Innovative Financial Inclusion: Reflecting on the I-FIN Project in Jordan

End of August in Amman, Jordan, we didn’t just close a project; we celebrated a powerful journey of transformation, inclusion, and shared success. The I-FIN Project (Innovative Financial Inclusion for MSMEs), initiated by GIZ Jordan and implemented by GOPA AFC, officially came to a close after three years of reshaping how financial services reach the people who need them most.

This wasn’t just a technical project, it was a mission to open doors for women entrepreneurs, small and medium business owners, and underserved communities across Jordan. And on that evening, over stories and heartfelt reflections, we looked back on what we had built together and the people whose lives had been changed.

The event, moderated by Eman Malkawi, MSME Finance Expert at GOPA AFC, began with opening remarks from Mareike Decker, GOPA AFC Senior Project Manager, and Lorena Zapata, Deputy Team Leader at GIZ Jordan. This was followed by a powerful presentation from Elias Tayeh, Team Leader at GOPA AFC, who walked us through the journey, innovations, and lasting outcomes of I-FIN.

“The I-FIN Project wasn’t just about delivering technical assistance; it was about building ownership, trust, and sustainable change with our PFSP partners. It empowered institutions across Jordan to deliver more inclusive, digital, and gender-responsive financial products, with results that speak for themselves”, said Elias.

We reflected on how partner financial service providers (PFSPs) across Jordan embraced digital transformation, redesigned internal processes, and launched inclusive financial products that reached over 12,000 entrepreneurs; more than half of them women. Together, we facilitated more than JOD 11 million (~EUR 13.2 million) in lending and piloted five new digital financial services.

One of the most insightful parts of the event came when the PFSPs took the stage to share their experiences. They reflected on how the project strengthened their internal systems, supported innovation, and helped them design financial products that reached more people, especially women and rural entrepreneurs. Their stories showed how institutional change can unlock real social impact.

“This project’s development journey was rich with insights and collaboration, combining market research, stakeholder input, and digital tools to shape a well-designed financial product. It supports portfolio diversification, enhances client engagement, and opens new opportunities for strategic growth across the value chain”, commented Sameh Al-Mahariq, CEO of the National Microfinance Company.

Mohammad AlSawalqa, General Manager of Jordan Leasing Company, added: “Our collaboration with GOPA AFC was instrumental in the successful design and development of a new leasing finance product—one that breaks away from traditional offerings in the market. Their expertise, combined with thorough market research and stakeholder engagement, ensured the product truly meets our customers’ needs. This innovative leasing product will be a strategic pillar in our portfolio, aimed at expanding financial access, promoting responsible financing, and supporting the long-term sustainability of our services. Throughout this journey, the GOPA AFC team demonstrated professionalism, clear communication, and a strong commitment to co-creation, making this partnership both productive and impactful.”

Then came the voices from the field—the MSME beneficiaries whose courage and determination gave true meaning to everything we did. We heard from women who accessed credit for the first time, small business owners who expanded their operations, and farmers who used new leasing options to grow their livelihoods. These testimonials reminded us that financial inclusion is not about numbers; it’s about people, dignity, and opportunity.

“This loan product truly understands the unique cash flow cycles of my nursery and kindergarten business and addresses the gaps I’ve faced before. It’s more than just finance; it’s a tool that empowers me to grow with confidence and create better opportunities for the children and families I serve”, said Niveen AlMasri, Nursery & Kindergarten Owner and MSME Beneficiary.

“Access to this loan has been a game-changer for my lab, enabling us to invest in essential equipment and enhance our operational efficiency. It has strengthened our ability to deliver high-quality services to the community while supporting sustainable growth. This financial support is more than just funding—it’s a critical driver of our progress and long-term success”, commented Dr. Jina Daghestani, Lab Owner and MSME Beneficiary.

We also looked ahead, as Lorena Zapata shared a first glimpse of a new technical assistance initiative from GIZ Jordan, focusing on green and inclusive finance for MSME, that will continue to build on this momentum.

To GIZ Jordan, who initiated this journey, to our PFSP partners who made it work on the ground, and to our dedicated team at GOPA AFC who implemented it with care and passion—thank you. This was more than a project. It was a promise kept, and a future made more inclusive, one entrepreneur at a time.

Relive the moment and watch the official recap video here.

For more information, please contact: mareike.decker [at] gopa.eu (mareike[dot]decker[at]gopa[dot]eu)