CELEBRATION OF THE 30TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE MAIN NETWORK: THREE DECADES AT THE SERVICE OF INCLUSIVE FINANCE IN AFRICA.

On May 16, 2025, Cotonou, the economic capital of Benin, hosted the official launch ceremony for the 30th anniversary celebrations of the African Microfinance Institutions Network (MAIN). This major event on a continental scale marks a decisive step in the history of a network that has been committed to inclusive finance for economic and social development in Africa for thirty years.

Founded in 1995 in Abidjan, MAIN is a non-profit association that now brings together 141 members in 28 countries. These members, drawn from a diverse range of microfinance stakeholders (institutions, cooperatives, NGOs, banks, research centers, etc.), collectively serve more than 16 million beneficiaries. Over the past 30 years, the network has established itself as a key platform for training, cooperation, and innovation to strengthen the sector’s technical and institutional capacities.

The opening ceremony was held under the auspices of Ms. Véronique Tognifodé, Minister of Social Affairs and Microfinance of Benin. In her speech, she expressed her country’s pride in hosting such a celebration, highlighting the progress made in Benin and the structural reforms in regulating the sector. She emphasized the importance of a network like MAIN in supporting states in consolidating their financial inclusion policies.

In the welcoming address delivered to the President of the Professional Association of Decentralized Financial Systems of Benin (APSFD-Benin), Ms. Valentine Huguette ADOUKONOU, she welcomed the presence of participants from diverse backgrounds, while highlighting the major challenges facing the sector, including climate risks, precariousness and insecurity. She also expressed the hope that the National Microfinance Week would be a space for fruitful exchanges, concrete commitment and collective mobilization in the service of the development of our sector and the well-being of our populations.

For Mr. Yombo ODANOU, Chairman of the Board of Directors of MAIN, the acceptance by the senior Beninese authorities to offer their hospitality to host this ceremony launching MAIN’s 30th anniversary in a pioneering country, a bearer of innovation and resilience in the microfinance sector, gives our commemoration a special sparkle. This is a recognition of the progress made, but also a renewed call to build together the foundations of a future where microfinance will be ever more impactful, fair, and humanly dignified.

Alongside the Minister, several international delegations were present. These included representatives from Togo, Morocco, Kenya, Burundi, and Uganda. Also noteworthy was the level of mobilization of MAIN members from Benin, as well as the sector’s technical and financial partners, who traveled to support the event. This mobilization demonstrates the recognition of MAIN’s role in structuring the microfinance sector on a continental scale.

This launch ceremony for MAIN’s 30th anniversary was also an opportunity for MAIN’s Executive Director, Mr. Mohamed ATTANDA, to give a detailed presentation of the network (mission, activities, results obtained, challenges & perspectives, partners, etc.). Today, MAIN has to its credit the organization of 13 international conferences, 47 university program sessions, 91 thematic training courses, 19 exchange visits between practitioners, and 11 scientific publications serving the professionalization of the sector. Through these activities, more than 4,200 practitioners have been trained, contributing to strengthening the resilience and performance of member institutions.

This celebration also laid the foundation for future prospects. The network aims to strengthen its hybrid training programs, develop training courses on specific themes, and expand its South-South partnerships. It is also committed to supporting rural institutions in crisis areas to ensure sustainable access to appropriate financial services.

Furthermore, the celebration of MAIN’s 30th anniversary is part of the momentum of the National Microfinance Week, scheduled for September 22-26, 2025 in Cotonou. This strategic meeting will be an opportunity to bring together stakeholders to discuss transformations in the sector and co-construct solutions to current challenges: access to energy, the development of green products, climate-smart agriculture, climate-related security issues, etc.

To review the highlights of this celebration, you can watch an excerpt from the official video of the event: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VC-wYbsDywc

GREEN REAL ESTATE LOAN IN AFRICA: A DOUBLY BENEFICIAL OPPORTUNITY FOR MFIS AND THEIR CLIENTS

In Africa, demographic pressure and accelerated urbanization are deeply transforming urban dynamics. The continent will need to accommodate nearly 2.4 billion inhabitants by 2050[1], a huge challenge in terms of housing, infrastructure and sustainability. However, this growth is all too often characterized by precarious, energy-inefficient, poorly planned and environmentally unwise construction. Faced with this situation, the housing sector represents not only a challenge, but also a tremendous opportunity to reinvent financing and construction models. This is where microfinance institutions (MFIs) can play a decisive role, by integrating into their offerings a tool that is still under-used but has immense strategic potential: green real estate loan.

Green real estate loan, or ecological real estate loans, refer to financing intended to support real estate projects that incorporate clear environmental criteria, whether these are new sustainable constructions, energy renovations or the integration of renewable energy equipment.[2]This type of loan meets a dual imperative: improving access to decent and resilient housing for populations, while actively contributing to the ecological transition of the continent. 

For African MFIs, the risks are high. Offering green real estate loans represents a real opportunity to diversify their product portfolios, allowing them to target a new clientele: young urban dwellers, female heads of household, and families concerned about their health and energy costs. By integrating ecological criteria into their loan offerings, MFIs can attract these profiles, who are increasingly sensitive to environmental issues. Beyond expanding the customer base, this approach also helps strengthen customer loyalty by supporting households in projects with high added value—economic, social, and environmental.

Strategically, MFIs that engage in this approach will also benefit from a better brand image. By positioning themselves as players in sustainable finance, they will gain visibility and appeal to international donors, impact investors, and public and private partners committed to the fight against climate change. In a global context where ESG (Environment, Social, Governance) criteria are becoming increasingly important, institutions that align their actions with these values are opening up access to new sources of financing, such as green bonds, climate funds, or specialized credit lines such as those offered by the Green Climate Fund or the French Development Agency.[3].

The environmental impact of these loans is also far from negligible. By financing the construction of green buildings (using local materials such as stabilized earth, bioclimatic techniques, and solar equipment), or the energy renovation of existing homes, MFIs indirectly reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Indeed, the construction sector is responsible for nearly 37% of global CO₂ emissions.[4]In Africa, where 60% of urban housing is still informal[5], the potential impact is immense. Initiatives like Kubik in Ethiopia show that it is possible to combine sustainable construction and affordability, while creating local green employment sectors.

But how can MFIs concretely integrate green real estate lending into their strategy? First of all, this requires the development of suitable financial products, with longer repayment periods, subsidized interest rates and climate micro-insurance mechanisms. It is also essential to train staff in ecological criteria and develop simple advisory tools for clients to support them in planning and optimizing their projects.

Creating strategic partnerships is another essential lever. By collaborating with sustainable construction experts, specialized NGOs, or green technology providers, MFIs can not only access valuable technical expertise but also facilitate their clients’ access to the most suitable and cost-effective solutions.

Certainly, challenges exist: higher initial costs, lack of awareness of green technologies, and a lack of clear standards. But they are not insolvable. Governments can play a catalytic role by creating incentive mechanisms (subsidies, tax breaks, green loan guarantees), while MFIs, through their proximity to communities, can raise awareness, train, and build resilient territorial ecosystems. In this way, they are not just offering loan: they are supporting a true paradigm shift in African housing.

In conclusion, green real estate lending is neither a utopia nor a luxury. It is a pragmatic, strategic, and deeply ethical lever. By adopting it, African MFIs have a unique opportunity to reconcile financial inclusion, social justice, and ecological transition. They can become pioneers of a more sustainable, more resilient development model, better suited to the challenges of the 21st century.

Now is the time to take action – for communities, for the planet, and for the future of inclusive & social finance in Africa.

DEVELOPING GREEN LOANS: AN OPPORTUNITY FOR AFRICAN MFIS

Microfinance Institutions (MFIs) are called upon to innovate in the face of growing challenges linked to poverty, limited access to essential services and the effects of climate change. The experience of ADA and REDCAMIF in Central America between 2018 and 2021 demonstrates that it is possible to develop green financial products that address these challenges in a concrete and inclusive manner.

This program, implemented with the support of 18 MFIs spread across Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, Panama, Costa Rica, and the Dominican Republic, has created a green loan offering for low-income populations. Its objective: to improve their quality of life while supporting the ecological transition of the regions.

More than 2,400 customers have benefited from these green loans, in areas ranging from access to solar energy to sanitation, sustainable agriculture, ecotourism and even ecological housing.

Green products with many faces

In total, six major categories of green credits have been developed by the supported MFIs:

• Credit for access to solar energy: installation of solar panels to produce electricity or hot water;
• Water and Sanitation (WASH) Credit: connection to the network, construction of sanitary facilities, installation of rainwater collection systems or organic waste treatment;
• Green housing credit: energy renovation of housing for greater comfort and less expense;
• Credit for sustainable agriculture and livestock: improving agricultural practices to cope with climate change (water management, reproduction, waste management);
• Credit for sustainable family farming: support for small breeders through environmentally friendly silvopastoral techniques;
• Credit for ecotourism: construction or renovation of sustainable tourist infrastructure in areas with high local potential.

A customer-centric approach: a key success factor

The program’s success also stems from the methodology used: “Customer Centricity.” This approach places the needs and constraints of beneficiaries at the center of the product design process. It also incorporates feedback from employees, partners, suppliers, and communities to develop products that are truly adapted to the field and have a strong social impact.

This participative process, inclusive and results-oriented approach is essential to ensure massive and sustainable adoption of green products, particularly among vulnerable populations.

Read the article: ADA

How about Africa? An emerging green market

As Africa faces major environmental challenges – desertification, water stress, food insecurity, rapid urbanization – the development of green financial products represents a strategic opportunity for the continent’s MFIs.

However, according to recent estimates, only 10 to 15% of African MFIs currently offer specifically green products.[6] This rate is still low, despite encouraging market trends.

In partnership with African MFIs, MAIN promotes the emergence of green finance. MAIN believes that African MFIs can play a central role in the inclusive ecological transition. They are close to communities, understand their realities, and have the capacity to innovate in direct response to their needs.

MAIN stands ready to support member institutions wishing to launch or strengthen their green finance strategy. This includes:

• strengthening the capacities of technical and operational teams,
• support for the design of green products adapted to local realities,
• sharing successful experiences such as that of Central America,
• and networking with technical or financial partners involved in climate and social issues.

A call to action for African MFIs

The Central American experience proves that green loans are much more than just a financial product: they are powerful tools for reducing poverty, strengthening the resilience of populations, and promoting harmonious territorial development.

In an African context marked by strong environmental vulnerability but also by undeniable entrepreneurial energy, it is time to seize this opportunity.

REFUGEE WOMEN IN CONGO SOW THE SEEDS OF CHANGE THROUGH CASH TRANSFERS

In a world gripped by increasing humanitarian crises, the story of refugee women living in Igné, in the southern Republic of Congo, offers a glimmer of hope. According to an article published by the World Bank, these women, who came from Rwanda after fleeing violence, experienced exile, loss of direction, and precariousness. However, their journey changed through the Lisungi program, a social protection project launched in 2014 by the Congolese government with support from the World Bank. This program relies on a combination of complementary interventions that go far beyond simple assistance: conditional cash transfers linked to children’s schooling and health, vocational training, and grants to encourage the creation of small businesses.

For women like Claudine Moukabagwiza, a Rwandan refugee and now president of an agricultural cooperative, this program has represented much more than a one-off aid. It has marked a turning point in her life and in the lives of the 24 women who work alongside her. When they arrived, they owned nothing. Today, they cultivate the land, save, buy plots of land, and plan to expand their production. Their association, symbolically named “Wealth is found under the ground“, illustrates this ability to transform extreme difficulties into sustainable opportunities. This change was made possible by the technical and human support of the Lisungi program, which also introduced the use of digital payments via mobile to ensure security, efficiency, and transparency.

Since its beginning, Lisungi has supported more than 170,000 people across the country. It is not just a social project, but a model for community-based economic transformation, a model whose relevance becomes even more evident when looking toward the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo which has been struggling with conflict. In the provinces of North and South Kivu, hundreds of thousands of people continue to flee violence. Women, very often on the front lines, bear the responsibility of ensuring their families survive in particularly difficult conditions. Given this situation, the experience of the Lisungi program offers concrete solutions.

Read the article: The World Bank

Concrete inspiration for the East of the DRC

Transposing such an initiative to the fragile contexts of eastern DRC could tile the way for a more sustainable response than traditional humanitarian aid. By focusing on the empowerment of displaced people, particularly women, such an approach would not only strengthen their dignity but also promote their integration into local economic dynamics. It could also play a major role in strengthening social cohesion between refugees and host communities, through transparent, participatory, and equitable mechanisms. The specific needs of refugee women—access to land, savings, and children’s education—could be addressed in a targeted and structured manner.

In a context of extended crisis, where emergency aid remains essential but insufficient, a hybrid program like Lisungi, which combines humanitarian and development actions, makes it possible to consider sustainable and inclusive solutions. To give this type of initiative the scope it deserves, the role of financial institutions is crucial. The World Bank has shown, with Lisungi, that a strategic and well-directed partnership can help implement innovative public policies and anchor them sustainably in institutional arrangements.

Local and regional banks, for their part, can play an essential role in securing payments, disseminating accessible financial services and developing inclusive digital solutions. Microfinance institutions, meanwhile, have considerable leverage to promote the economic inclusion of women by providing them with access to credit, savings, insurance, and training tailored to managing small income-generating businesses.

Investing in refugee women means investing in the resilience of communities. It means recognizing their economic, social, and community potential, which is too often ignored or underestimated. Lisungi’s experience demonstrates that another option is possible, even in the most fragile contexts. It is a powerful reminder that, when supported in a fair and consistent way, refugee women are not passive victims but genuine agents of change, capable of breathing new life into battered territories.

As eastern DRC faces a critical period, it is urgent to draw inspiration from this success story and deploy responses that meet the needs. Whether through public funding, international donations, or responsible investment, all stakeholders—financial institutions, governments, and NGOs—have a role to play to ensure that no one is left behind, and that women like Claudine can continue to bring about change.

UPCOMING EVENTS:

– Training on green products, July 2025, Lomé-Togo

– Training on management and assessment of vulnerabilities, July 2025 Kigali- Rwanda

– Training on the facets of EST and gender, August 2025 Lomé- Togo 

– Training on female leadership, August 2025 Lomé- Togo

Dear member, 

MAIN is pleased to inform his members that he has launched a new master of arts in Microfinance with Ines Ruhengeri in Rwanda since 2024.

Ines Ruhengeri is a private catholic university located in the city of Ruhengeri. It has different faculties with more than 5 000 students.

MAIN in collaboration with INES Ruhengeri initiate a postgraduate program in microfinance for practitioners to enhance their knowledge and develop new skill to be competitive and to better serve their clients. 

Admission requirements

Candidates to the master’s program in microfinance have to fulfill the following conditions: have a bachelor degree & be computer literate.    

The following requirements should be fulfilled to attend the program:

1. A registration fee of USD 800 to be paid to MAIN in cash on site before class
2. Late registration and registrations communicated directly to the university without copy to MAIN 
3. Candidates are requested to arrange their own international travel and MAIN will make reimbursement up to USD 500 upon presentation of factual receipts, flight coupon and boarding pass along bank details immediately after the session is over. Please note that the cost of air ticket exceeding USD 500, the difference will be covered by the participant.
4. Students will be lodged by MAIN on campus. Meals will be provided on daily basis for 15 days. Participants who will come too early or who will leave late will bear the extra cost. MAIN sponsorship for room and meals will not exceed 15 days.
5. Member institutions are requested to clear their arrears of annual contribution to MAIN before attending the program.
6. Application must be received not later than May, 20th, 2025.
7. Participants who will fail to pay their registration fees on site won’t be allow to attend class. 
8. Continued students will complete the same requirement, except the online registration. Rather, continued students will send a mail to MAIN to confirm their participation for year 2. Students who fail to confirm their participation for year 2 won’t be accepted in class once on campus.

To register, please click on the link below regarding where you are coming from:

https://digitalcampus.ines.ac.rw/admission/scholarships/MAIN-oMAKkaWF1BtE145/ 

ECHO FROM OUR TRAINING IN THE DRC ON HRM IN THE ERA OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE

From September to October 2024, MAIN, in collaboration with APROCEC and ANIMF, organized a series of three-day training courses in three cities (Kinshasa, Goma & Bukavu) in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) on the theme: ‘Human Resources Management in the era of artificial intelligence”. The training aimed to provide knowledge on the structuring of HRM (Human Resources Management), as a field of activity and a function in its own right in MFIs, and to identify the challenges in the era of Artificial Intelligence (AI). During the various sessions, participants were introduced to the tools, methods and technics of human resources management before and in the era of artificial intelligence relevant to HRM, good practices for managing the digital transition, and the skills needed to support their MFI teams in the face of change.

This initiative offered microfinance players in the DRC the opportunity to strengthen their skills in human resources management.

The first session took place in Kinshasa from September 25-27, 2024 and brought together 31 participants from 24 microfinance institutions.

The second session took place in Goma from October 23 to 25, 2024 and brought together 24 participants from 16 institutions.

The third session took place in Bukavu from October 28 to 30, 2024 and brought together 15 participants from 6 institutions.

Whether in Kinshasa, Goma or Bukavu, the participants had very rich discussions and left very satisfied with this training.

The diversity of the participants was a unique opportunity for intense experiences sharing between practitioners.

During the three days of training, different themes related to HRM were addressed. The training revolved around three main axes, namely: Understanding human resources management (Definition, Actors and Activities), leadership and change management, the issues and challenges of HRM in the era of artificial intelligence. Concrete case studies allowed participants to better understand theoretical concepts and how these concepts can be applied within their institution. From one area to another, each group brings new ideas and varied perspectives to the problem.

At the end of the training, the participants highlighted the quality of the training content, the commitment of the trainers and the relevance of the examples given during the session. MAIN is pleased to have enabled 70 professionals from the DRC to strengthen their skills in HRM.

Testimony from one participant

I am KAMBALE SIKULIVALERE Yoyo, the Administrative and Legal Officer of Coopec Bonne Moisson in Goma, one of the participants in the training on: “Human Resources Management in the era of artificial intelligence”, organized by MAIN in collaboration with APROCEC and AMNIF from October 23 to 25, 2024 in Goma.

First of all, I would like to sincerely thank the organizers of the training. The training was very interesting in the sense that good human resources management is based on the implementation of clear tools, the implementation of clear human resources management manuals. Human resources must be well planned, staff careers must be well managed, staff must be well evaluated, staff must be well motivated, interviews and employee skills assessments must be well organized, and human resources management must be well managed. At our level already for the 2025-2027 business plan, not only have we planned the revision of the existing human resources management manual, but also the implementation of a certain number of tools on human resources management especially with human resources software.

As a recommendations to the MAIN network, it will be necessary for future training that MAIN considers an approach on the monitoring of training already followed to reassure itself of the implementation of these organized trainings.

ECHO FROM A MAIN MEMBER: MUTUELLE ASJD

Launch of Talento, its new digital service

The  “Mutuelle d’Appui et de Soutien aux Jeunes pour le Développement” (Mutuelle ASJD) of Togo has taken a new step in the field of digital financial services . On Friday, September 13, 2024, it officially launched ” Talento “, a mobile money solution accessible via phone, without Internet connexion needed. This new service aims to facilitate access for microfinance members to a wide range of digital banking services.

With Talento, customers can now check their balance, access their account statements, make deposits and withdrawals, repay loans, simulate new loan applications, track the progress of their current loans and pay their bills, all via Flooz and TMoney platforms.

ASJD initiative responds to a growing need for financial inclusion, particularly in rural and semi-urban areas where access to traditional banking services remains limited.

The general manager of Mutuelle ASJD noted that this project began in 2022 and that measures have been taken to guarantee the transactions’ security.

“No ASJD agent will ask you to send money to your account before benefiting from a service. This is an important measure to protect our customers from frequent scams in the mobile money sector,” he said.

Talento service stands out for its ease of use and its many advantages. It not only reduces travel costs associated with the need to physically go to the counters, but also saves valuable time.

“With Mutuelle ASJD, your account is really in your pocket. I invite you to try this service,” encouraged the general manager, praising the accessibility of the system.

A mutual client, Mr. Songhay, testified to the benefits of this innovation: “Currently, if you are sick with poverty and suffering, go to microfinance. And the microfinance that I know best is Mutuelle ASJD.” He expressed his satisfaction with the practicality and simplicity of the service, emphasizing that Talento alleviates the often tedious procedures of traditional bank counters.

In addition to Mobile money services, Talento offers an extensive supply offer including Mobile banking, Web banking and SMS banking. This plurality of services allows the mutual to effectively support its customers in their daily financial lives, while strengthening their autonomy in managing their resources.

With this launch, Mutuelle ASJD reaffirms its desire to democratize access to financial services in Togo, while strengthening users’ confidence in digital solutions to meet their needs.

Source : Mutuelle ASJD

WHY INCLUSIVE FINANCE MUST BE CENTRAL TO THE CLIMATE RESPONSE

As we approach the high-level week of the United Nations General Assembly and the UN climate change conference COP29, the global climate agenda is being defined by intense discussions around climate finance. But largely missing from this debate is the question of who has access to this funding.

The need to channel climate finance into the hands of those most affected by climate change is well recognized. The issue is at the heart of the loss and damage talks and was central to UN Secretary-General António Guterres’s speech on World Environment Day, where he underscored how it’s “a disgrace that the most vulnerable are…struggling desperately to deal with a climate crisis they did nothing to create,” and argued that “the global financial system must be part of the climate solution.” It has also been key to COP negotiations ever since the Warsaw International Mechanism on Loss and Damage was established in 2013.

There is a clear global call for more climate finance to go to help support LMICs, for it to fund adaptation, and for it to go directly to those who need it most.  Yet, the world is far from achieving this vision. Roughly $4.8 trillion has been channeled into climate action, but 75 percent of this has been invested in high-income countries and it’s estimated that less than 10 percent reaches local levels.

The answer, however, might be within our reach. In a recent paper from CGAP, we argue that inclusive finance can be the most effective way to distribute climate finance at the grassroots level and enable a just transition and truly global climate action.

Financial services are a critical enabler for any climate action that people want to take. Savings and credit products equip people to invest in cleaner technologies, adopt more sustainable practices, and build more resilient livelihoods. Remittances and government payments are crucial in helping households live through climate shocks and avoid negative coping mechanisms. Insurance solutions strengthen risk management, unlock investment in livelihoods, and help affected people rebuild their lives after a crisis.  

Conversely, without access to finance, people affected by climate change cannot adequately anticipate, confront, and recover from climate shocks, nor can they adapt to increase their resilience and improve their livelihoods. It is therefore essential that this finance be accessible to all who experience climate impacts, including those in LMICs who are disproportionately vulnerable.

This opportunity was highlighted in our paper by World Bank President, Ajay Banga, and Her Majesty Queen Máxima of the Netherlands, who is the UN Secretary-General’s Special Advocate for Inclusive Finance for Development. They said that “Inclusive finance has a unique and critical role to play in ensuring that climate finance makes its way into the hands of the most vulnerable and empowers them to act… given the increasing scale and frequency of climate shocks, now is the time for united action to make inclusive finance a cornerstone of climate response.”

Inclusive finance is a mature, low-risk, high-impact channel that climate funders should take advantage of. The inclusive finance sector is already a well-established ecosystem, effectively and safely directing large volumes of financing from impact investors, intermediary funds, and development financial institutions to low-income populations through heavily regulated financial institutions. Inclusive financial services providers (FSPs) have existing relationships in low-income communities, a deep understanding of customers’ needs, and expertise on how to meet those needs with financial solutions. They also have strong internal controls to prevent misallocation or misuse of funds and are carefully supervised by banking regulators. This allows them to deploy capital efficiently and effectively where it is needed most.

Inclusive FSPs have done this at scale for decades. One example is the mobile money (MM) revolution: in 2012, there were 30 million active users of MM worldwide, while today there are 1.8 billion accounts processing $1.4 trillion a year. Most of those are held by unbanked, low-income users.

What’s more, inclusive finance providers have established a solid track record of serving low-income segments effectively and delivering positive outcomes, which has been proven by numerous evaluations. By contrast, existing climate finance for LMICs has been challenging to disburse, with large ticket sizes and years-long disbursement processes.  The disbursement ratio for adaptation-related development assistance is just 59 percent, compared to 91 percent for overseas development assistance  in general. The Green Climate Fund and other such funders are routinely criticized for cumbersome processes that often take five years or more before any money is disbursed.

Inclusive FSPs have a unique role to play in broadening the base of climate action to all 8 billion people living in the world today. They are the most effective way to convert large tickets of climate finance into small-ticket funding that reaches low-income households directly, with relatively light additional risk assessments and rapid turnaround time.

Inclusive finance can also help alleviate the global climate finance gap. It has a proven track record in mobilizing private capital for development action, having transformed the sector from nongovernmental organization driven and grant oriented 30 years ago to a massive commercial industry today. Global lending by inclusive FSPs is now over $180 billion a year.

It is time for inclusive finance to take its essential place in the climate agenda.  As global negotiations on climate finance unfold, the question of how to reach and empower the people most affected must be front and center. Inclusive finance offers a powerful means to ensure that climate action is within reach for every person on our warming planet.

https://blogs.worldbank.org/en/voices/why-inclusive-finance-must-be-central-to-the-climate-response

Download the registration form here

As part of its capacity building program, MAIN organizes in collaboration of AEMFI a training on Environmental sustainability strategies. Environmental sustainability strategies are vital for MFI. It has become a paramount concern in recent years, as the world grapples with the far-reaching consequences of climate change, resource depletion, and biodiversity loss. The main environmental problems include land degradation, soil erosion, deforestation, loss of biodiversity, desertification, recurrent drought, flood and water and air pollution. In this context, the role of MFI in promoting and implementing environmental sustainability strategies has gained significant attention. 

MFI are increasingly recognising that environmental sustainability is not just a moral obligation but also a critical component of their long-term viability and success. That is why MAIN in its activities plan for 2024, had plan a training on environmental strategies for MFI. The training will give employees and managers knowledge and awareness that allows them to move forward in a sustainable way, and the confidence to promote change within the organisation.

The objective of this training is to aware the participants to acquire sensitivity to the environment and its problems and help them to acquire a set of values for environmental protection.

Expected results

At the end of the training, participants will be able to: 

1. Define green finance
2. Understand vulnerability in environmental context
3. Mitigate & adapt strategies
4. Identify green risk in MF
5. Overview green financial products
6. Integrate sustainability into organizational goals & MF operations
7. Report progress to stakeholaders

Quantify & report environmental impact reduction

Contents

The courses is composed of 15 modules as detailed below

Day 1: Introduction and Foundations

Module 1. What is Inclusive Green Finance? (1 hour)

• Definition of Green Finance
• Principles of Inclusive Green Finance
• Importance in Sustainable Development
• Case Studies: Financial Institutions and Green Finance

Module 2. Vulnerability and Negative Environmental Impacts (1 hour)

• Understanding Vulnerability in Environmental Contexts
• Key Environmental Risks: Climate Change, Biodiversity Loss, Pollution
• Assessing Negative Environmental Impacts
• Mitigation and Adaptation Strategies

Module 3. Advantages of Green Products and Their Multiple Services (1.5 hours)

• What Are Green Products?
• Ecosystem Services Linked to Green Products
• Economic and Social Benefits

Module 4. Green Index and USSEPM (2 hours)

• What is a Green Index?
• Importance of Measuring Green Performance
• USSEPM: Key Indicators and Frameworks
• Adapting Standards for Financial Institutions

Module 5. Green Risk and Opportunity Management (1.5 hours)

• Identifying Green Risks in Business
• Turning Environmental Challenges into Opportunities
• Risk Assessment Tools

Day 2: Developing Environmental Strategies

Module 6. Green Products and Services (1 hour)

• Overview of Green Financial Products and Services
• Types of Green Products: Loans, Bonds, and Investments
• Challenges in Promoting Green Products

Module 7. Green Products and Services – The Advantages (1 hour)

• Environmental, Economic, and Social Benefits
• Market Demand for Green Products
• Enhancing Competitiveness with Green Products 

Module 8. Environmental Strategy (1.5 hours)

• Steps in Creating a Comprehensive Environmental Strategy
• Integrating Sustainability into Organizational Goals

Module 9. Defining Green Policy and Environmental Strategy (2 hours)

• Green Policy vs. Environmental Strategy
• Key Components of a Green Policy
• Developing Policy to Address Environmental Priorities

Module 10. How to Develop a Green Agenda for an MFI (2 hours)

• Green Finance for MFIs
• Steps in Building a Green Agenda
• Integrating Environmental Goals in Microfinance Operations

Day 3: Implementation and Monitoring

Module 11. Monitoring Green Strategy and Progress (1.5 hours)

• Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for Green Strategies
• Tools for Monitoring and Evaluation
• Reporting Progress to Stakeholders

Module 12. Managing Environmental Strategy: The Green Process, Tools (1.5 hours)

• Key Phases in Environmental Strategy Management
• Tools for Strategy Implementation
• Engaging Stakeholders in the Green Process

Module 13. Monitoring Progress in Implementing Green Strategy (1.5 hours)

• Techniques for Tracking Strategy Implementation
• Using Data to Measure Success
• Case Studies: Monitoring in Action

Module 14. Monitoring Vulnerability Reduction (1 hour)

• Framework for Measuring Vulnerability
• Indicators for Monitoring Reduction
• Tools for Data Collection and Analysis

Module 15. Monitoring Reduction of Negative Environmental Impacts (1 hour)

• Quantifying Environmental Impact Reduction
• Environmental Audits and Compliance Checks
• Reporting Environmental Impact Reductions 

The training will run from Nov 20-22, 2024. 

Deadline for registration is October 25th, 2024 

The following requirements should be fulfilled to attend the program.

A registration fee of USD 100 as member to be paid to MAIN and USD 150 for non-member of MAIN based in Addis, USD 600 for international participants who are MAIN member

Registrations form should be sent to main@mainnetwork.org  with copy to info@aemfi-ethiopia.org  & miheretab@gmail.com  

Participants who failed to pay the registration fee will not be accepted by MAIN.

International Candidates are requested to arrange their own international travel and MAIN will make reimbursement up to USD 500 upon presentation of flight ticket receipt, and boarding pass along bank details immediately after the session is over. Please note that the cost of air ticket exceeding USD 500, the difference will be covered by the participant institution. 

International Participants will be lodged by MAIN for 4 nights. Meals and rooms are provided by MAIN for international participants.

Member institutions are requested to clear their arrears of annual contribution to MAIN before attending the training.

Testimony of the impact of a training on Ecological and Social Transition (EST) from one member institution of MAIN

Extreme climatic and meteorological events linked to climate change or its impact on natural resources can have direct effects on the real economy: these are physical risks. They can cause major operational disruptions in businesses and/or damage to exposed households and thus threaten their ability to repay their debt, which then impacts the financial sector.

It is in this regard that since 2017, Fondation Terre Solitaire (FTS) and MAIN network have been thinking about the role that microfinance could play in Africa in the context of climate change. During the 4th edition of the African Microfinance Week (AMW, Ouagadougou – October 2019), MAIN organized a workshop with SIDI on the links to be established between microfinance and EST. Following these discussions, MAIN included in its strategy (2020-2023), the promotion of EST, which constitutes the main component of this project.

After three years of implementation of the project, it is important for MAIN to follow up with its members to ensure the positive impact of the project, not only on microfinance institutions, but also and above all at the level of the final beneficiaries of the project.

Henry MUZALIWA HABIMANA – Manager of COOPEC AKIBA YETU

That is why on the sidelines of the National Microfinance Conference in DRC, MAIN had an interview with Henry MUZALIWA HABIMANA (HMH), Manager of COOPEC AKIBA YETU based in Goma.

Let’s follow the discussions between MAIN and the Manager of Coopec Akiba Yetu.

MAIN :Hello Manager. Could you introduce yourself and briefly present your institutionplease?

HMH : Hello MAIN . I am Henry MUZALIWA HABIMANA, Manager of COOPEC AKIBA YETU and contact person of (APROCEC) in North Kivu. COOPEC AKIBA YETU is a microfinance cooperative operating in Goma in the province of North Kivu since 2008. It is approved by the Central Bank with a total balance sheet of USD 6,200,000 with an outstanding credit of USD 4,500,000 as at June 30th, 2024. 

MAIN : Thank youManager. Can you tell us what the training on Ecological and Social Transition (EST) that you followed at UCAC alongside your Master’s program brought you?

HMH :
Thank you very much MAIN. I glorify God for meeting with MAIN and I congratulate MAIN for building capacity of practitioners in the microfinance sector and particularly for this opportunity that was given to me to attend the training on Master in management of microfinance institutions. As for the training, personally I put into practices the knowledge that I received. This allowed me to set up two green products. The product that was developed specifically after the training is called “Jiko Bora” in Swahili, which means “Healthy cooking” in English. Jiko Bora is a financial and non-financial green product that helps fight against global warming, which helps protect the environment. It is a product developed just after the training. It consists of mobilizing the population of Goma and North Kivu to abandon the use of firewood and ember fires and replace them with Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG). It is a product that works very well and the institution earns a lot from this product and also draws a lot of advantage. For this I say thank you to MAIN Network

MAIN :Thank you very much Manager. Following this product that you developed, were you able to mobilize or raise awareness among your members about this new product? what was your members’ appreciation about this new product that you had put on the market because you had, instead of using ember fires, made them aware of the use of butane gas.

HMH : I think that you yourself have followed the video that we showed on the occasion of the National Microfinance Conference in DRC. COOPEC AKIBA YETU members appreciate this product very much, which allows them to save money right away, not only the bag of embers is very expensive compared to the use of LPG, but also LPG provides a cooking method that is very clean. This is why the trend is to move from cooking with embers to cooking with LPG. This significantly reduces their expenses. Before the training, we financed the start of the embers, but since then we no longer finance them. We finance the LPG trade and this is very important and appreciated by all our members at COOPEC AKIBA YETU. Today, we have more than 300 credits up to date. We glorify God for this and it brings us a strong clientele and the members understand that COOPEC AKIBA YETU is not stuck with its traditional products. We innovate with this new product and it contributes to the protection of our Virunga National Park and Kahuzi-Biega National Park which are close to Goma.

MAIN :Thank you Manager. Your final words

HMH : I wanted to invite all those who follow MAIN training courses to always put them into practices. There is a lot to gain. For example, COOPEC AKIBA YETU when we set up this product it attracted a lot of partners, I am talking about UNDP, through UNCDF project which granted us subsidies for the Jiko Bora product. UNDP itself granted us another subsidy through Project“Actif 2” which allow us to open a new branch in a very remote area called “Katindo”. I am inviting all MAIN members to put into practices what they learn from training received from the network and this is very important for MFI.

MAIN : Thank you very much MD and see you soon.

Participation of MAIN at the Third Edition of the National Microfinance Conference in the DRC

From July 22 to 24, 2024, the National Association of Microfinance Institutions and the Professional Association of Savings and Credit Cooperatives organized the third edition of the National Microfinance Conference at Pullman Hotel in Kinshasa. This special moment of exchanges and sharing of experiences among microfinance stakeholders, Government, and various partners to raise awareness about the role and place of microfinance in the inclusive development of the country, was supported by the World Bank through its project ≠TRANSFORME. The main theme of the conference was “Microfinance in the Era of Climate Change: Challenges and Perspectives,” and it brought together more than 200 participants from the inclusive finance sector, state authorities, technical and financial partners, and international experts. Several topics were discussed during the event, including:Financial inclusion in the era of digitalization, Green microfinance as a contribution to fight against climate change, Challenges of viability and sustainability of microfinance institution in the context of climate change, promotion of smart agriculture using ICT,the role of Fintech in improving digital financial service offerings, promotion of financial inclusion through financial education for youth, etc.

On the sideline of the conference , the two professional associations awarded participants who attended the Professional course in Microfinance on “Branch Manager” certificate . Thirty-three (33) recipients received their Professional certificate as “Branch Managers” as part of the training organized by MAIN Network in collaboration with APROCEC and ANIMF. The awarding ceremony was chaired by the Executive Director of MAIN. In his speech, he first presented the objectives of this training, which enable participants to professionally perform the role of Branch Manager by providing them with a comprehensive understanding of the operation of a branch and in-depth expertise on the technical skills inherent to this position. He then introduced the target audience for the training and the conditions for obtaining the certificate and gave a brief overview of the training path through the different training units included in this program . Finally, he urged microfinance institutions to enroll their staff massively in this certified program organized in partnership with the Ecole Supérieure de Banque in Paris. He congratulated the recipients and reminded them of the professionalism they must now demonstrate in performing their duties.

Master’s degree in management of microfinance institutions at UCAC, 2024 session

As part of its capacity building program for inclusive finance stakeholders, MAIN network (Microfinance African Institutions Network) organized from August 5 to 24, 2024, a training for MFI executives on “management of microfinance institutions” in partnership with the Catholic University of Central Africa in Cameroon (Yaoundé). The training brought together twenty-seven (27) participants (22 men & 05 women) from 9 countries and 23 microfinance institutions.

The training covered different themes such as governance, social and environmental performance, digitalization, human resources management, MFI accounting, ecological and social transition, ethics, business plan, audit and control, credit management, risk management, management of information systems, regulation, agricultural value chains digitalization, etc. At the end of each module, participants evaluated the course’s content, the way the teacher delivered it and the relevance of the course to their work in their institution. Participants in master 2 (Second year of the training) defended their preliminary draft of dessertation on different issues related to the industry such as the MFIs’ viability, women’s empowerment, digitalization, social and environmental performance management, etc.

At the closing ceremony of this 18th edition, the program coordinator and the Executive Director of MAIN gave instructions to the participants’ dissertations as well as on the topics to be chosen. The Executive Director of MAIN reminded the participants of the need to complete the program within 3 years in accordance with the commitment form signed by their respective managers. He also encouraged participants for their conscientiousness during the three weeks and recommended them to work harder to complete the program in a due course . He ended his speech by announcing that 2025 will be the year of official graduation and urged participants to greatly participate in this solemn event which marks the end of their professional Master’s course in MFI management. The program coordinator Prof. Jean Robert KALA concluded by thanking MAIN, the lecturers , the support staff as well as the participants for their respective contributions for the smooth running of the session . The closing ceremony ended with the handover of certificate to the participants.

World Bank to Accelerate Digital Inclusion for 180 Million People Across Eastern and Southern Africa

A new program that will benefit over 180 million people by 2032 is poised to significantly increase access to the internet and the inclusive use of digitally enabled services and transform the digital landscape in Eastern and Southern Africa.

Digitalization is one of the most potent tools available today to eradicate poverty on a livable planet. Yet, the Eastern and Southern Africa region has the slowest pace of digitalization globally, with only 64 percent of the population covered by high-speed internet, and just 24 percent of the population using the internet as of 2023. To accelerate digitalization, the region needs more integrated digital markets as digitalization thrives on economies of scale and network effects, often expanding across markets and borders.

The Inclusive Digitalization in Eastern and Southern Africa (IDEA) Programis a $2.48 billion financing envelope—financed through the International Development Association* (IDA) and International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD)— that aims to bring together 15 countries and Regional Economic Communities and address common challenges such as limited internet coverage due to infrastructure gaps, low usage due to high cost of data and devices, limited digital skills, and lack of digital identification needed for online transactions.

“IDEA is a holistic program that will unleash opportunities for hundreds of millions of Africans to actively participate in and contribute to the advancement of the region’s digital economies. This effort underscores the critical importance of public and private sector partnerships in driving sustainable economic growth,” said Victoria Kwakwa, Vice President for the World Bank’s Eastern and Southern Africa region.

IDEA will be implemented in phases over an eight-year period and initially target countries that have less than 50 percent high-speed internet access. Angola, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), and Malawi will participate in the first phase, providing new and enhanced broadband internet access to over 50 million people combined. Additional countries and regional bodies are expected to join in the subsequent phases based on their eligibility and readiness. The Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) will lead the regional coordination and facilitate the knowledge exchange of experiences and lessons across participating countries.

“The IDEA program will support participating countries and COMESA Member States in enhancing digital infrastructure and skills to foster productive use of digitalization towards economic growth and inclusive societies, thus paving the way towards increased digital services trade and a vibrant regional digital market. Given the rapidly evolving and cross-cutting nature of the sector, COMESA aims to put emphasis on capturing learnings, and results, and sharing practical tools across the region to help countries fully reap the benefits of the digital economy,” said H.E Chileshe Mpundu Kapwepwe, Secretary General of COMESA.

IDEA is structured around three technical pillars focusing on expanding broadband and securing data hosting so people can access low-cost, reliable and quality internet; deploying interoperable digital public infrastructure and digital safeguards needed to promote trusted and safe use of digital technologies and digitally enabled services; and advancing digitally enabled applications, services and overall capabilities, which can promote productive use of digital technologies and potentially have a high impact on economic and social activities. The program specifically seeks to leverage private sector investment and take advantage of regional economies of scale, encourage the promotion of economic opportunities for women and foster gender equality in the digital landscape, as well as maximize climate co-benefits given the region’s exposure to climate change.

A fourth pillar will focus on project management and capacity building to support implementation, knowledge generation and regional coordination. Each pillar offers a range of options, allowing countries to select activities based on their priorities, readiness, underlying enabling environment, and available resources.

IDEA will contribute to sustainable economic growth through long-term cost savings, efficiency, and productivity gains, fueled by greater digital adoption by citizens, businesses, and governments across the region.

*The World Bank’s International Development Association (IDA), established in 1960, helps the world’s low-income countries by providing grants and low to zero-interest loans for projects and programs that boost economic growth, reduce poverty, and improve people’s lives. IDA is one of the largest sources of assistance for its 75 client countries, 39 of which are in Africa. Since 1960, IDA has provided $552 billion to 115 countries. Annual commitments have averaged about $36 billion over the last three years (FY21-FY23), with about 75 percent going to Africa. Learn more online: https://ida.worldbank.org . #IDAworks

About the World Bank Group: The World Bank Group has a bold vision: to create a world free of poverty on a livable planet. In more than 100 countries, the World Bank Group provides financing, advice, and innovative solutions that improve lives by creating jobs, strengthening economic growth, and confronting the most urgent global development challenges. The World Bank Group is one of the largest sources of funding and knowledge for developing countries. It consists of the World Bank, including the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) and the International Development Association (IDA); the International Finance Corporation (IFC); the Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA); and the International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID).

For more information, please visit:

www.worldbank.org, www.miga.org, and www.ifc.org #IDAworks

https://www.worldbank.org/en/news/press-release/2024/06/27/world-bank-to-accelerate-digital-inclusion-for-180-million-people-across-afe-eastern-and-southern-africa

Upcoming events

1. Master’s program in microfinance for English speakers,Ines Ruhengeri, september 2024, Rwanda
2. Professional certificate in Microfinance (loan officer & Branch Manager), September 2024
3. Human Resource Management in the Area of Artificial Intelligence, September 2024, RDC
4. Negative Environmental Impacts and Agroecological Practices, October 2024, Togo
5. Environmental Strategies, November 2024, Ethiopia

General Assemblies of MAIN members

Lomé Hôtel 2 Février, Octobre 20th, 2023

Press Release

AFRICA CELEBRATES MICROFINANCE IN TOGO

The African Microfinance Week is a major event dedicated to the development of financial inclusion in Africa and which takes place every two years in an African country. It is organized by ADA (Appui au Développement Autonome), MAIN and the host country of the event with the support of the Luxembourg government. After the first edition in Arusha in 2013, the second edition in 2015 in Dakar, the third edition in 2017 in Addis Ababa, the fourth edition in 2019 in Ouagadougou and the fifth edition in 2021 in Kigali, the sixth edition will take place from October 16 – 20, 2023 in Lomé, Togo. This year’s theme is “towards sustainable inclusive finance”.

This year’s conference aims to provide a platform for sharing knowledge and ideas on how Financial Service Providers (FSPs) can help fight climate change and promote sustainable development through their product and services. In addition, the conference should also encourage Microfinance Institutions (MFIs) and other FSPs to adopt environmentally friendly practices. The conference is structured around plenary sessions, parallel sessions, an investor fair, an innovators’ village, training and workshops, the organization of general assemblies, etc.

Conference attendees can expect to gain insight into the latest trends and innovations in green financial inclusion, as well as the role of technology in promoting it. The conference should be interactive, allowing participants to share their experiences and ideas on how to promote green and inclusive finance.

We look forward to seeing you at this major meeting of financial inclusion players. You can register using the discount codes that you can get from the MAIN secretariat.

GUIDE TO FINANCIAL CONSUMER PROTECTION IN THE DIGITAL ERA

Financial services are evolving rapidly, with a growing array of new technologies, unconventional providers and innovative combinations of financial and non-financial services. While this evolution can help enhance financial inclusion for women, low-income and vulnerable consumers, it also brings greater risks.   

There is evidence that digital finance consumer risks, such as data misuse and fraud have increased in several markets over the last few years. Crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic exacerbate these risks, as vulnerable groups are more fragile due to economic hardship.  

Consumer protection is considered a basic regulatory enabler for digital financial inclusion. By better protecting consumers, this may also enhance their trust and increase their usage of formal financial services. Several emerging markets have taken important steps on consumer protection, including in digital financial services. Financial regulators and supervisors have adopted consumer protection regulatory and supervisory measures, and some global and national industry associations have developed codes of conduct.  

But the growing and evolving nature of consumer risks in digital finance demands more effective, and holistic consumer protection actions. Several industry players have already begun developing various solutions that can help address financial consumer risks, with CGAP paving the way towards a responsible digital finance ecosystem approach. This approach requires all ecosystem actors to play key roles in securing a responsible financial system by putting the customer at the center and collaborating in ways that protect and ensure positive outcomes for digital finance users.  

This FinDev Guide consists of a selection of resources that offer insights on good practices, solutions and tools that regulators, supervisors and providers can adopt to ensure that consumers achieve positive outcomes in their financial journey.   

https://www.findevgateway.org/guide/2023/07/guide-to-financial-consumer-protection-in-digital-era

MAINTAINING MOMENTUM OF FINANCIAL INCLUSION THROUGH DIGITAL ADOPTION IN THE WEST AFRICAN ECONOMIC AND MONETARY UNION (WAEMU)

West African Economic and Monetary Union (WAEMU) countries have seen increased financial account ownership since 2014, with mobile money accounts driving adoption and usage.

On average, 41% of adults in the WAEMU have an account with a bank or similar institution or with a mobile money service. Senegal has the highest account ownership rate at 56%, but it still falls 15 percentage points below the developing economy average. However, there is room for growth in financial inclusion, and the Global Findex data suggests opportunities to accelerate ownership and usage through digital financial enablement.

Nearly 75% of account owners in WAEMU own a mobile money account.  

In 2014, WAEMU countries had low account ownership rates, except for Côte d’Ivoire. Banks and similar institutions held most of these accounts. However, between 2014 and 2021, mobile money accounts boosted account ownership rates across most countries.

https://blogs.worldbank.org/fr/allaboutfinance/maintenir-la-dynamique-de-linclusion-financiere-par-ladoption-du-numerique-dans

Certificate in Microfinance Management

MAIN is pleased to announce the launch of the Certificate in Microfinance Management. It is a certificate programme that provides a broad based, practical exploration of the key ideas, techniques and skills needed to be a microfinance manager in 21st century.

The certificate is ideally suited to the needs and aspirations of both those already holding management positions within MFIs, as well as those staff who are being prepared to take up management positions. 

It is a self-study programme that consists of six modular courses, (see below for details). It is flexible and allows students to fit their studies around their work and social commitments. Students can enroll for the programme at any time of the year. The programme can be completed within three months. 

Admission Requirements

The Certificate in Microfinance Management is open to anyone who is interested in advancing their career within the microfinance sector.  However, the content of the programme requires students to possess:

• Sound educational background
• Strong familiarity with microfinance operations
• Good written English skills. 

Fees

The total fee for the certificate programme in Microfinance Management is 200 USD  

This includes:

• Registration fee
• Detailed study guides and workbooks, to accompany each of the six modular courses
• e-copy of The New Handbook of Microfinance by Joanna Ledgerwood (World Bank)
• Online support
• Assessment of course work

The Certificate in Microfinance Management covers the following areas and topics:

MODULE 1: MANAGEMENT & MFIS

MODULE 2: OPERATIONAL CHALLENGES AND MFIS

MODULE 3: MARKETING AND MICROFINANCE 

MODULE 4: CLIENT SERVICES MANAGEMENT 

MODULE 5: HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT & MFIs  

MODULE 6: STRENGTHENING MICROFINANCE INSTITUTIONS 

Prof. Martin O’Reilly, PhD. will lead this programme.  

For more information about this online programme, please contact the secretariat of MAIN. 

Download Admision form