USAID launches rural finance scheme, empowering Guatemalan economy.

USAID has announced an investment of over $6 million to launch a rural financial inclusion program in Guatemala as part of the Biden-Harris Administration’s Root Causes Strategy. The program aims to increase employment and improve living conditions in rural areas by enhancing financial literacy, establishing partnerships with financial institutions, and helping underserved populations access formal financial services. It will also encourage investment in the agriculture sector to improve food security and resilience. The program is part of a larger $72.5 million investment over three years in Guatemala through the U.S. government’s Feed the Future initiative. USAID will work to expand access to financial services, increase savings rates, and empower micro, small, and medium enterprises and farmers to access and manage credit. The program will specifically target vulnerable or underserved populations, including women, youth, and indigenous communities. By improving financial access and promoting climate-smart agricultural practices, the program will contribute to economic development efforts in Guatemala.