Maal Microfinance was established to address critical gaps in Somalia’s business sector, formal and informal, with a particular focus on MSMEs and the financial exclusion of women entrepreneurs.
It was founded in response to limited access to tailored financial services, the absence of collateral and asset ownership among women, lack of identification documents, credit assessment that relies heavily on collateral, and persistent poverty caused by inadequate financial inclusion and education.
An initial investment of $1.2 million from an angel investor and a key stakeholder funded the Mogadishu headquarters, licensing and registration, office infrastructure and the first management team. The institution has since grown to include a diverse, experienced board, while the original investors remain key stakeholders.