sector development. The latest package builds on this track record. It channels concessional and donor-supported resources to a local financial intermediary.

The first component is a loan of up to US$ 10 million (€9 million) under the Tajikistan Green Economy Financing Facility II (GEFF Tajikistan II). It will encourage residential and commercial borrowers to invest in green and innovative solutions that promote the efficient use of water and the sustainable management of land. The loan will be co-financed by the Green Climate Fund (GCF). Donor funding is being provided by South Korea, Austria, and the GCF. The facility is designed to reach households and companies seeking climate-adapted technologies.

A second loan of up to US$ 4 million (€3.5 million) will be deployed under the EBRD’s Youth in Business programme for Central Asia. It targets micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises led or owned by individuals under the age of 35. A third loan of up to US$ 2 million (€1.7 million) is being extended under the Central Asian Women in Business programme. That programme is supported by the Women Entrepreneurs Finance Initiative. The three windows allow Humo Bank to serve differentiated borrower profiles under a single package.

The combined financing underscores the EBRD’s continued engagement with Tajikistan’s private sector and climate agenda. It links green investment with inclusive economic participation for younger entrepreneurs and women-led firms. The components are backed by partners including the GCF, South Korea, Austria, and the Women Entrepreneurs Finance Initiative. Humo Bank will serve as the on-lending channel to end borrowers. The package consolidates several EBRD priorities within one operation in Tajikistan.