About WDB
A bank created so that women's businesses can grow and last
Women's Development Microfinance Bank (WDB) is a Government of Ghana initiative. It is being established to give women entrepreneurs and traders affordable finance, together with practical support to grow their businesses.
Overview
Who we are
WDB is being set up as a dedicated microfinance bank focused on women entrepreneurs and traders. It will provide financial services and business development support to women-owned businesses.
Regulatory and operational preparations are under way, and WDB expects to begin operations in 2027. Until then, this website shares information about WDB's plans.
Background
Why WDB is being established
Ghana has made real progress in bringing people into the financial system. But many women in business are still not well served. Most products are built for formal, urban businesses, and expect regular salaries, bank statements and property to offer as security.
- 01
Incomes that do not fit standard loans
A trader's income changes from day to day and season to season. Standard loan terms rarely allow for that.
- 02
Limited digital access
Many women do not have a smartphone, or have had few chances to learn to use digital banking.
- 03
Little business support
Women in informal markets rarely get business training or advice.
- 04
A system not designed around them
The gap is not a lack of ability to repay. It is a lack of products built for how these businesses actually work.
Mission and objectives
Combining finance with business support
Our mission: to empower Ghanaian women entrepreneurs and traders by offering affordable financial services together with training and business support, so that their businesses can grow and last.
- 01
Make finance affordable
Offer low-interest loans and savings that suit irregular incomes.
- 02
Widen who can be served
Assess borrowers using everyday information, not only bank statements and land titles.
- 03
Build skills
Provide practical business, digital and financial literacy training.
- 04
Be easy to reach
Bring services to women through branches, agents, mobile phones and trusted partner locations.
- 05
Be built to last
Run a sustainable institution that can keep serving more women over time.
The objectives above summarise WDB's stakeholder briefing.
Our approach
Financial inclusion centred on women
WDB is designed around the realities of women's businesses rather than expecting those businesses to fit the bank.
Priority for women-owned businesses
Businesses owned by women and men are welcome. Priority for support will be given to women-owned businesses.
Evidence that reflects real life
Mobile money history, trading patterns and group membership can all show that a business is sound.
Trust as security
Where appropriate, peer guarantees and endorsements from market leaders may stand in for physical collateral.
Business development
A commitment to practical support
WDB intends to provide entrepreneurship, business management, financial literacy and digital skills training, alongside networking, mentoring and links to wider markets. The aim is stronger business management, confident use of credit and businesses that can keep growing.
Long-term direction
Nationwide access, then full independence
WDB plans to launch with the help of partners so that it can start quickly and at low cost, then widen its network and, over time, grow into a fully independent national bank with its own branches and channels.
Phase 1
Launch with partners
Establish the WDB head office and regional branches, and use Ghana Enterprises Agency centres and district assemblies to start quickly and at low cost.
Phase 2
Widen the network
Add more WDB branches, partner institutions and market centres to expand access.
Phase 3
Fully independent bank
WDB grows into a national bank with its own branches and channels nationwide.
The phases show the intended direction of travel. Exact timings, including the timeline for reaching all 16 regions, will be confirmed by WDB.
Governance and leadership
Led by people who understand women's businesses
Good governance is how WDB intends to earn trust, from clients and from investors.
Women in the lead
Women are to make up the majority of the Board of Directors and senior management, reflecting the lived experience of women entrepreneurs and traders.
Expert set-up team
An Interim Management Committee of banking and women's finance experts oversees set-up and early operations.
Strong oversight
A Board of Directors gives strategic direction, with independent non-executive directors expected to play a leading role on key committees.
Diverse and independent
Leadership is intended to be professionally diverse and independent.
Details of Board composition will be published once confirmed by WDB.
Funding and sustainability
Built to last, not just to launch
A nationwide bank needs more than start-up funding. WDB's model is designed for long-term financial health.
- 01
Government seed funding
The Government of Ghana has allocated seed funds to set up WDB.
- 02
Diversified funding
WDB is working with partners in Ghana and around the world to widen and strengthen its funding base.
- 03
Fair, low rates
Low but not zero interest keeps the bank financially healthy so it can serve more women.
- 04
Governance that attracts investment
Independent directors and professional oversight are intended to give partners confidence to invest for the long term.
Want to know more about WDB?
Read about the services WDB plans to offer, or get in touch with the team.