SME Digital has disbursed more than MVR 31 million to women entrepreneurs as of 15 April 2026, supporting the growth of women-led businesses across the Maldives.
The funding has been provided through a range of financing initiatives, with the “Fashaa Madhadhu” loan scheme serving as the flagship programme. An additional facility, “Fashaa Madhadhu Leasing”, has also been introduced, offering smaller loans between MVR 10,000 and MVR 100,000. These loans include a six-month grace period and repayment terms of up to five years at an interest rate of eight per cent.
According to SME Digital, between 17 November 2023 and 15 April 2026, more than MVR 31 million in loans was issued to 128 women-led businesses. Of this, MVR 25 million was disbursed under the Fashaa Madhadhu programme alone, benefiting 97 recipients.
Across the schemes, loan amounts typically range from MVR 25,000 to MVR 250,000, while new businesses under the Fashaa Madhadhu programme can access financing between MVR 100,000 and MVR 500,000 at an annual interest rate of six per cent.
The schemes are designed to improve access to finance for women entrepreneurs, particularly those who face challenges in obtaining funding through conventional banking channels due to income-related constraints.