EBRD provides $200m loan to Turkey retailer for green initiatives

The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) is granting a $200 million A/B loan to A101, one of Turkey’s largest discount retailers, to advance its green initiatives. The EBRD will directly provide $100 million, while the remaining $100 million will be syndicated to commercial lenders, including the Green for Growth Fund.

A101 plans to use the loan to open new stores, refurbish existing outlets with energy-efficient measures, and install solar panels for internal energy use. The initiative will help A101, Turkey’s largest retail chain with over 13,600 stores, reduce its energy consumption and carbon footprint.

Additionally, A101 will launch training programs for retail workers, focusing on boosting skills in earthquake-affected regions and increasing female workforce participation. Sixty percent of new recruits in the training will be women, aiming to promote gender diversity and economic empowerment.

EBRD’s Regional Head for Food and Agribusiness, Wojtek Boniaszczuk, praised the partnership for its focus on sustainability and workforce development in Turkey’s retail sector.