UNCDF in Myanmar
Asia and the Pacific Region
Loans
Guarantees
Investment grants
Our work
The United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF) is fostering economic growth in Myanmar by advancing women's economic empowerment, strengthening the sustainability of financial service providers, supporting market development facilities, and promoting inclusive digital economies. This work is undertaken in close collaboration with various development partners. To build a more inclusive financial ecosystem, UNCDF is leveraging blended finance to mobilize investments and broaden access to finance for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and other sectors. UNCDF has also supported the successful implementation of two national Financial Inclusion Roadmaps, which aim to increase financial accessibility for vulnerable populations while advancing a digital economy that ensures no one is left behind.
Expanding financial inclusion
UNCDF has played a key role in broadening financial access in Myanmar by introducing leading financial service providers to the country, which have now emerged as market leaders. This collaboration has attracted additional investments and positively influenced the development of the microfinance and cooperation sectors.
As a result of this initiative, more than 220,000 people across six states and regions—primarily women in rural areas—have gained access to essential financial services. Additionally, UNCDF has supported the implementation of the National Financial Inclusion Roadmap, the country's primary document dedicated to enhancing financial inclusion.
Following the successful execution of the 2014 – 2020 Roadmap, UNCDF crafted a new Roadmap for 2019 – 2023, guided by insights from the 2018 Making Access Possible (MAP) diagnostic. Through these efforts, UNCDF has made significant contributions toward addressing two of Myanmar’s most pressing issues: reducing poverty and advancing gender equality through inclusive financial systems.
Improving digital and payment ecosystems
In 2022, UNCDF, in partnership with the Livelihoods and Food Security Trust Fund (LIFT), launched the Digital Ecosystem and Agriculture Market Support (DEAM) initiative to transform Myanmar’s microfinance sector. The project offers customized financial and technical support to microfinance institutions (MFIs) while strengthening the agricultural value chain. It also broadens access to financial services for vulnerable populations and enhances a digital service platform designed to promote the development of the agri-value chain ecosystem.
By 2024, UNCDF had provided loans and grants to both MFIs and an agritech company, which allowed them to offer SME loans, improve digital financial services, and accelerate digital transformation. As a result, more than 385,000 individuals, including over 241,000 women, gained access to digital agriculture platforms, loans, and digital payment solutions, bolstering their financial resilience. Additionally, more than 10,550 individuals, including women and rural farmers, took part in training focused on financial literacy and nutrition.
Expanding access to financial services
The Leaving No One Behind (LNB) initiative has received $2.5 million in funding from LIFT to advance financial inclusion by broadening access to financial services for low-income and poverty-affected populations in Myanmar. Through the provision of concessionary credit services valued at MMK233 million, the UNCDF has supported 506 vulnerable households in Kachin and Kayin States, encouraging the adoption of socially responsible, sustainable financial services. Overall, the LNB initiative has disbursed MMK67,172 million in credit to empower nearly 80,000 women entrepreneurs.
Leveraging blended finance strategies
UNCDF, in collaboration with UNDP, will implement a new initiative in Myanmar to establish a Risk Sharing Facility to unlock finance for MSMEs. The project will facilitate lending to MSMEs by offering a range of support services, including technical assistance, grants, guarantees, and loans. It aims to create innovative risk-sharing mechanisms that encourage increased participation from microfinance institutions (MFIs) and investors.
This initiative will advance the use of credit guarantees, loans, and de-risking lending. It will also leverage blended finance approaches to attract private-sector investment, incorporating flexible blended finance structures, tailored technical assistance, and various de-risking tools. This comprehensive support is designed to assist MFIs, financial service providers, and MSMEs in their recovery efforts following the earthquake.
Basket Weaving Livelihood Activity by MFI Loan in Myanmar. Photo: UNCDF.
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Our partners
UNCDF’s work in Myanmar is made possible thanks to collaboration with: United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Livelihoods and Food Security Trust Fund (LIFT), PACT, DaNa Facility, UK aid, the Gates Foundation, the Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation (Norad) and Australian AID.
Documents
This section brings together key documents related to UNCDF’s work in the country. It includes a curated selection of publications, papers, and reports that reflect the scope of engagement at country level, from programme design to implementation and outcomes.
These documents offer additional context on how initiatives are developed and delivered, and how partnerships contribute to advancing national priorities. They are intended to support transparency, facilitate knowledge sharing and serve as a practical resource for partners, stakeholders and others seeking a deeper understanding of UNCDF’s work.
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Contact us
For inquiries about UNCDF’s work in Myanmar, including partnerships, investment opportunities, or ongoing initiatives, please contact our team on asiapacific.region@uncdf.org.
