This report looks at financial inclusion in Kazakhstan and analyzes ways its fast-growing micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) can better access vital financing. With MSMEs accounting for a third of the country's gross domestic product, the report considers the myriad hurdles that prevent many small businesses from securing traditional bank credit. It explores Kazakhstan's burgeoning microfinance industry and advocates measures that could help business-focused lenders start to bridge the financing gap. It recommends expanding Kazakhstan's microfinance market and ensuring nontraditional lenders become more tech-savvy to help MSMEs access credit, create jobs, and drive economic growth.
