People · Opportunity · Afghanistan

Empowering ProgressThrough Ethical Finance

Rooted in Afghanistan. Built around you. Responsible, Shariah-compliant financing for the businesses, ideas and livelihoods that move our communities forward.

Saffron harvesting in Herat, Afghanistan. Photograph by Mustafa; not a LAMEN customer record.
Saffron harvest in Herat · Illustrative photograph
A meeting from LAMEN’s published activity archiveLAMEN in the field
Total employees
43
With the people. For the people.Discover our purpose
Established in Afghanistan2024
Branch locations5
Total customers442
Total portfolio
01 / The institution

Built to ExpandOpportunity

A shop with room to grow. A farm ready for a new season. A skill that could become a livelihood. Every ambition deserves to be heard.

Established in 2024, Lamen Microfinance Institution supports individuals and small businesses through responsible, Shariah-compliant financing.

Get to know Lamen
Agricultural life in Afghanistan. Photograph by Aryub Zazai; illustrative, not a LAMEN customer record.
AfghanistanWith the people. For the people.Agricultural life in Afghanistan. Photograph by Aryub Zazai; illustrative, not a LAMEN customer record.
Our mission & vision

What guides us
What we work towards

Our mission

Lamen’s mission is to provide Islamic, transparent, and responsible financial services to individuals (both male and female) and small businesses, so that through supporting entrepreneurship, strengthening economic self-reliance, and increasing financial inclusion, the lives of people and local communities are sustainably improved.

Our vision

To become a leading, trusted, and inspiring microfinance institution in Afghanistan that contributes to people's economic empowerment, poverty reduction, and building a sustainable and hopeful future through Islamic financial services.

Our values

Responsible finance, Islamic principles and local connection guide how we work.

02 / What we support

Big ideasEveryday possibilities

From a first business to a growing livelihood. Explore the areas our financing is designed to support.
Trade & small business
01 / 07Financing sector

Trade & small business

Handicrafts and home-based businesses; bakeries and bread-making businesses; butcher shops and poultry meat supply centers; small and medium enterprises; local shops and retail stores; food production and packaging.

  • Shops & retail
  • Local enterprise
  • Everyday business needs
Financing sectorTrade & small businessIllustrative imagery
Agriculture & rural livelihoods
02 / 07Financing sector

Agriculture & rural livelihoods

Horticulture and agricultural products; agriculture and livestock farming; beekeeping and honey production; fisheries and fish farming.

  • Farming
  • Livestock
  • Rural production
Financing sectorAgriculture & rural livelihoodsIllustrative imagery
Production & practical skills
03 / 07Financing sector

Production & practical skills

Construction materials and work tools; commercial motorcycles; tailoring and garment production; shoemaking and leather products; small manufacturing workshops; repair services for mobiles and vehicles; solar energy systems; vehicle purchase.

  • Workshops
  • Materials for production
  • Technical services
Financing sectorProduction & practical skillsIllustrative imagery
Technology & modern services
04 / 07Financing sector

Technology & modern services

Computers, laptops and office equipment; men’s barbering and grooming services; smartphones.

  • Technology tools
  • Connected livelihoods
  • Modern services
Financing sectorTechnology & modern servicesIllustrative imagery
Social & public services
05 / 07Financing sector

Social & public services

Education, training and skills development; wedding and essential ceremonial expenses; healthcare and medical services; emergency family financing.

  • Education
  • Health
  • Essential needs
Financing sectorSocial & public servicesIllustrative imagery
Special support programs
06 / 07Financing sector

Special support programs

Support for women entrepreneurs; support for young entrepreneurs; family livelihood improvement.

  • Women
  • Young entrepreneurs
  • Families
Financing sectorSpecial support programsIllustrative imagery
Homes & living standards
07 / 07Financing sector

Homes & living standards

Construction of toilets and improvement of sanitation facilities; water pumps, transportation and vehicles; cooling and heating equipment; home and shop renovation; drinking water systems; water storage tanks.

  • Water
  • Home renovation
  • Everyday essentials
Financing sectorHomes & living standardsIllustrative imagery
04 / Our presence

Different placesA shared purpose

Local conversations. Personal understanding. Find the Lamen team closest to you.
Established in Afghanistan2024
Branch locations5
Total customers442
Total portfolio
Explore our branches
Afghanistan05 branch locations
BadakhshanKunarNangarharKabulBaghlan
Branch provinceSelect a highlighted province

Map: Simplemaps · Province boundaries

Our partners

Working together. Moving forward

News & perspectives

Inside Lamen

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