Based in Ramallah, ACAD, the Arab Center for Agricultural Development, over the years has expanded to cover the entire West Bank and Gaza Strip and has managed to evolve from a purely agricultural institution to a diversified micro credit company.
In 2014, ACAD Finance, a regulated specialized lending institution was created. ACAD Finance is a shareholding company with capital of US$ 5.35 million; ACAD NGO holds the largest share (56%), with 4 international investors, SIDI (F), Grameen-Credit-Agricole Foundation (F), European Investment Bank, and Triple Jump (NL).
ACAD Finance has 9 branches in the West Bank and Gaza Strip.
In 2014, ACAD granted 1,332 loans with a total amount of US $ 4.5 million. By the end of 2015, the lending portfolio amounted to US $ 5.6 million.
The commercial sector got 52% of the granted loans, followed by the agricultural sector which is 32%. Also,55% of the portfolio is located in rural areas and 15% in refugee camps. It is important to note that 65% of ACAD’s clients are women.
