Manama: On the sidelines of the Gateway Gulf Investment Forum, the Bahrain Labour Fund (Tamkeen) and the Mastercard Centre for Inclusive Growth announced the launch of the first Mastercard Strive Programme in Bahrain. This marks the introduction of a global small business programme aimed at enhancing financial and digital readiness among Bahraini small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), with the goal of improving operational efficiency and ensuring business sustainability and growth.
According to Bahrain News Agency, this collaboration is designed to support the growth of SMEs by promoting the adoption of digital tools and technologies. Such advancements are expected to aid businesses in expanding their operations, reaching new markets, and securing long-term sustainability. The programme is aligned with Tamkeen's strategic priorities for 2025, which focus on enhancing Bahraini competitiveness in the private sector, equipping the workforce with essential skills, and prioritizing enterprise growth, digitization, and sustainability.
Maha Abdulhameed Mofeez, Tamkeen's Chief Executive, emphasized the partnership's role in bolstering Bahrain's SME ecosystem, a critical driver of the national economy and a source of job creation for local talent. She highlighted that the Mastercard Strive Programme aims to provide tailored solutions for SMEs to access necessary resources, maintain operations, and contribute significantly to economic growth.
Saud Swar, Senior Vice President and Country Manager for Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Jordan, and the Levant at Mastercard, reiterated the importance of leveraging innovative financial and digital solutions to empower SMEs across various sectors. He noted the success of Mastercard Strive in other markets and expressed confidence that, through collaboration with Tamkeen and Bahrain, the programme would enhance the efficiency and productivity of Bahraini small businesses, helping them achieve their growth objectives.
Since its inception in 2020, the Mastercard Strive programme has reached millions of small businesses worldwide, offering digital solutions, access to capital, networks, and expertise. By 2024, it had extended its reach to over 19 million micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises globally.
This significant announcement took place during the 3rd Gateway Gulf Investment Forum, hosted by the Kingdom and attended by senior executives, government officials, and business leaders from around the globe.