Greater access to financial services promotes social stability, stimulates economic growth and employment, and stabilises the financial system. Yet, only a very limited number of people and businesses in the Middle East and North Africa have access to adequate formal financial services. Microfinance is a means to advance financial inclusion. Strategic public and private efforts, progressive policies, laws and regulations, and an efficient financial infrastructure are needed to ensure the sector’s stability and outreach to the unbanked. This programme aims to improve the framework conditions for financial inclusion of the low-income population to promote sustainable and inclusive growth.