Social Issue

Palestine suffers from one of the highest unemployment rates in the world (an estimated 1 in 4 people are in this situation).

More than half of its population lives below the poverty line, especially affected in the Gaza Strip.

The average age is very young: almost half of the population is under 14 years old.

Our Response

Microloans are a powerful tool to promote self-employment and youth entrepreneurship.

In this regard, FATEN was established in Palestine in 1999 to help poor and marginalised people establish and develop their businesses by offering a range of financial services.

In 2018, it has 37 branches and is distributed throughout the country with more than 32,000 active borrowers (35% correspond to women) and a 41% market share of the microfinance sector in the country.

Despite political crises, it has managed to increase its reach to rural areas and marginalised segments of the population. Furthermore, it is the first financial institution in Palestine to operate in a refugee camp.

Expected Social Impact

With this investment of the Netri Foundation, it is estimated that FATEN will be able to provide 200 microloans in the country, with the idea of empowering the Palestinian population in generating employment.