Projects

A2F supported the African Development Bank in conducting a multi‑country market scoping study to inform the design of the Affirmative Finance Action for Women in Africa (AFAWA) program, assessing constraints and opportunities affecting women‑owned MSMEs through country missions and stakeholder consultations, and delivering targeted recommendations on financial instruments and interventions to expand access to finance for women entrepreneurs.

A2F supported EBRD and TBC Bank in assessing the financial needs of women‑led MSMEs in Georgia through a market segmentation study. We conducted surveys (500 W‑MSMEs) and focus groups to analyse demand patterns and develop customer personas. We delivered actionable recommendations to tailor financial products and services to different W‑MSME segments and improve financial inclusion.

A2F supported the International Finance Corporation in conducting an in‑depth market study of SME finance in Tanzania to inform improved financial sector offerings. We analysed the business, financial, and regulatory environment, combining stakeholder interviews with primary survey data to assess SME financing needs and constraints. We quantified unmet demand—across different sectors and by gender—and delivered actionable insights to support financial institutions in designing tailored products and services for SMEs.

A2F supported IFC in conducting multi‑country market studies to expand the participation of women‑owned SMEs (WSMEs) in high‑growth sectors across Africa (Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda, Nigeria, and Ghana). We mapped priority value chains, analysed business environments and SME finance supply, and gathered insights through large‑scale surveys (including ~5,200 WSMEs), stakeholder interviews, and focus groups. We delivered evidence‑based recommendations to enhance access to finance, strengthen ecosystems, and design targeted support for WSMEs across countries.

A2F supported the Microinsurance Network in conducting a comprehensive landscape study of microinsurance markets across Latin America and the Caribbean, updating regional databases through surveys and stakeholder interviews, and delivering analysis and dissemination outputs to strengthen industry coordination, benchmarking, and the expansion of microinsurance as a risk management tool for vulnerable populations.

A2F supported the International Finance Corporation in conducting a mid‑term evaluation of the Harnessing Innovation for Financial Inclusion (HiFi) Program, assessing governance, strategy, and portfolio performance through case studies and stakeholder analysis, and delivering recommendations to strengthen program design, implementation, and results measurement while validating the theory of change.

A2F supported the International Finance Corporation in conducting a mid‑term review of the Ghana Warehouse Receipts System (WRS) project to assess its performance and inform the next phase. We evaluated project design, implementation, and early outcomes using a mixed‑methods approach combining document analysis, stakeholder interviews, and focus group discussions. We delivered lessons learned and actionable recommendations to strengthen the effectiveness and impact of the WRS in improving farmers’ access to finance and structured markets.

A2F supported the World Bank in providing technical assistance to strengthen MSME finance and financial inclusion in Djibouti, focusing on enhancing the microfinance sector and regulatory framework. We conducted stakeholder consultations and a nationwide survey of 300 MSMEs to assess financing needs, digital finance demand, and market constraints. We delivered actionable recommendations and implementation support to improve regulations, attract commercial investment, and operationalise key financial sector reforms, including the partial credit guarantee framework.

A2F supported the Inter-American Development Bank in developing a policy and institutional framework for SME development in the Bahamas, analysing financial sector constraints, designing appropriate financing instruments, and delivering a credit guarantee program and operational manual to enhance access to finance and competitiveness.

A2F supported the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) in analysing and promoting innovative risk‑management solutions for agribusiness investment across multiple African countries, conducting case studies and stakeholder consultations to identify effective risk‑sharing mechanisms and delivering policy recommendations to strengthen financing frameworks and support inclusive agricultural growth.

A2F supported the Millennium Challenge Corporation in conducting an independent evaluation of the Georgia Regional Development Fund (GRDF), assessing how the fund’s design, theory of change, and SME support model contributed to financial and development outcomes through mixed‑methods analysis, due diligence, and sector case studies, and delivering recommendations to strengthen policy, products, and service design.

A2F conducted a post-implementation evaluation of the Development Bank of Jamaica’s reverse factoring product, assessing its effectiveness and identifying barriers to adoption within the MSME financing ecosystem. We combined product review, updated market assessment, and stakeholder consultations to analyze market demand, operational constraints, and discrepancies with earlier design assumptions. We delivered strategic options and a roadmap to support product redesign, strengthen receivables financing, and enhance financial inclusion in Jamaica.

A2F supported KfW Development Bank in conducting a pre‑feasibility study to design an inclusive digital finance ecosystem in Ghana, assessing regulatory frameworks, market structure, stakeholder landscape, and digital infrastructure needs—including interoperable payments—and delivering a feasibility strategy and implementation options for a national digital payments platform.

A2F conducted a process evaluation of the Climate Smart Enhanced Public Works Programme in Malawi for the World Bank, assessing its effectiveness in supporting climate resilience and social protection outcomes for vulnerable populations. We applied a mixed-method approach combining surveys, interviews, and focus groups to evaluate key implementation processes, including targeting, payments, grievance mechanisms, and asset quality. We delivered actionable recommendations to improve operational efficiency, accountability, and long-term program impact.

A2F supported the World Bank in conducting process evaluations of employment subsidy programmes under Uzbekistan’s Strengthening Social Protection Project to improve programme effectiveness and delivery. We assessed institutional structures, implementation processes, and adherence to operational guidelines using desk reviews, surveys, and stakeholder interviews. We also gathered beneficiary feedback through surveys and interviews to evaluate programme outcomes and identify constraints, delivering actionable recommendations to optimise implementation and impact.

A2F supported the APEC Secretariat in developing policy recommendations to promote the adoption of Fintech solutions for SMEs across APEC economies. We analysed Fintech ecosystems, regulatory environments, and SME financing needs to identify best practices and emerging trends. We delivered actionable recommendations and capacity‑building activities, including dissemination at APEC SME Week and an official APEC publication.

A2F supported the U.S. Small Business Administration and the National Women’s Business Council in conducting a comprehensive study on crowdfunding as a capital source, analysing market dynamics, platform data, and gender-specific factors to assess impacts on small businesses and women entrepreneurs, and delivering evidence-based insights and policy recommendations to expand access to finance.

A2F supported the African Development Bank in reviewing and gender-mainstreaming the Monitoring and Evaluation framework of the Canada–Africa Climate Fund, strengthening its ability to track gender-responsive climate investments. We applied a mixed-method approach combining desk review and stakeholder consultations to revise the Theory of Change and integrate a gender and climate lens into the framework. We developed gender-centered, SMART KPIs and a dedicated M&E tool to improve performance tracking, reporting, and impact measurement across the Fund.

A2F supported the Financial Services Commission of Jamaica in reviewing proposals for establishing a compensation scheme for the non‑deposit taking sector, conducting a situational analysis and updating prior proposals to design policy options that protect policyholders, investors, and pensioners, and delivering a regulatory roadmap and implementation plan to guide the scheme’s establishment.

A2F supported the Green Climate Fund in assessing the effectiveness of its Board’s committees, panels, and groups, evaluating their performance, value generation, and operational efficiency against expected outcomes, and delivering recommendations to strengthen governance, improve decision‑making processes, and enhance overall institutional effectiveness.

A2F supported the African Development Bank (AfDB) in assessing the performance of the MFW4A Partnership and its Secretariat through a comprehensive progress review. We evaluated performance across relevance, effectiveness, and efficiency using desk reviews, stakeholder interviews, and surveys. We delivered actionable recommendations to strengthen the Partnership’s strategy, governance, and future performance.

A2F supported the The World Bank in providing technical backstopping for the rollout of revised results frameworks under the CAADP Multi‑Donor Trust Fund, operationalising data collection systems, strengthening M&E processes across recipient institutions, and delivering analytical inputs, case studies, and guidance to improve results reporting and evaluation.

A2F supported the Reserve Bank of Malawi in conducting a risk assessment of electronic funds transfer (EFT) systems, reviewing existing payment processes, identifying operational weaknesses, and delivering recommendations and a phased action plan to enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and strengthen government payment systems.

A2F supported FSD Kenya in conducting a comprehensive analysis of the SACCO (Savings and Credit Cooperatives) sector, assessing its role within the financial system, evaluating institutional performance and regulatory compliance, and delivering recommendations to strengthen sector oversight and enhance its contribution to financial inclusion.

A2F supported the KfW Development Bank in conducting a comprehensive SME finance market assessment and designing an off‑grid renewable energy finance facility in Pakistan, analysing supply and demand constraints, identifying financing bottlenecks, and developing a scalable financing model to support SME access to credit and renewable energy investments.

A2F supported the International Finance Corporation in assessing the MSME sector and identifying financial needs across Côte d’Ivoire, Senegal, and Burkina Faso to inform a banking group’s MSME value proposition. We designed and implemented quantitative and qualitative surveys to analyse market conditions, financing gaps, and business constraints, including gender differences. We delivered country‑specific and regional insights to support the development of tailored financial and non‑financial products for MSMEs.

A2F supported the World Bank in strengthening the microfinance sector in Guinea, conducting institutional diagnostics of major MFIs and sector stakeholders, and developing financing mechanisms and strategic recommendations—including liquidity and guarantee facilities—to improve sustainable access to finance.

A2F supported the Asian Development Bank in assessing financial sector reforms in rural areas of China’s Central Plains Economic Zone, conducting research on international best practices, surveys, and policy analysis to evaluate constraints in rural finance and develop a reform policy package to improve access to finance for agricultural producers and SMEs.

A2F supported the Dutch Entrepreneurial Development Bank (FMO) in conducting an ex‑post evaluation of MSME financing interventions in Zimbabwe, assessing the effectiveness of investments through mixed‑methods analysis of financial institutions and MSME beneficiaries, and delivering insights on impact drivers to strengthen financial inclusion in fragile contexts.

A2F supported the International Finance Corporation in assessing the feasibility and design of gender‑focused housing finance products across Colombia, India, and Kenya, conducting a multi‑country market assessment based on 2,000 household surveys and institutional analysis to identify constraints faced by women, and delivering tailored recommendations on product design and strategies to expand women’s access to housing and housing finance.

A2F conducted a comprehensive study in the Maldives for the World Bank to analyze gender disparities in employment, safety, and mobility in key growth sectors. We applied a mixed-method approach combining national data analysis, surveys, focus group discussions, and stakeholder interviews to identify barriers to women’s labor force participation in fisheries and tourism. We delivered actionable recommendations and mapped pathways to promote gender-equitable value chains and increase women’s participation in priority sectors.

A2F supported the IFC in developing a Customer Value Proposition for women in Vietnam by analysing the banking needs of different female segments. We conducted qualitative research through focus groups and interviews, complemented by desk research on women’s economic participation. We delivered actionable insights, a Gender Action Plan, and recommendations to help design tailored financial products for women.

A2F supported MCC in refining the design and implementation of the BETA Facility in Lesotho to strengthen MSME growth and job creation. We carried out stakeholder consultations, reviewed programme design, and developed terms of reference for facility management. We provided recommendations to enhance incubators, savings groups, value chains, and policy frameworks supporting MSMEs.

A2F supported the African Development Bank in implementing a regional program to strengthen the competitiveness of women‑owned enterprises under the African Women in Business Initiative, delivering capacity‑building, mentoring, and project monitoring to enhance managerial, governance, and entrepreneurial capabilities, and supporting SME growth through targeted training and structured M&E frameworks.

A2F supported the Asian Development Bank and the Ministry of Economic Development of Maldives in strengthening the MSME banking capabilities of the Bank of Maldives, conducting market assessments and institutional diagnostics, and delivering strategy development, product design, and capacity‑building to support the rollout of sustainable MSME financial services.

A2F supported the International Finance Corporation in conducting a combined market study on movable asset‑based financing and access to finance for SMEs and women‑led SMEs in Zambia. We analysed market constraints, financing gaps, and international best practices to identify opportunities for expanding movable asset‑based lending. We also implemented a large‑scale survey and focus groups with 500 WSMEs to assess financial access, borrowing needs, and gender‑specific barriers.

A2F conducted a gender-focused trade survey in India for the World Bank, identifying barriers faced by women and men in cross-border trade and generating evidence to inform gender-responsive policy reforms. We implemented a CATI-based data collection approach, surveying 600 traders and 400 agents to assess gender-specific constraints across different stakeholder groups in trade logistics and facilitation. We analyzed the data to distinguish gender-differentiated challenges and delivered actionable recommendations to reduce bottlenecks and improve participation of women in cross-border trade.

A2F designed and implemented a gender-sensitive MSME survey in Honduras for the Inter-American Development Bank, generating evidence on access to and use of financial products and services. We developed the full survey methodology, instruments, and data systems, enabling robust analysis of gender-based differences in financial needs and constraints. We delivered comprehensive insights to inform the design of tailored financial and non-financial solutions supporting MSME growth and financial inclusion.

A2F supported the The World Bank in conducting a survey and analytical study on the relationship between tourism models, gender, and competitiveness in Grenada and St. Lucia, collecting and analysing firm‑ and worker‑level data to assess employment dynamics, gender disparities, and linkages with the agricultural sector, and delivering evidence‑based insights to inform gender‑responsive policy and private sector development in tourism.

A2F conducted a comprehensive survey for the World Bank to assess transport infrastructure constraints and mobility needs in Bamako and Nouakchott. We implemented mixed‑methods research, including surveys of transport users, drivers, and operators, alongside focus groups and field observations. We delivered insights on barriers affecting vulnerable groups and provided recommendations to improve urban transport access and efficiency.

A2F supported Access Financial Services Ltd. in designing and validating new agricultural loan products, conducting market analysis and developing tools to improve client segmentation, and delivering updated lending processes, guidelines, and capacity‑building to strengthen rural and agribusiness financing.

A2F provided technical assistance to support the Indorama Childcare Training and Support Programme in Uzbekistan, strengthening childcare services and promoting women’s economic inclusion through improved early childhood education. We conducted assessments, stakeholder consultations, and institutional mapping to identify infrastructure, skills, and capacity gaps in preschool systems and workforce development. We developed and supported the implementation of action plans for facility rehabilitation and teacher training, contributing to enhanced learning environments and inclusive employment outcomes.

A2F provided technical assistance to Copedu PLC in Rwanda for Access to Finance Rwanda, conducting an institutional needs assessment to strengthen financing for women-owned MSEs. We assessed strategy, operations, systems, products, and gender inclusion capacities to identify key gaps affecting SME finance delivery. We delivered targeted recommendations to enhance product offerings, build institutional capacity, and support the development of inclusive financial solutions for women entrepreneurs.

A2F supported the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) in providing technical oversight for a rural electrification programme in Senegal under the Consumer Demand Support Activity. We delivered strategic guidance on programme design, implementation, and monitoring, addressing barriers to grid access, consumer education, and productive use of electricity. We also supported the design of an equipment financing mechanism to facilitate uptake of electrical connections by households and SMEs.

A2F supported La Inmaculada Credit Union Limited (LICU) in strengthening staff capacity and credit operations through targeted training and advisory services, reviewing and enhancing lending processes and policies, and delivering a structured capacity‑building programme to improve credit appraisal, portfolio management, and risk assessment practices.

A2F conducted the Mexico Enterprise Survey 2023 for the World Bank, delivering a nationally representative assessment of firm performance and business environment conditions across multiple regions and sectors. We implemented large-scale data collection covering approximately 1,320 enterprises, including a panel component to track firm dynamics over time and generate robust, comparable insights. We managed end‑to‑end survey execution—including sampling, enumerator training, fieldwork supervision, and real-time data quality control—in close coordination with the World Bank to ensure high-quality and reliable data outputs.

A2F implemented Barbados and Jamaica's Enterprise Surveys for the World Bank, generating firm-level data to assess business environment conditions and support evidence-based policy dialogue. We conducted interviews with top management across 150 enterprises per country using standardized Enterprise Survey methodologies to ensure comparability and reduce measurement error. We managed fieldwork, including enumerator training, data collection, and quality control, delivering reliable datasets to inform the World Bank’s Business Enabling Environment (BEE) analysis.