In October 2015, OeEB invested EUR 10 million in the SANAD Fund for MSME. The fund contributes to strengthening micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSME) in North Africa and the Middle East (MENA). OeEB increased its commitment by EUR 15 million in November 2016 and by EUR 10 million in April 2020, as well as in August 2023. In December 2023, OeEB made another investment in the amount of EUR 5 million.

Project name SANAD Fund for MSME
Region MENA (Middle East and Northern Africa)
Sector Financial sector / Microfinance / SME
Service Investment Finance
OeEB project volume EUR 50 million
Project partner(s) SANAD Fund for MSME S.A., SICAV-SIF
Project story Middle East: New perspectives beyond the Mediterranean

OeEB's funds will be invested in SANAD's debt sub-fund to strengthen the fund's capital base and thus facilitate loans to local MSMEs. This helps strengthen the region's private sector and contributes to securing and creating jobs.

SANAD Fund for MSME was initiated and funded by the German Development Bank KfW in 2011, with financial support of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and the European Union. The fund provides medium- and long-term debt and equity financing to financial institutions in the Middle East and North Africa and thus helps strengthen the MSME-sector and financial market in the region.

SANAD Technical Assistance Facility

Since 2016, OeEB provides Business Advisory Services funds for the SANAD Technical Assistance Facility. This facility finances measures to enhance the development impact of SANAD's investments, such as trainings for local microfinance partners or support in developing new financial services. OeEB's funds are dedicated to projects in Lebanon and Jordan, two countries which were particularly affected by the refugee crisis.