Blog

29 Million Lives Transformed: A Milestone In Ending Poverty

In 2016, we set an ambitious goal: to reach 25 million people by 2025. Today, we are proud to share that we have not only met that goal but surpassed it—directly impacting 29 million lives. This achievement is more than just a number; it represents futures rewritten, hope rekindled, and communities uplifted.

At Grameen Foundation, we believe in Investing in HER Power—because when women thrive, entire families and economies do, too. This belief has fueled our impact in 2024, and we are just getting started.

Read our 2024 Impact Brief here.

Scaling Agents Of Change

One of our most powerful strategies for financial inclusion is scaling female mobile agent networks. These women serve as essential links between financial services and communities, addressing key barriers such as:

• Lack of identification and access to banking
• Distance to financial institutions
• Distrust in financial services

By engaging 635,000 mobile agents, we have expanded access to financial services, reaching 55 million households across 17 countries.

The impact is profound: these agents not only help others gain financial independence but also see an income increase of 20-70%, lifting them over the poverty line.

Real Stories, Real Impact

Meet Yahaya, a former school teacher from Northern Ghana. After losing her job, she struggled to provide for her family. Seeking a solution, she became a Grameen Community Agent, offering mobile banking services and financial guidance in her community.

Her new role has transformed her life:

• She now earns a stable income
• Village elders seek her advice, recognizing her expertise
• Her husband, once unemployed, now supports her business

Yahaya’s journey is a testament to the power of investing in women and their families.

What’s Next? Our Vision For 2025-2030

While we celebrate our success, we remain focused on the future. Over the next five years, we aim to move 10 million women and their families out of poverty forever through our Invest In HER Power strategy. Our key priorities include:

• Expanding our work to lift 10 million women and their families permanently out of poverty
• InvestHER: Boosting sustainable income for 3 million women entrepreneurs
• TogetHER, We Grow: Enhancing climate resilience for 3 million women farmers
• AccelHERate: Creating pathways for young women in mobile financial services
• Program SAFE: Protecting women and vulnerable communities from financial abuse
• GAIT Lab: Using AI and technology to drive women’s economic growth

Join Us In Creating Lasting Change

This milestone belongs to all of us - our partners, donors, volunteers, and most importantly, the women and families we support. Together, we can build a world without poverty.

Join us in making the next decade even more transformative.