Aida owns a fitness and beauty center, which is professionally registered and licensed.

“I started my business in 2016, and until recently, I used a cash payment system. It took a lot of time and effort to calculate the expenses and the profits at the end of each month.

When I heard about a new electronic payment method, I hesitated to use it because I didn’t have enough knowledge about the whole process.

I received an invitation to attend a training regarding financial literacy promoting the usage of electronic payment systems and credit cards held by Near East Foundation for business financial transactions.

Having attended the training, I now use only electronic transactions with my business. I’m looking forward to seeing this process applied everywhere as it is considered to be easier and safer. I’m using electronic transactions with my customers, and I have applied to purchase a Point of Sale, POS, and device. I am waiting to receive it so I can use it with all my transactions.”

*name has been changed to maintain confidentiality

Near East Foundation’s latest project in Iraq, Financial Literacy Support for MSMEs, was funded by the German Government and implemented by GIZ Iraq in partnership with NEF. It provided training to 1,900 entrepreneurs in the Basra and Anbar governorates, with 80% of participants being women.