The Conversation (0)
Through the Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth, the collaboration will direct financing and technical support to micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), with a focus on women-led businesses, underserved communities and climate action.
WASHINGTON, DC / ACCESS Newswire / May 12, 2026 / CAF -development bank of Latin America and the Caribbean- and the Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth (the Center), announced a partnership to support access to credit for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) across the region. The parties will identify opportunities to co-finance initiatives that strengthen MSMEs' growth in the region.
Under the agreement, CAF will explore facilitating access to credit for MSMEs by financing banks, non-bank financial institutions and digital lenders in Latin America and the Caribbean, with an aspirational target of approximately USD 100 million over four years. In parallel, the Center will provide complementary support to further strengthen the MSME ecosystem.
"Latin America and the Caribbean is home to more than 27 million formal MSMEs, which generate the majority of employment in the region. Yet, access to credit remains one of the most persistent barriers to their growth, representing one of the main obstacles to the region's competitiveness. This partnership brings together the financing capacity of a multilateral development bank with the technological expertise and innovation of a global leader in digital payments to help close that gap. By combining credit facilities with targeted grants and technical assistance, we aim to reach the entrepreneurs who need it most - particularly women-led businesses and those driving the transition toward more sustainable economies and a more competitive region," stated Sergio DÃaz-Granados, Executive President of CAF.
Shamina Singh, founder and president of the Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth, remarked, "Through our Mastercard Strive small business program, we have reached more than 19 million small business owners who tell us time and again that they require capital to maintain and grow their core business while protecting against cyberattacks. This partnership will unlock critical financial resources aligned with Mastercard's global commitment to connect and protect 500 million people and small businesses on their path to financial health."
Shamina Singh, founder and president of the Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth and Antonio Silveira, vice president of the private sector, CAF (development bank of Latin America and the Caribbean) at the 2026 Global Inclusive Growth Forum in Washington D.C. Photo credit: Kevin Allen
The collaboration places special emphasis on women-owned and women-led MSMEs, underserved enterprises and climate finance. Initial priority countries may include Colombia, Peru, Panama, Ecuador, Chile and El Salvador, with the possibility of expanding to additional CAF member countries.
The agreement was formally announced during the Global Inclusive Growth Forum, hosted by the Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth, which is held annually during the IMF and World Bank Spring Meetings in Washington D.C. The Forum convenes senior leaders from the public sector, private sector, civil society and multilateral institutions to explore pathways for small business growth, digital transformation and sustainability.
About CAF
CAF -development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean- has the mission of promoting sustainable development and regional integration through the financing of public and private sector projects, the provision of technical cooperation, and other specialized services. Established in 1970, CAF is currently comprised of 24 countries - 22 from Latin America and the Caribbean, along with Spain and Portugal - and 13 private banks. It is one of the main sources of multilateral financing and a key generator of knowledge for the region.
For more information, visit www.caf.com
CAF Strategic Communications Office: prensa@caf.com
About the Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth
The Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth advances equitable and sustainable economic growth and financial inclusion around the world. The Center leverages the company's core assets and competencies, including data insights, expertise, and technology, while administering the philanthropic Mastercard Impact Fund, to produce independent research, scale global programs, and empower a community of thinkers, leaders, and doers on the front lines of inclusive growth. For more information and to receive its latest insights, follow the Center on LinkedIn, Instagram and subscribe to its newsletter.
About Mastercard
Mastercard powers economies and empowers people in 200+ countries and territories worldwide. Together with our customers, we're building a sustainable economy where everyone can prosper. We support a wide range of digital payments choices, making transactions safe, simple, smart and accessible. Our technology and innovation, partnerships and networks combine to deliver a unique set of products and services that help people, businesses and governments realize their greatest potential.
Continue reading here.
Find more stories and multimedia from Mastercard at 3blmedia.com.
Contact Info:
Spokesperson: Mastercard
Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/mastercard
Email: info@3blmedia.com
SOURCE: Mastercard
View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire
