Relief International (RI), founded in 1990, is a non-profit non-sectarian agency that provides emergency relief, rehabilitation, development assistance, and program services to vulnerable communities worldwide. RI aligns its core mission to bridge emergency relief with long-term development though sustainable, enterprise-oriented solutions. As of 2011, RI operates in 23 countries throughout the Middle East, the Americas, Asia and Africa providing emergency relief, rehabilitation, development assistance, and program services. RI focuses on initiatives in health and sanitation, food and agriculture, education and empowerment, livelihoods and enterprise, shelter and infrastructure, and protection and human rights.

 

Relief International merged with EnterpriseWorks in July, 2009, bringing together expertise that contributes to the capacity of RI-Microfinance to impact social and economic development. Together, RI and EnterpriseWorks combat poverty through economic development programs based on sustainable, enterprise-oriented solutions. For 50 years, EnterpriseWorks has worked in more than 60 countries of Africa, Asia, and Latin America to promote sustainable, enterprise-oriented solutions to problems facing micro, small, and medium-scale enterprises.

 

Relief International Microfinance in Iraq, began in July 2006. As of June 2011, RI-International Microfinance in Iraq holds a $9.3 million microfinance portfolio serving over 9,700 clients, 34% of whom are women, carrying an average loan size of $959 to conduct business, agribusiness, and home improvements. Through a ten-branch network, RI sustainably reaches low income sections of Iraqi society through smaller-than-average microfinance loans, with one of the largest group loan programs in Iraq, and one of the highest proportions of female clients. Loans are primarily for businesses engaged in services, trade and production as well as in agribusiness. RI also offers loans for home improvement. The purpose of RI-Microfinance in Iraq is to extend access to quality, responsive, and sustainable financial services for micro, small and medium enterprises. RI-Microfinance in Iraq strives to be an integral partner in socio-economic development by supporting the growth of existing businesses, the development of youth entrepreneurs and the upgrading of housing. RI structures its loans to facilitate the client’s growth, as well as to manage and plan for additional growth.

 

The successful performance and impact of RI-Microfinance in Iraq is attributed to RI and EnterpriseWorks’ extensive operational experience with development finance in challenging urban, rural, and post-conflict environments. Together RI and EnterpriseWorks have established and supported thriving microfinance institutions. Some of the better known institutions include Al Amana in Morocco, PADME in Benin, Pride Finance in Guinea and MADAD in Azerbaijan. RI and EnterpriseWorks currently manage loan funds in eight developing countries worldwide, primarily in the Middle East and South Asia.