ESCWA Publication: E/ESCWA/CL5.SDGS/2025/1
Country: Arab region, Global, Arab Republic of Egypt, Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, Lebanese Republic, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Republic of Tunisia
Publication Type: Flagship publications
Cluster: 2030 Agenda and SDG Coordination
Focus Area: 2030 Agenda
Initiatives: Reducing inequalities, Monitoring Sustainable Development Goal Data, Arab Forum for Sustainable Development, Voluntary reporting on the 2030 Agenda, Partnerships for Agenda 2030
SDGs: Agenda 2030
Keywords: Arab countries, Digital technology, Egypt, Financial institutions, Financial policy, Financial services, Financial statistics, Gender discrimination, Jordan, Lebanon, Malaysia, Microcredit, Persons with disabilities, Policy making, Saudi arabia, Small and medium enterprises, Sustainable development, Tunisia, Financial inclusion
Annual SDG Review 2025: Financial Inclusion in the Arab Region
April 2025
The Annual SDG Review 2025, the fourth in the series, explores the state of financial inclusion in the Arab region through the lens of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the principles of the 2030 Agenda, which include leaving no one behind, gender equality and an all-of-society approach. The review focuses on three underserved segments – women, persons with disabilities and micro, small and medium-sized enterprises – while underscoring the importance of financial literacy and digital technologies as levers for financial inclusion. It combines statistical analysis with an examination of policy frameworks and the role of financial institutions. To identify policy trends, the review examines national financial inclusion strategies, central bank circulars, and other regulatory instruments adopted by States in the Arab region. It also examines reports from the largest banks in the region to illustrate trends in financial inclusion efforts.
Related content
2030 Agenda
The Annual SDG Review 2025, the fourth in the series, explores the state of financial inclusion in the Arab region through the lens of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the principles of the 2030 Agenda, which include leaving no one behind, gender equality and an all-of-society approach. The review focuses on three underserved segments – women, persons with disabilities and micro, small and medium-sized enterprises – while underscoring the importance of financial literacy and digital technologies as levers for financial inclusion. It combines statistical analysis with an examination of policy frameworks and the role of financial institutions. To identify policy trends, the review examines national financial inclusion strategies, central bank circulars, and other regulatory instruments adopted by States in the Arab region. It also examines reports from the largest banks in the region to illustrate trends in financial inclusion efforts.
