Microfinance in the Arab World : The Challenge of Financial Inclusion

Abstract

Financial inclusion is about introducing justice and equity in financial systems and focuses on: (i) extending financial services to previously excluded populations and micro-entrepreneurs; (ii) empowering the poor and low income populations that have largely been excluded from access to financial services; and (iii) extending access through provision of holistic services ranging from credit delivery to deposits, insurance and pensions and other financial services.