ADB Signs $100 M Deal with Ameriabank to Boost Armenian MSMEs and Green Investment

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has signed a $100 million loan agreement with Ameriabank Closed Joint Stock Company (Ameriabank) aimed at expanding financing opportunities for micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) in Armenia, with a strong focus on women-led businesses and sustainable investment.

The agreement marks ADB’s largest private sector operation in Armenia to date and is expected to play a significant role in supporting economic growth, job creation, and climate resilience across the country.

Supporting Small Businesses and Women Entrepreneurs

ADB said the financing package will help MSMEs scale up operations, improve productivity, and adopt more sustainable business practices.

“This project will expand access to finance for MSMEs—especially women-owned enterprises—while supporting green investments in Armenia,” said ADB Armenia Country Director Lyaziza Sabyrova.

“By providing longer-term financing, we are helping businesses scale, create jobs, and strengthen resilience to climate-related risks,” she added.

Under the financing arrangement:

• Up to 75% of the funding will be allocated toward MSME lending

• At least 25% will support green finance initiatives

• A minimum of 10% will be specifically directed to women-owned MSMEs

The green finance component will support investments in areas such as renewable energy and energy efficiency, aligning with Armenia’s broader sustainability and climate goals.

Critical Role of MSMEs in Armenia’s Economy

The support comes at a time when MSMEs continue to play a central role in Armenia’s economy but still face challenges in securing affordable financing.

According to ADB, MSMEs account for nearly:

• 70% of total employment in Armenia

• More than 65% of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP)

Despite their importance, many small businesses continue to experience limited access to long-term capital, particularly for expansion and sustainability-focused investments.

The financing is expected to improve credit availability for businesses seeking to modernise operations, adopt cleaner technologies, and strengthen resilience in a changing economic environment.

Additional Technical Assistance Included

In addition to the loan, ADB will provide technical assistance of up to $125,000 to help strengthen Ameriabank’s institutional capabilities.

The assistance programme will focus on:

• Enhancing financial integrity systems

• Supporting sustainable finance frameworks

• Establishing a sustainability competence center within the bank

The initiative is intended to improve Ameriabank’s ability to deliver sustainable finance products and strengthen environmental, social, and governance (ESG) practices.

Ameriabank’s Role in Sustainable Finance

Ameriabank is Armenia’s largest lender and has established a strong presence in both MSME financing and sustainable banking initiatives.

The bank has increasingly focused on supporting entrepreneurship, innovation, and environmentally sustainable projects as Armenia works to diversify and modernise its economy.

The new partnership with ADB is expected to further strengthen the country’s private sector financing ecosystem while supporting inclusive economic growth and climate resilience initiatives.