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

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.

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 EURO 600 to be paid to MAIN by bank transfer right after admission with proof of transfer sent to MAIN
2. Late registration and registrations communicated directly to the university will not be accepted by MAIN,
3. Candidates are requested to arrange their own international travel and MAIN will make reimbursement up to USD 600 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 600, 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 will not exceed the 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, 15th, 2024.

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

For Rwandan Students: https://digitalcampus.ines.ac.rw/student/masters/application/

For application for International Students: https://digitalcampus.ines.ac.rw/international/

We look forward to receiving your applications soon. 

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