Desjardins International Development: Leader in inclusive finance
For the last 50 years, we’ve been promoting the economic empowerment of vulnerable populations in developing countries. Our activities foster financial inclusion and sustainability.

Desjardins International Development (DID) is an international development organization based in Canada that helps people take control of their finances and leverage available tools and resources.
Access to diversified and secure financial services is essential to development and improved living conditions. That’s why all of our work is focused on inclusive finance and financial education.
Who we are
We specialize in creating sustainable economic opportunities
Making sure farmers have the tools they need
We encourage the adoption of more productive agricultural techniques that protect the environment. Increasing farmland yield promotes food security.
Supporting entrepreneurs
We support the growth of businesses, since prosperity drives job creation and boosts the local economy.
Helping young people take their place
We equip young people with the knowledge and tools to enhance their economic power, ensure their digital inclusion and realize their projects.
Empowering women and promoting gender equality
We provide women with knowledge to develop their potential and leadership. Education is crucial to eliminating poverty.
Our approach: Work with local populations
Our initiatives to fulfil our mission fall into 2 main categories: technical assistance and impact investing.
Technical assistance
- Help financial institutions of all sizes find solutions to their problems
- Educate the customers of these institutions so they're able to make better use of available services and control their finances
- Help governments adopt policies based on the needs of their populations
Impact investing
- Investments to support the performance, growth and good governance of inclusive finance institutions selected for their strong potential
- CAN$59 million invested over the past 25 years to support 35 institutions and improve access to financial services for millions of families
- CAN$50 million Aequitas fund to stimulate post-pandemic economic recovery and meet sustainable development objectives
The strength of our partnerships is our hallmark
When we join forces, we can carry out projects that have a major and lasting impact on communities facing financial empowerment challenges.
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50 years promoting the economic empowerment of vulnerable populations
Nearly 700 projects completed
Projects launched in 65 countries on 4 continents
Carbon neutral since 2017
Initiatives that make a difference
We work with our partners to share our microfinance expertise, adapting Desjardins Group’s experience and know-how to local realities. Our cooperative strength has a worldwide impact through:
- Missions to help farmers, young people, women and entrepreneurs
- Active partnerships in 30 countries on 4 continents
- Proxfin: An international discussion and exchange network focused on inclusive finance
I used to think of savings as a luxury that only the rich could afford. Now, saving is a habit for me. I have a better understanding of how credit works and how to make better use of it, especially to develop my business.
A team with a global outlook
Our team is made up of more than 100 experienced people with in-depth knowledge of financial inclusion. They use their open minds and energy to build connections and make a real difference in our beneficiary countries.
Help us help others
The partnership with DID is above all a human adventure built on friendship, closeness, and passion between "people from the North" and "people from the South" around an idea of strength: the ability of the population to take charge of their own lives by putting local savings to good use.
Our news
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Topic: International development Helping Haitian micro and small businesses bounce back August 29, 2023
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Topic: International development Tackling and adapting to the climate crisis through inclusive finance May 5, 2023
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Topic: International development A better future for beninese men and women April 11, 2023
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Topic: International development 6 ways economic empowerment contributes to health April 6, 2023
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