Al Barid Bank has been honored at the WSBI-ESBG SDG Awards 2026 for its work on the financial inclusion of rural women. Al-Amine Nejjar, chairman of its management board, received the “Excellence in Inclusive Banking & Social Impact” distinction on October 28 in Lima, Peru, , the bank said in a statement.
According to the statement, the presentation took place during the statutory meetings of the World Savings and Retail Banking Institute (WSBI) on October 27 and 28, while the award announcement was made at the SDG Awards held on October 16 in Bangkok. It recognizes the project “Mobile Banking for Rural Women’s Financial Empowerment”, run with the National Union of Moroccan Women (UNFM), which aims to promote financial inclusion and support the economic empowerment of rural women.
The bank says access to financial services helps women manage their resources and develop their projects. In rural areas, it adds, this requires attention to the proximity of services, their adaptation to beneficiaries’ needs and support for how they are used.
The WSBI-ESBG SDG Awards recognize initiatives by members of the World Savings and Retail Banking Institute and the European Savings and Retail Banking Group that contribute to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
The bank notes that the distinction continues a run of recognition from 2025, when it was rewarded for two projects: its SoftPOS service, which makes it easier for merchants to accept electronic payments, and a financial education program for artisans. For the second consecutive year, its initiatives have therefore been recognized at the SDG Awards.
