Oman Development Bank (ODB) has surpassed OMR 100 million ($259 million) in micro-project financing by the end of September 2025, supporting over 20,000 small-scale ventures across the Sultanate’s production and service sectors.
This milestone highlights ODB’s pivotal role in advancing balanced regional development and translating the government’s financial and economic empowerment policies—led by the Ministry of Finance—into tangible results.
Empowering Citizens and Advancing Vision 2040
The initiative underscores ODB’s commitment to empowering individuals and families through self-employment, while contributing to the goals of Oman Vision 2040, which positions citizens at the heart of national development.
The Ministry of Finance has been instrumental in establishing the Development Bank as a national financing institution dedicated to supporting productive and service-based projects. Acting as the executive arm of Oman’s economic empowerment policies, the ministry ensures equitable financing across all governorates and covers interest costs for projects operated by individual entrepreneurs.
Key Sectors Driving Growth
The bank’s lending portfolio spans several key sectors:
- Fisheries: 8,761 loans worth OMR 38.5 million ($99.6 million) — the largest share of financing.
- Agriculture and Livestock: 3,805 loans, accounting for 19% of total funding.
- Handicrafts: 2,898 loans, representing 10% of total financing.
These sectors are central to national food security and reflect Oman’s enduring cultural and economic heritage—particularly vital to rural and coastal communities where traditional professions continue to sustain livelihoods.
Fostering Startups and Innovation
ODB remains focused on supporting startups and early-stage projects, recognizing that many of Oman’s leading enterprises began as small ventures that succeeded through early access to finance.
This approach aligns with the government’s broader goal of promoting innovation, self-employment, and inclusive economic growth across the Sultanate.
