Microloan portfolio rises 3% in first quarter

The volume of microcredit lending in Azerbaijan posted moderate growth in the first quarter of 2026, reaching 3.676 billion manats.

According to the Central Bank of Azerbaijan, the figure rose 3% from the start of the year. The first-quarter trend remained relatively subdued, as is typical for the period. A year earlier, the microloan portfolio had declined 1% in the same period. In the following quarters of 2025, growth was recorded at 4%, 7%, 4% and 3%, respectively.

The breakdown by segment showed uneven dynamics. Lending to small businesses rose 1% to 1.732 billion manats. Loans to medium-sized businesses increased 0.17% to 2.293 billion manats. At the same time, lending to large businesses fell 0.42% to 8.514 billion manats.