Microfinance Project (MFI) – Namaa Tamweel

Facilitating access to financing for Libyan microentrepreneurs

Namaa Tamweel, the leading microfinance institution in Libya

Namaa Tamweel, the new microcredit agency, is managed by Assaray Trade and Investment Bank (ATIB), a Libyan bank. The agency comprises two branches located in Benghazi and Tripoli and aims to provide over 15 million Libyan dinars (EUR 9.2m) to small entrepreneurs during its first two years of operation.

This project, which is financed with a grant from the British Government and implemented by Expertise France, aims to provide technical assistance to the new agency, while ATIB will provide the funds which will be allocated to small entrepreneurs. The branches will offer microcredits to Libyan microentrepreneurs depending on the feasibility of their small projects.

A comprehensive technical assistance programme

To set up and effectively manage the dedicated branches, Expertise France, in cooperation with ATIB, contracts with a specialised Tunisian microfinance institution – Zitouna Tamkeen – to offer a comprehensive technical assistance programme in a wide range of fields:

 • Share best practices and provide all the data required by the specialised branches

 • Develop operational manuals

 • Support the implementation of joint activities

 • Personalise products

 • Offer customised training programmes for the local institution’s staff

 • Offer consulting and advisory services to the local institution

 • Provide alternative strategies in the event of obstacles