Skip to main content

Microfinance to Empower Peru's Rural Women

With IDB Invest’s support, Caja Huancayo is helping to transform rural Peru by driving economic growth in remote communities.

Recolectora de café en su finca

 

Caja Huancayo, a prominent microfinance institution in Peru, is dedicated to fostering financial inclusion and sustainability, particularly in rural areas. 

As a critical player in Peru's Municipal Savings and Credit System, Caja Huancayo provides essential financing to micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) and low-income populations, helping to bridge the financing gap in remote regions.

A recent case study by the advisory firm Cefeidas Group, shows how Caja Huancayo, with the support of IDB Invest, has been instrumental in promoting sustainable finance projects tailored to the needs of rural MSMEs.

Initiatives such as solar-powered coffee roasteries and solar water heaters have been implemented to enhance the productivity and sustainability of these enterprises. 

Caja Huancayo helps rural businesses reduce costs and improve their environmental footprint by providing access to innovative and eco-friendly technologies.

 

Women Empowerment

Financial education is a cornerstone of Caja Huancayo’s strategy to empower rural women. 

The institution actively promotes financial literacy in schools and women's organizations, equipping women with the knowledge and skills to manage their finances effectively. 


Related Content


This focus on education empowers women and contributes to the overall economic development of rural communities.

IDB Invest has played a crucial role in enhancing Caja Huancayo’s corporate governance. 

Through a US$16 million subordinated loan convertible into equity, IDB Invest has provided technical assistance to align Caja Huancayo’s governance practices with international standards. 

 

A Scalable Model

This partnership has improved board dynamics, increased transparency, and strengthened compliance and ethics programs, positioning Caja Huancayo as a model for other microfinance institutions.

Caja Huancayo’s efforts have been recognized globally. In 2022, it earned the IFC's Global SME Finance Award for its outstanding role in financing MSMEs. 


JOIN A COMMUNITY OF 40,000 DEVELOPMENT LEADERS 
GET THE LATEST ON OUR PROJECTS AND KNOWLEDGE
NEWSLETTER SUSCRIPTION

 


As the institution continues to innovate and lead in the microfinance sector, its commitment to rural development and sustainability, supported by IDB Invest, sets a benchmark for others.

Caja Huancayo’s journey exemplifies how strategic initiatives and a focus on ethical practices can drive impactful change, fostering long-term development and financial inclusion in rural Peru.

Authors

IDB Invest

Like the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), our commitment is to economic growth and social inclusion; that is central to our identity as part of

Development Impact

Related Posts

  • A board meeting
    In the Face of Sustainability Challenges, Strong Governance Begins in the Boardroom

    Boards of Directors must lead mitigation strategies, embedding long-term planning and innovation into risk oversight. IDB Invest empowers directors to transform climate governance into resilience, opportunity, and competitive advantage across diverse sectors.

  • A cargo ship
    36,000 Transactions That Transformed Regional Trade

    Since 2005, the Trade Finance Facilitation Program has promoted financial inclusion, trade resilience, and regional integration among countries through financial solutions, strengthening local capacities, and promoting sustainability.

  • Workers in a port yard
    Four Areas Ports Can Work on to Successfully Navigate the Future

    Integrating MSMEs, enhancing synergies, promoting environmental sustainability, and fostering women’s participation and leadership are crucial to ensuring ports in Latin America and the Caribbean's long-term growth, innovation, and contribution to economic diversification, thereby benefiting natural capital and local economies.