Manama:Bahrain Development Bank (BDB) has revealed the performance results of its SME Fund since commencing financing operations in March 2026, achieving BD 6.125 million in financing through 114 transactions. This initiative aims to support the growth and expansion of micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises, including those under the Musanada Programme, thereby enhancing their contribution to economic activity.
According to Bahrain News Agency, the results mark the first anniversary of the Fund's announcement at the 2025 Gateway Gulf Forum. The SME Fund is managed by BDB in collaboration with Bank of Bahrain and Kuwait (BBK), the National Bank of Bahrain (NBB), and Al Salam Bank, with support from the Labour Fund (Tamkeen). The partnership aims to improve access to finance for SMEs and support their growth and expansion.
Abdulla bin Adel Fakhro, Minister of Industry and Commerce and Chairman of the Advisory Board of the SME Fund, emphasized the strength of the partnership among financial institutions under the Team Bahrain framework. He highlighted the importance of building on national achievements to strengthen SMEs' role in economic development, prioritizing expanded access to finance to support their growth and sustainability. The Fund also aims to enhance the private sector's role as a key driver of economic growth and diversification, supporting the resilience and competitiveness of the national economy.
The financing distribution indicates that microenterprises accounted for 8% of total financing, small enterprises 69%, and medium-sized enterprises 23%. By economic sector, trading activities received 53% of total financing, services 32%, manufacturing 8%, transport and logistics 5%, and technology, media, and telecommunications 2%.
The SME Fund continues to prioritize sustainable development and economic inclusion, directing part of its portfolio towards projects with a sustainable impact. Approximately 18% of the Fund's portfolio is dedicated to sustainability and inclusive economic development, supporting women entrepreneurs and young people. The Fund's Musanada Programme, implemented with Tamkeen, accounted for 14% of the total financing transactions, addressing liquidity needs and ensuring business continuity.
Ghassan Abdulaal, Chairman of the Board of Directors of BDB, praised the Fund's achievements, noting its significance as a national initiative that strengthens economic activity. Dalal Al Qais, Group CEO of BDB, highlighted the effectiveness of the Fund's operating model and the considerable demand for financing solutions that enhance business expansion and investment capacity.
BDB remains committed to initiatives that bolster SME competitiveness and growth potential, working with national stakeholders to foster economic diversification and reinforce the private sector's role in Bahrain's sustainable development.