Chancen International wins Luxembourg Award for Inclusive Finance 2026
12 November 2026
Chancen International has received the prestigious €100,000 Luxembourg Award for Inclusive Finance 2026 (LAIF 2026) in recognition of its efforts in the field of youth-inclusive finance, the theme of this year’s competition.
At a ceremony hosted at the European Investment Bank (EIB) in Luxembourg, Laurence Hulin, Chairwoman of InFiNe and Chair of the LAIF 2026 High Jury, presented the award to Batya Blankers, CEO of Chancen International, representing the winning organisation.
The Luxembourg Award for Inclusive Finance, previously known as the European Microfinance Award, was established in 2005 by the Luxembourg Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs, Defence, Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade. Jointly organised by the Ministry, the European Microfinance Platform (e-MFP) and the Inclusive Finance Network Luxembourg (InFiNe), the Award recognises organisations that demonstrate exceptional innovation and commitment in advancing inclusive finance in a particular area. The theme for this year’s competition was “Unlocking Youth-Inclusive Finance”, highlighting the importance of expanding access to appropriate and affordable financial services for young people.
Young people represent a significant and growing share of the population in many developing economies, yet they continue to face considerable barriers to accessing financial services, employment opportunities and entrepreneurship support. They are often confronted with irregular or insecure incomes, limited assets and financial histories, and products that are not adapted to their needs. Financial inclusion can help young people navigate key transitions in education, employment, entrepreneurship and family life. In response, LAIF 2026 showcased organisations developing innovative financial and non-financial solutions that equip young people with the skills, financial capabilities and opportunities needed to build prosperous futures.
Chancen International was selected as the winner from among three finalists, following a competitive selection process that began in March and attracted 95 applications from 43 countries. The two other finalists were Fundación Paraguaya and iFarmer Ltd.
Chancen International is a nonprofit microfinance organisation established in 2018 and operating in Rwanda, Kenya, South Africa and Ghana. It serves underserved young people aged 18–35, particularly low-income and rural learners and young women facing barriers to financing post-secondary education. Its youth-inclusive approach centres on Income Share Agreements, which finance employment-aligned education without requiring upfront payment, collateral or guarantors. Repayments begin only once graduates earn above a defined income threshold, vary according to income and end after a fixed term. Chancen complements financing with financial literacy, career readiness, wellbeing support and links to employment opportunities, helping young people access education and make the transition into employment.
“This award belongs to more than 11,000 young people who trusted us with their future,” said Batya Blankers. “Financing young Africans’ futures is not charity. It is an investment that pays back.”
In a video address, Mr Xavier Bettel, Luxembourg Minister for Development Cooperation and Humanitarian Affairs, reaffirmed Luxembourg’s commitment to advancing inclusive finance and supporting initiatives that expand access to financial services and economic opportunities, particularly for those currently left behind by traditional financial systems. Highlighting the long-term impact of investing in younger generations, he stated:
“Investing in young people is investing in sustainable development, in social cohesion and long-term global stability.”
Welcoming guests and opening the ceremony, Mr Lionel Rapaille, Deputy Director General at the European Investment Bank, underlined the EIB’s longstanding commitment to the Award and its role in supporting inclusive finance:
“The youth has the future, but their present is very challenging indeed, especially in developing countries. Unlocking youth-inclusive finance can really make a difference for growth, stability and prosperity.”
The European Investment Bank has hosted every edition of the Award ceremony, witnessing two decades of innovation, recognition and progress in inclusive finance.
The 2026 ceremony also marked 20 years of the Award ceremony, celebrating two decades of recognising innovation and commitment in inclusive finance. Under the theme “20 Years, One Mission”, guests were invited to look back at the Award’s history through a special video interview with Her Royal Highness Grand Duchess Maria Teresa, reflecting on the Award’s evolution and its contribution to advancing financial inclusion worldwide.
The ceremony also welcomed RADIANT YACU, winner of the 2025 European Microfinance Award, for a special moment entitled “Full Circle”, reflecting on its journey since receiving the Award and the impact of its work.
Of the 95 initial applications for LAIF 2026, 35 organisations were invited to participate in the more comprehensive Round 2 evaluation. Following this assessment, 18 applicants from 15 countries were forwarded to an expert Selection Committee, including representatives of the Luxembourg Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs, Defence, Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade, and members of e-MFP and the Inclusive Finance Network Luxembourg (InFiNe). The Selection Committee chose ten semi-finalists, and among them the three finalists, with the eventual winner being selected by a High Jury.
Profiles of the two other finalists:
Fundación Paraguaya, from Paraguay, is a nonprofit microfinance organisation established in 1985, serving low-income and underserved communities, particularly women and rural households. Its youth-inclusive approach targets young people aged 15–30, with particular attention to low-income young women and rural youth. It combines microloans, education finance and village banking with financial and digital literacy, entrepreneurship, vocational training and coaching. A central element of its approach is the Poverty Stoplight, a multidimensional self-assessment methodology that enables participants to identify their own challenges and work with mentors to address them. Its youth-specific initiatives include student loans, youth committees, loans for young people without established credit histories, student-run enterprises and agricultural-school training.
iFarmer Ltd., from Bangladesh, is an agricultural fintech company established in 2019 and operating across 42 districts. It primarily serves rural smallholder farmers, with young farmers under 30 representing a substantial share of its client base. Its approach combines formal working-capital finance with agricultural inputs, advisory services, market access and support for climate-smart farming. Its “phygital” model brings together physical iFarmer Centres and community-based support with digital tools, including Folon for agricultural advisory services, Sofol for financial profiles and loan management, and Krishop for agricultural inputs.
For more information: inclusivefinanceaward.lu
Press contacts
For enquiries regarding applications:
e-MFP
T. +352 26 27 13
Award@e-mfp.eu
www.e-mfp.eu
For enquiries regarding the Award ceremony:
InFiNe (Inclusive Finance Network Luxembourg) a.s.b.l.
T. +352 28 37 15 09
contact@infine.lu
www.infine.lu
Contact:
Dounia Qamel
dounia.qamel@infine.lu