Basma Programme Provides Loans for Women-Led SMEs

Iraq has launched the Basma Initiative, providing soft loans to women aiming to establish small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), in cooperation with national banks. The programme is part of the government’s broader efforts to boost women’s participation in the economy and reduce unemployment.

The initiative will support women-led projects across productive, service, and technology sectors, including home-based food production, tailoring, e-commerce, agriculture, childcare services, and design-related businesses. Loans are coupled with training, advisory support, and flexible terms tailored to the unique needs of women entrepreneurs.

Officials highlighted that women represent 27% of applicants in similar government programmes, such as the Riyada Initiative, which has already supported over 500,000 young men and women nationwide. The Basma Initiative reflects Iraq’s commitment to empowering women economically and socially, while fostering inclusive growth and private sector participation.