Empowering rural Laos through financial inclusion, technical support and expertise: Bringing Hope to underserved villages

This story marks the 70th anniversary of establishment of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party, the 50th anniversary of the
founding of the Lao PDR and 105 years of the birthday of President Kaysone Phomvihane this year.

For more than 20 years, the TACDO (Training and Consulting for Development) Consulting Centre has partnered with private and public sector institutions to advance sustainable development in Laos.
Its expertise and collaborative approach have played a pivotal role in supporting public and private sector-led initiatives and fostering long-term impact across sectors. These efforts have established TACDO as a trusted partner in building an inclusive and resilient economy while promoting sustainable and equitable opportunities for underserved populations.
In a bid to foster economic self-reliance and sustainability, TACDO Consulting Centre recently stepped up its focus on providing technical and project management support to improve financial inclusion in rural villages across Laos.

Through its innovative project management approach for a financial inclusion programme, TACDO has worked with village-level financial service providers to provide much needed basic financial services and essential support to help villagers start and grow their own businesses, transforming lives and communities in the process.
Since 2024, TACDO has provided lead support for a financial inclusion effort covering three provinces that has impacted more than 48,000 villagers. It has also, over the years, supported a number of microfinance institutions (MFIs) in aspects of business planning to improve their strategic directions.
Bridging the financial gap in rural Laos
Rural communities in Laos often face significant barriers to accessing financial services. Limited infrastructure, low income levels and a lack of collateral make it nearly impossible for villagers to secure loans from traditional banks. Recognising this challenge, the TACDO Consulting Centre has stepped up its collaboration with its partners to provide a lifeline to these underserved populations.
These include programmes focusing on empowering individuals, particularly women, who are often the primary caregivers and economic contributors in their households. By having access to appropriate financial services, villagers are able to invest in income-generating activities such as farming, handicrafts, small-scale trading and livestock rearing.

The founder and CEO of TACDO, Mr Khamphat Boulom.	Mr Seephone Inthakone, one of the field officers, takes a selfie while on a field visit to one of the TACDO-supported projects.
Mrs Chansouk Yommala.

Overcoming challenges in the field
TACDO’s experience working in rural Laos presents unique challenges, especially in supporting financial inclusion in rural areas. Many villages are located in remote areas with poor road infrastructure, making travel difficult and time-consuming. Team members often spend hours navigating rough terrain to reach beneficiaries, sometimes even travelling by foot or boat.
Mr Seephone Inthakone, a field officer in one of the financial inclusion activities supported by TACDO, said: “Reaching these villages is no easy task but seeing the impact of our work makes it all worth it.
“The smiles on the faces of the villagers keep us going.”
In addition to logistical challenges, the team faces cultural and language barriers. Building trust within communities takes time, and the team must work closely with local leaders to ensure the programme is understood and accepted. Despite these hurdles, the team’s dedication and perseverance have enabled them to make significant strides in empowering rural communities.
A hands-on approach to empowerment
What sets apart the TACDO Consulting Centre’s initiative in working for financial inclusion is its hands-on approach. TACDO’s field team doesn’t just support villagers to access financial services, they also offer training and mentorship to ensure the success of partners. From basic financial literacy to business management skills, the programme equips villagers with tools needed to thrive.
The CEO and founder of TACDO, Mr Khamphat Boulom, said: “We don’t just work with villages and walk away but we collaborate closely with the villagers, providing guidance and support every step of the way.
“Our goal is to create sustainable change, not just temporary relief.”
Mr Khamphat is one of the experts that have worked with international donors who supported the early development of the microfinance sector toward market-driven directions.
Stories of transformation
The impact of TACDO’s work in supporting financial inclusion is already being felt in villages where it cooperates with partners. In Kang village of Pha-oudom district, Bokeo province, Mrs Chansouk Yommala, a mother of four, used her loan accessed from a village-level financial service provider to purchase seeds and fertilisers for her farm.
With an increased yield, she has been able to feed her family and sell surplus produce at the local market, earning a steady income for the first time.
Mr Viengphone Keomany, a resident of Khare village in Paktha district, Bokeo province, said: “Earlier, I struggled to provide for my children and now, I have hope for the future. My children can go to school, and we have enough food to eat.”
Collaborating for greater impact
Over the years, the successes of the financial inclusion activities that TACDO supports have been a result of strong collaboration with its partners – the financial service providers, local governments, project implementors and community leaders. These partnerships ensure that the programme reaches those who need it most and aligns with the broader development goals of Laos.
The Deputy Governor of Borikhan district in Borikhamxay province, Mr Thongbay Thongsay, said, “Financial inclusion is key to reducing poverty and achieving sustainable development.
“We are proud to work with TACDO Consulting Centre’s supporting efforts aimed at empowering our rural communities.”
Expanding the reach
Buoyed by its recent performance, the TACDO Consulting Centre plans to work with partners focused on supporting activities aimed at achieving inclusive and sustainable initiatives in the coming years. TACDO’s team is also exploring additional support mechanisms, such as advanced business training, to enhance the impact of their work.
A brighter future for rural Laos
Through its dedication and innovative approach, the TACDO Consulting Centre’s work to support inclusion and sustainability is not only transforming individual lives but also building stronger, more resilient communities. Its work is a testament to the power of financial inclusion and the potential of rural communities to thrive when given the right tools and opportunities.
As Laos commemorates significant milestones – the 70th anniversary of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party, the 50th anniversary of the establishment of the Lao PDR, and the 105th birth anniversary of the late President Kaysone Phomvihane – TACDO proudly salutes these historic occasions. These anniversaries serve as a powerful reminder of the nation’s progress and resilience. TACDO remains committed to contributing to Laos’ development journey, fostering economic empowerment, and supporting sustainable growth in honour of these remarkable legacies.
For more information about the TACDO Consulting Center and its microcredit initiative, visit www.tacdocenter.com or contact: PO Box: 7382, Donepamai Village, Sisattanak district, Vientiane, Laos.
Tel: +856 20 5866 3646

By Bounfaeng/TACDO
 (Latest Update March 24, 2025)