MicroCapital » Africa

MICROFINANCE EVENT: Mobile Money Connected Africa Forum Conference & Expo, May 14-17, 2012, South Africa

Charlotte Newman — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 12:00:47 +0000

Event Name: “Mobile Money Connected Africa Forum Conference & Expo”

Event Date: May 14 – 17, 2012

Event Location: Johannesburg, South Africa

See Our Comprehensive Event Calendar Here: http://microfinanceassociation.ning.com/events

Cost: A pass to the two-day conference costs USD 2848 if booked by April 8, 2012, or USD 2948 thereafter. Discounted prices are available for groups of 3 people or more and for one-day passes. An add-on workshop is also available.

Summary of Event: This conference aims to highlight the development of mobile services in Africa, focusing on mobile finance, mobile health and mobile agriculture. The event will bring together representatives from each of these categories and decision makers from the mobile apps and services world to explore opportunities in banking, healthcare and agriculture.

The conference presents approximately 40 speakers from organizations including Citigroup, Grameen Foundation, Safaricom, United States Agency for International Development and the World Health Organization. Presenters will include:

Betty Mwangi-Thuo, Chief Officer New Products Division, Safaricom, Kenya
Tom Kahigu, Head of Alternative Business Channels & Innovations, Kenya Commercial Bank
Tunde Lemo; Deputy Governor, Banking Operations; Central Bank of Nigeria
Ireti Ogbu; Managing Director, Cash Management Head, Sub Saharan Africa; Citigroup; South Africa
Aiaze Mitha, Founder, Amarante Consulting, United States
Hashim Mukudi, Mcommerce Head of Department, Zantel Tanzania
Snehar Shah, Head of Orange Money, Telkom Kenya
Aleeda Fazal, Founder & Managing Director, Paradigm Solutions & Consulting, Switzerland
Remi Bankole, Head of Money Transfer Department, Intercontinental Bank, Nigeria
Yolande Van Wyk, CEO: Smart Services, First National Bank, South Africa
Temitope Akin-Fadeyi; Head, Cards Strategy & E-Channels Management; Oceanic Bank; Nigeria
Abhinav Nehra, Group Head – Domestic Bank, Ecobank Transnational Incorporated, Nigeria
Gerald Rasugu, Mobile Money Transfer Consultant, Vodafone Fiji, Kenya
Walter Andayi, Senior Consultant, RedAnt International, Kenya

Background on Organizer: The conference is organized by Clarion Events Limited, a UK-based events organizer. In 2011, Clarion Events launched the Mobile Money website, which includes news, webinars, videos, market reports and events in international mobile finance. Clarion Events has also hosted conferences on payments innovation, telecommunications, government and emerging technologies.

Event Website: http://www.mobile-money-gateway.com/event/mobile-money-africa-2012

For additional information, you may phone the Clarion Events at +44 (0) 20 7067 1831 or send an email to mmt[at]clarionevents.com

Submit Your Event: http://microfinanceassociation.ning.com/events

Sources and Additional Resources:

Mobile Money Gateway: “Mobile Money Africa 2012,” http://www.mobile-money-gateway.com/event/mobile-money-africa-2012

MicroCapital.org story, January 24, 2012, “ MICROFINANCE EVENT: ‘Mobile Money: Connected Americas’ to be held in Mexico City, March 26-March 29, 2012,” http://www.microcapital.org/microfinance-event-mobile-money-connected-americas-to-be-held-in-mexico-city-march-26-march-29-2012/

MicroCapital.org story, November 25, 2011, “MICROFINANCE EVENT: Mobile Money APAC (Asia Pacific) Conference and Expo, Singapore, January 30- February 2, 2012,” http://www.microcapital.org/microfinance-event-mobile-money-apac-asia-pacific-conference-and-expo-singapore-january-30-%E2%80%93-february-2-2012/

Browse the MicroCapital Universe and add your entry to the wiki at http://www.microcapital.org/microfinanceuniverse/

MICROCAPITAL BRIEF: MFTransparency Releases Microfinance Pricing Data for Mozambique

Natalie Baer — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 19:20:01 +0000

On February 6, 2012, as part of its Transparent Pricing Initiative US-based NGO MFTransparency released microloan pricing data from microlenders in Mozambique. As part of this launch, webinars are available on pricing dynamics in the region and regarding the transparent communication of prices to clients [1].

The Transparent Pricing Intiative is part of a larger MFTransparency project funded by Canada’s MasterCard Foundation and known as the enabling Africa to Price Responsibly & Educate on Interest Rates (enabling APR & EIR) program [1] [2]. Since 2010, the project has endeavored to improve the microloan markets in Malawi, Uganda, Rwanda, South Africa, Ghana, Tanzania, Zambia and Mozambique by publishing comparable data on the interest and fees charged on microfinance loans. Additionally the program includes training seminars, technical assistance and the production of educational materials. As of January 2012, MFTransparency has collected data from about 30 countries on four continents, including 16 countries in Sub-Saharan Africa [1].

By Natalie Baer, Research Associate

About MFTransparency: MFTransparency is a US-based nongovernmental organization (NGO) that was launched in July 2008 to provide information on microcredit products and their prices. MFTransparency collects data on the interest and fees charged on microfinance loan products in order to calculate and publicize the effective interest rates charged on those loans. According to its website, 889 industry stakeholders have endorsed its efforts as of 2011. As of January 2012, MFTransparency has collected data from about 30 countries on four continents, including 16 countries in Sub-Saharan Africa.

About the MasterCard Foundation: Based in Canada, the MasterCard Foundation is a private foundation with the goal of enabling people living in poverty to improve their lives with increased access to microfinance and education. The foundation was established in 2006 by a gift of shares from payment processor MasterCard Worldwide during the company’s initial public offering. As of 2010, the MasterCard Foundation reported approximately CAD 3 billion (the equivalent of USD 2.9 billion) in assets.

Sources and Resources:

[1] MFTransparency Press Release, “Launch of Mozambique Pricing Data by MFTransparency.”

[2] Enabling Africa to Price Responsibly & Educate on Interest Rates, http://www.mftransparency.org/pages/enabling-africa-to-price-responsibly-educate-on-interest-rates/

MICROCAPITAL BRIEF: MFTransparency Releases Microloan Pricing Data for Ghana, Zambia, Tanzania
http://www.microcapital.org/microcapital-brief-mftransparency-releases-microloan-pricing-data-for-ghana-zambia-tanzania/

MICROCAPITAL BRIEF: MFTransparency Releases Microloan Pricing Report on Ethiopia’s Microfinance Industry
http://www.microcapital.org/microcapital-brief-mftransparency-releases-microloan-pricing-report-on-ethiopias-microfinance-industry/

MICROCAPITAL BRIEF: Ethiopia’s Wasasa Microfinance, Poverty Eradication and Community Empowerment (PEACE), Metemamen, Harbu, Digaf Microfinance Submit Pricing Data to MFTransparency
http://www.microcapital.org/microcapital-brief-ethiopia%E2%80%99s-wasasa-microfinance-poverty-eradication-and-community-empowerment-peace-metemamen-harbu-digaf-microfinance-submit-pricing-data-to-mftransparency/

MICROCAPITAL BRIEF: MFTransparency, Mozambican Association of Microfinance Operators (AMOMIF) Launch Transparent Pricing Initiative in Mozambique
http://www.microcapital.org/microcapital-brief-mftransparency-mozambican-association-of-microfinance-operators-amomif-launch-transparent-pricing-initiative-in-mozambique/

MICROCAPITAL BRIEF: MFTransparency Announces First Microfinance Data Submissions for Ghana Transparent Pricing Initiative
http://www.microcapital.org/microcapital-brief-mftransparency-announces-first-microfinance-data-submissions-for-ghana-transparent-pricing-initiative/

MicroCapital Universe Profile: MFTransparency,
http://www.microcapital.org/microfinanceuniverse/tiki-index.php?page=MFTransparency

MicroCapital Universe Profile: MasterCard Foundation, http://www.microcapital.org/microfinanceuniverse/tiki-index.php?page=MasterCard+Foundation

Browse the MicroCapital Universe and add your entry to the wiki at: http://www.microcapital.org/microfinanceuniverse/

MICROCAPITAL BRIEF: 84% of New Cellphone Users in Kenya Signing Up for Mobile Money Transfer

Natalie Baer — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 15:10:15 +0000

Mobile payments in Kenya reportedly are out-pacing debit and credit cards, as 83.9 percent of customers who signed up for mobile phone services between July and September 2011 also signed up for money transfer services. By the end of September 2011, 69.5 percent of all mobile users in the country were using mobile money [1].

Several mobile money providers offer mobile money services. The local office of India’s Airtel partnered with US-based MasterCard Worldwide and UK-based Standard Chartered Bank to launch a mobile shopping platform called PayOnlineInKenya in September 2011 [1] [2]. France’s Orange Money launched the Orange Money Visa Card, which allows phones to work as debit cards [1]. The mobile money service M-Pesa, which was developed by UK-based Vodafone Group Private Limited Corporation, is offered by local mobile phone service provider Safaricom. As of March 2011, M-Pesa reports having 13.8 million registered customers, roughly one third of Kenya’s population.

By Natalie Baer, Research Associate

About M-Pesa: M-Pesa is a Kenyan mobile money service. The “M” stands for “mobile,” and “pesa” means “cash” in Swahili. Launched in 2007 by Safaricom Limited, a Kenya-based cellphone service provider, M-Pesa was developed by Vodafone Group Private Limited Corporation, a British multinational mobile network operator. As of March 2011, M-Pesa reports having 13.8 million registered customers, roughly one third of Kenya’s population.

Sources and Additional Resources:

[1] Mobile phone money transfers race ahead of debit cards
http://www.businessdailyafrica.com/Corporate+News/Mobile+phone+money+transfers+race+ahead+of+debit+cards+/-/539550/1302062/-/h5j8tm/-/

[2] Bharti Airtel http://www.airtel.in/

MicroCapital Universe Profile: M-Pesa,
http://www.microcapital.org/microfinanceuniverse/tiki-index.php?page=M-Pesa

MicroCapital Universe Profile: Standard Chartered PLC,
http://www.microcapital.org/microfinanceuniverse/tiki-index.php?page=Standard+Chartered+PLC

MicroCapital.org story, August 16, 2010, “MICROCAPITAL BRIEF: Microfinance Reach Expands in Kenya As Safaricom Capitalizes on Kenyan Government Requirement to Register All Mobile Phone Users,”
http://www.microcapital.org/microcapital-brief-microfinance-reach-expands-in-kenya-as-safaricom-capitalizes-on-kenyan-government-requirement-to-register-all-mobile-phone-users/

MicroCapital.org story, August 3, 2011, “MICROCAPITAL BRIEF: Central Bank of Kenya Requires Mobile Phone Carriers to Adopt Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard,”
http://www.microcapital.org/microcapital-brief-central-bank-of-kenya-requires-mobile-phone-carriers-to-adopt-payment-card-industry-data-security-standard/

Browse the MicroCapital Universe and add your entry to the wiki at: http://www.microcapital.org/microfinanceuniverse/

MICROCAPITAL BRIEF: Microfinance Banks Exempt from Nigeria’s Cash-Lite Cashless Banking System and Tax

Natalie Baer — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 18:20:29 +0000

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has exempted microfinance banks from participating in the Cash-Lite banking system in recognition of the challenges of training and persuading microfinance customers to use electronic and cashless banking services, such as automated teller machines (ATMs) and checks. As part of Cash-Lite, CBN has begun taxing withdrawals and deposits of over NGN 150,000 (USD 934) for individuals and NGN 1 million (USD 6,230) for businesses. Implementation of the program began in Lagos in January and a nationwide rollout is planned.

By Natalie Baer, Research Associate

About the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN): The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) was established in 1958 as Nigeria’s central banking authority. As defined by the Act of Parliament that created CBN, its statutory mandates are as follows: “to issue legal tender currency; to maintain external reserves; to safeguard the international value of the legal tender currency; to promote monetary stability and a sound financial system in Nigeria; and to act as banker and financial adviser to the Federal Government.” As of July 2011, CBN reports total assets of NGN 8.37 trillion (the equivalent of USD 54 billion).

Sources and Additional Resources:

[1] CBN exempts microfinance banks,
http://www.thenationonlineng.net/2011/index.php/business/money/35232-cbn-exempts-microfinance-banks.html

MicroCapital.org story, January 22, 2012, MICROCAPITAL BRIEF: To Promote Electronic Payments, Central Bank of Nigeria Taxing Cash Transactions, http://www.microcapital.org/microcapital-brief-to-promote-electronic-payments-central-bank-of-nigeria-taxing-cash-transactions/

Browse the MicroCapital Universe and add your entry to the wiki at: http://www.microcapital.org/microfinanceuniverse/

MICROCAPITAL BRIEF: Advans, International Finance Corporation (IFC), KfW Bankengruppe, FMO to Start La Fayette Microfinance Bank in Nigeria with $6.2m in Equity Investments

Charlotte Newman — Sat, 04 Feb 2012 22:00:21 +0000

Advans SA, a Luxembourg-based microfinance investment vehicle, has partnered with the International Finance Corporation (IFC), a US-based member of the World Bank Group; KfW Bankengruppe, a German development bank; and Nederlandse Financierings-Maatschappijvoor Ontwikkelingslanden NV (FMO), a Netherlands-based public-private development bank, to create a microfinance bank in Oyo State, Nigeria. The new organization, La Fayette Microfinance Bank, is slated to open during the fourth quarter of 2012 and plans to serve micro- through medium-sized enterprises that have little or no access to traditional banking services. Plans for La Fayette include the creation of 11 branches in Oyo State over the course of five years.

With an equity investment of USD 3.1 million, Advans SA is La Fayette’s main shareholder. IFC and KfW will each invest USD 1.1 million in equity, and FMO will invest USD 940,000 in equity.

Advans has MFIs in Cameroon, Ghana, Tanzania, Democratic Republic of the Congo and Cambodia that serve approximately 245,000 loan clients with 61 branches and an outstanding loan portfolio of approximately EUR 55 million (USD 75.7 million) as of 2010.

About Advans SA
Advans SA SICAR (Advans SA) is a venture capital company registered in Luxembourg and managed by Horus Development Finance of France, whose mission is to broaden access to financial services for micro-, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) in emerging economies. Its modus operandi is to invest as lead shareholder in the creation of financial institutions. In addition to equity and debt funding to microfinance institutions (MFIs), Advans SA provides technical assistance to MSMEs to promote sustainable and profitable operations. Advans’ MFIs in Cameroon, Ghana, Tanzania, Democratic Republic of the Congo and Cambodia serve approximately 245,000 loan clients with 61 branches and an outstanding loan portfolio of approximately EUR 55 million (USD 75.7 million) as of 2010. Advans SA plans to establish 6 or 7 new MFIs in Africa, Asia and the Middle East by 2013. Among these is La Fayette Microfinance Bank, which plans to open its doors in late 2012. LuxFLAG, an organization that certifies that microfinance vehicles actually invest in the microfinance sector, most recently certified Advans in April 2011.

About International Finance Corporation
A member of the World Bank Group, the International Finance Corporation (IFC) offers loans, equity investments, advisory services and technical assistance to private companies with the intent of alleviating poverty and promoting open and competitive markets in developing countries. As of 2011, IFC has 182 member countries, total assets of USD 68.5 billion and total investment mobilization of USD 12.2 billion to 518 projects.

About KfW Bankengruppe
The KfW Bankengruppe (KfW Bank Group) is a German development bank whose objective is to support economic, social and ecological development worldwide. Owned by the Federal Republic and the Länder (states), it offers financial support in the areas of small and medium-sized enterprise, entrepreneurship, environmental protection, housing, infrastructure, education, finance and development cooperation. In 2010 KfW Bankengruppe invested approximately USD 7.4 billion in developing and transition countries.

About Nederlandse Financierings-Maatschappijvoor Ontwikkelingslanden NV (FMO)
The Netherlands Development Finance Company (FMO) is a public-private development bank which supports financial institutions and governments through “loans, participations, guarantees and other investment promotion activities.” It was founded in 1970 by the “Dutch government, private sector, employers and employee organizations.” With access to government funds, it sometimes accepts higher risks with its investments including offering longer-term finance than can commercial investors. It also specializes in local-currency finance. In 2010, FMO disbursed approximately USD 3.3 million in loans.

By Charlotte Newman, Research Associate

Sources and Additional Resources:

StarAfrica: “IFC Partners With Advans S.A. to Set Up Microfinance Bank in Oyo State, Nigeria,” http://www.starafrica.com/en/news/detail-news/view/ifc-partners-with-advans-sa-to-set-up-215450.html

MicroCapital.org story, August 8, 2011, “MICROCAPITAL BRIEF: Microfinance Venture Capital Company Advans SA Wins $4m in Grants From Agence Française de Développement (AFD), Oesterreichische Entwicklungsbank AG (OeEB), Part for Democratic Republic of the Congo, Côte d’Ivoire,” http://www.microcapital.org/microcapital-brief-microfinance-venture-capital-company-advans-sa-wins-4m-in-grants-from-agence-francaise-de-developpement-afd-oesterreichische-entwicklungsbank-ag-oeeb-part-for-democratic-rep/

MicroCapital Universe Profile: Advans SA
http://www.microcapital.org/microfinanceuniverse/tiki-index.php?page=Advans+SA

MicroCapital Universe Profile: International Finance Corporation
http://www.microcapital.org/microfinanceuniverse/tiki-index.php?page=International+Finance+Corporation+%28IFC%29

MicroCapital Universe Profile: KfWBankengruppe
http://www.microcapital.org/microfinanceuniverse/tiki-index.php?page=KfWBankengruppe+%28KfW+Bank+Group%29

MicroCapital Universe Profile: Nederlandse Financierings-Maatschappijvoor Ontwikkelingslanden NV (FMO)
http://www.microcapital.org/microfinanceuniverse/tiki-index.php?page=Nederlandse+Financierings-Maatschappijvoor+Ontwikkelingslanden+N.V.+%28Netherlands+Development+Finance+Company%2C+FMO%29

Browse the MicroCapital Universe and add your entry to the wiki at http://www.microcapital.org/microfinanceuniverse/

MICROCAPITAL BRIEF: Lending Association for Young People Launches Microfinance Loan Fund in Mauritania to Stem Youth Unemployment

Courtney Snelling — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 02:40:49 +0000

The Lending Association for Young People (LAYP) has been launched this month in Mauritania with the purpose of contributing to the financing of small business projects that are led by youth [1]. Economist Ba Hamadi has been quoted as saying LAYP will be beneficial because “thus far, the limited and fairly unprofessional activity of the micro-finance sector has not enabled it to achieve either profitability or the critical mass necessary for it to thrive” [1]. He also added “[t]here used to be loans for graduates, but these days you have to have connections in order to find anything. So, I’m hoping that things will improve with this new association created by young people themselves.”

Information on the number of loans, interest rates and the types of projects which will be financed by LAYP has not been identified. The youth unemployment rate in Mauritania stood near 53 percent in 2004, the most recent year for which data are available [3]. As of 2011, estimates for youth unemployment in North Africa are near 25 percent [7]. Youth unemployment refers to the share of the labor force aged 15 to 24 without work but available for and seeking employment [4].

The US-based NGO Microfinance Information Exchange reports no data on microfinance institutions in Mauritania.

By Courtney Snelling, Research Associate

Sources and Additional Resources:

[1] Magharebia.com: “Mauritanian Youths Launch Microfinance Fund” by Bakari Gueye, 1/15/2012

http://magharebia.com/cocoon/awi/xhtml1/en_GB/features/awi/features/2012/01/15/feature-01

[2] Global Arab Network: “The Highest in the World – 25% Youth Unemployment Rate in MENA Region” by Ahmed Gamal, 5/19/2011

http://www.english.globalarabnetwork.com/2011051910965/Economics/the-highest-in-the-world-25-youth-unemployment-rate-in-mena-region.html

[3] “World Bank Skills Development Support Project”, by World Bank. 2010

http://www-wds.worldbank.org/external/default/WDSContentServer/WDSP/IB/2010/10/13/000003596_20101013085858/Rendered/PDF/PID1Skills1Concept0Stage0120101.pdf

[4] World Bank (WB): “Unemployment, youth male (% of male labor force ages 15-24)” http://data.worldbank.org/indicator/SL.UEM.1524.MA.ZS/countries/MR?displ…

[5] “Youth Unemployment a Major Challenge for African Countries”, April 26, 2009, The World Bank,

http://web.worldbank.org/WBSITE/EXTERNAL/TOPICS/EXTCY/0,,contentMDK:22157069~menuPK:2643888~pagePK:64020865~piPK:149114~theSitePK:396445,00.html

[6] “Youth and Employment in Africa: The Potential, the Problem, the Promise”, The World Bank

http://web.worldbank.org/WBSITE/EXTERNAL/COUNTRIES/AFRICAEXT/0,,contentMDK:21997667~pagePK:146736~piPK:146830~theSitePK:258644,00.html

[7] “Global Employment Trends for Youth: 2011 Update”, October 2011, ILO

http://www.ilo.org/wcmsp5/groups/public/@ed_emp/@emp_elm/@trends/documents/publication/wcms_165455.pdf

Browse the MicroCapital Universe and add your entry to the wiki at: http://www.microcapital.org/microfinanceuniverse/

MICROCAPITAL BRIEF: Development Seed, Key2Flex Offer Geospatial Technology Services to Analyze Availability of Financial Services in Developing Countries

Natalie Baer — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 16:34:54 +0000

Geospatial mapping is being used to show the geographic distribution of banks, automated teller machines (ATMs) and banking agents in relation to low-income and other population groups, thus giving an indication of the accessibility of financial services to those groups. Improvements in geospatial mapping technology, global positioning system (GPS) receivers and geographic information system (GIS) software combined with the increasing availability of spatial and population data allow for the mapping and analysis of a country’s “financial landscape” for about USD 100,000 [1].

The US-based Microfinance Information Exchange, US-based data visualization company Development Seed and the Canada-based MasterCard Foundation have partnered to map microfinance data in Nigeria. In the Philippines, the People’s Credit and Finance Corporation (PCFC), a governmental microfinance organization, has partnered with Philippines-based Key2Flex to use GIS software to analyze microfinance information.

By Natalie Baer, Research Associate

About the Microfinance Information Exchange (MIX): The Microfinance Information Exchange (MIX) is a US-based nonprofit provider of performance data and analysis on microfinance institutions (MFIs), funders, networks and service providers dedicated to serving the financial needs of low-income clients. The mission of MIX is to strengthen the microfinance sector and financial inclusion in general by promoting transparency. The organization’s MIX Market website offers access to financial and social performance information covering approximately 2,000 MFIs. MIX publications include the MicroBanking Bulletin and MIX Microfinance World, which feature periodic research and data analysis. Incorporated in 2002, MIX is headquartered in Washington, DC, with regional offices in Azerbaijan, India, Morocco and Peru. Its supporters include the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, CGAP (Consultative Group to Assist the Poor), Omidyar Network, The MasterCard Foundation, the UN’s International Fund for Agricultural Development, the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation, Citi Foundation, Ford Foundation and Deutsche Bank.

About the MasterCard Foundation: Based in Canada, the MasterCard Foundation is a private foundation with the goal of enabling people living in poverty to improve their lives with increased access to microfinance and education. The foundation was established in 2006 by a gift of shares from global payment processor MasterCard Worldwide during the company’s initial public offering. As of 2010, the MasterCard Foundation reported approximately CAD 3 billion (the equivalent of USD 2.9 billion) in assets.

About the People’s Credit and Finance Corporation: The People’s Credit and Finance Corporation (PCFC) is a government-owned finance company based in Manila, Philippines. Its sole focus is microfinance, and it is mandated by the government to provide financial services to the poor through retail microfinance institutions. As of December 31, 2010, the PCFC had total assets of PHP 3.78 billion (USD 88.2 million).

Sources and Resources:

[1] Geospatial Analysis for Financial Inclusion Tracking
http://mmublog.org/blog/geospatial-analysis-for-financial-inclusion-tracking/

Mapping Nigerian Microfinance Banks
http://www.themix.org/publications/mix-microfinance-world/2011/08/mapping-nigerian-microfinance-banks

Philippines’ PCFC to develop Microfinance Geographic Information System
http://www.microfinancefocus.com/news/2010/05/25/philippines%E2%80%99-pcfc-to-develop-microfinance-geographic-information-system/

MicroCapital Universe Profile: Microcapital Universe: Microfinance Information Exchange (MIX) http://www.microcapital.org/microfinanceuniverse/tiki-index.php?page=Microfinance+Information+Exchange+%28MIX%29

MicroCapital Universe Profile: MasterCard Foundation
http://www.microcapital.org/microfinanceuniverse/tiki-index.php?page=MasterCard+Foundation

MicroCapital Universe Profile: People’s Credit and Finance Corporation
http://www.microcapital.org/microfinanceuniverse/tiki-index.php?page=People%27s+Credit+and+Finance+Corporation+%28PCFC%29

Browse the MicroCapital Universe and add your entry to the wiki at: http://www.microcapital.org/microfinanceuniverse/

MICROCAPITAL BRIEF: Oxfam International, Symbiotics Launch Small Enterprise Impact Investment Fund for Asia, Africa

Nisha Koul — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 13:32:44 +0000

UK-based relief agency Oxfam International and Swiss for-profit microfinance investment intermediary Symbiotics have jointly launched the Small Enterprise Impact Investment Fund (SEIIF) that will increase access to credit for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Asia and Africa while offering investors both “measurable social impacts and financial returns” [1]. Oxfam will be the “impact adviser” for the fund and offer “intelligence on the impact of investee activities.” The primary focus will be on activities that build women’s empowerment, create jobs and increase food security. Symbiotics will act as the fund manager for SEIIF.

The target size of SEIIF, which will invest in debt and equity instruments, is USD 100 million after three years. The fund aims to create 100,000 jobs in five years.

By Nisha Koul, Research Associate

About Oxfam International: Oxfam International was established in 1995 as a confederation of 15 organizations working to reduce poverty. Oxfam’s name is derived from its founding member, the Oxford Committee for Famine Relief, which began operating in Britain in 1942 by advocating for food supplies to be sent to women and children in Greece during the Second World War. Oxfam International since has grown into a network of member organizations serving 99 countries with disaster relief, advocacy and policy research with the aim of providing long-term solutions for poverty eradication. As of March 2011, Oxfam International reports GBP 2.8 million (USD 4.4 million) in assets.

About Symbiotics: Founded in 2005, Symbiotics provides for-profit investment intermediary services to the microfinance industry as well as business services to investors and practitioners of micro- and small enterprise (MSE) development. Symbiotics works with approximately twenty investment funds (MIVs) and a dozen institutional investors. It has facilitated the provision of USD 895 million in capital to about half a million micro-, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) through 150 financial institutions in approximately 35 emerging economies. The company also offers Syminvest, a microfinance investment intelligence platform designed to increase transparency and enhance investment capacity in the industry by monitoring regional markets and specific institutions.

Sources and Additional Resources:

[1] Symbiotics News, “SEIIF – Oxfam and Symbiotics target investment industry with new SME fund,” http://www.symbioticsgroup.com/news/latest-news/seiif-oxfam-and-symbiotics-target-investment-industry-with-new-sme-fund

MicroCapital.org story, December 28, 2010, “MICROCAPITAL BRIEF: Symbiotics Launches Micro-, Small & Medium-Sized Enterprise Bonds Electronic Platform, Closes Two Deals for Mutual Cartago de Ahorro y Prestamo (MUCAP) and Microfinance Institution (MFI) Lanka ORIX MicroCredit (LOMC),” http://www.microcapital.org/microcapital-brief-symbiotics-launches-micro-small-medium-sized-enterprise-bonds-electronic-platform-closes-two-deals-for-mutual-cartago-de-ahorro-y-prestamo-mucap-and-microfinance-institu/

MicroCapital.org story, November 1, 2010, “MICROCAPITAL BRIEF: CARE, Barclay’s, Oxfam, EcoBank, Others Collaborate to Expand Financial Services to Sub-Saharan Africa’s Poor,” http://www.microcapital.org/microcapital-brief-care-barclays-oxfam-ecobank-others-collaborate-to-expand-financial-services-to-sub-saharan-africas-poor/

MicroCapital Universe Profile: Oxfam International, http://www.microcapital.org/microfinanceuniverse/tiki-index.php?page=Oxfam+International

MicroCapital Universe Profile: Symbiotics, http://www.microcapital.org/microfinanceuniverse/tiki-index.php?page=Symbiotics+Group

Browse the MicroCapital Universe and add your entry to the wiki at http://www.microcapital.org/microfinanceuniverse/

MICROCAPITAL BRIEF: MFTransparency Releases Microloan Pricing Data for Ghana, Zambia, Tanzania

Natalie Baer — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 21:12:14 +0000

On January 27, 2012, as part of its Transparent Pricing Initiatives, US-based NGO MFTransparency released microloan pricing data from Ghana, Zambia and Tanzania. As part of this launch, webinars are available on pricing dynamics in these microfinance markets and regarding the transparent communication of prices to clients [1].

The Transparent Pricing Intiatives are part of a larger MFTransparency project funded by Canada’s MasterCard Foundation and known as the enabling Africa to Price Responsibly & Educate on Interest Rates (enabling APR & EIR) program [1] [2]. Since 2010, the project has endeavored to improve the microloan markets in Malawi, Uganda, Rwanda, South Africa, Ghana, Tanzania, Zambia and Mozambique by publishing comparable data on the interest and fees charged on microfinance loans. Additionally the program includes training seminars, technical assistance and the production of educational materials. As of January 2012, MFTransparency has collected data from 30 countries on four continents, including 17 countries in Sub-Saharan Africa [1].

By Natalie Baer, Research Associate

About MFTransparency: MFTransparency is a US-based nongovernmental organization (NGO) that was launched in July 2008 to provide information on microcredit products and their prices. MFTransparency collects data on the interest and fees charged on microfinance loan products in order to calculate and publicize the effective interest rates charged on those loans. According to its website, 889 industry stakeholders have endorsed its efforts as of 2011. As of January 2012, MFTransparency has collected data from 30 countries on four continents, including 17 countries in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Sources and Resources:

[1] MFTransparency Press Release, “Launch of Ghana, Zambia and Tanzania Pricing Data by MFTransparency.”

[2] Enabling Africa to Price Responsibly & Educate on Interest Rates, http://www.mftransparency.org/pages/enabling-africa-to-price-responsibly-educate-on-interest-rates/

MICROCAPITAL BRIEF: Ethiopia’s Wasasa Microfinance, Poverty Eradication and Community Empowerment (PEACE), Metemamen, Harbu, Digaf Microfinance Submit Pricing Data to MFTransparency
http://www.microcapital.org/microcapital-brief-ethiopia%E2%80%99s-wasasa-microfinance-poverty-eradication-and-community-empowerment-peace-metemamen-harbu-digaf-microfinance-submit-pricing-data-to-mftransparency/

MICROCAPITAL BRIEF: MFTransparency, Association of Ethiopian Microfinance Institutions (AEMFI) to Launch “Transparent Pricing Initiative in Ethiopia” with Funding from MicroNed
http://www.microcapital.org/microcapital-brief-mftransparency-association-of-ethiopian-microfinance-institutions-aemfi-to-launch-%E2%80%9Ctransparent-pricing-initiative-in-ethiopia%E2%80%9D-with-funding-from-microned/

MICROCAPITAL BRIEF: MFTransparency, Mozambican Association of Microfinance Operators (AMOMIF) Launch Transparent Pricing Initiative in Mozambique
http://www.microcapital.org/microcapital-brief-mftransparency-mozambican-association-of-microfinance-operators-amomif-launch-transparent-pricing-initiative-in-mozambique/

MICROCAPITAL BRIEF: MFTransparency Announces First Microfinance Data Submissions for Ghana Transparent Pricing Initiative
http://www.microcapital.org/microcapital-brief-mftransparency-announces-first-microfinance-data-submissions-for-ghana-transparent-pricing-initiative/

MicroCapital Universe Profile: MFTransparency,
http://www.microcapital.org/microfinanceuniverse/tiki-index.php?page=MFTransparency

MicroCapital Universe Profile: MasterCard Foundation, http://www.microcapital.org/microfinanceuniverse/tiki-index.php?page=MasterCard+Foundation

Browse the MicroCapital Universe and add your entry to the wiki at: http://www.microcapital.org/microfinanceuniverse/

MICROCAPITAL BRIEF: Opportunity International Receives Grant from Credit Suisse to Expand Electronic Financial Services, Train Personnel in Africa and Latin America

Charlotte Newman — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 19:51:16 +0000

Opportunity International, a US-based nonprofit organization with a focus on microfinance, has received a three-year grant of unspecified size from Credit Suisse’s Microfinance Capacity Building Initiative, a Credit Suisse program that aims to contribute to the strengthening of microfinance institutions.

Opportunity plans to use the grant to further develop its mobile phone banking services, increase the number of point-of-sale (POS) devices which clients can use to conduct business transactions at non-bank retailers and grow its mobile bank services, in which mobile banks equipped with netbook computers travel to communities that do not have access to traditional banks. The grant will largely focus on expanding these services in Ghana, Malawi, Mozambique, Uganda and Colombia. An unspecified portion of the grant will also help fund Opportunity’s Next Generation Microfinance Bankers training program, which will create and implement training programs for loan officers and customer service staff.

At the end of 2010, Credit Suisse reported total assets of USD 1.1 trillion. For the same year, Opportunity reported total assets of USD 150 million, and as of 2012 it has 44 partner microfinance organizations.

About Credit Suisse
Credit Suisse is a global financial services company that was founded in 1856 and has its headquarters in Zurich, Switzerland. Credit Suisse provides advisory services and financial products to institutions and individuals around the world. As of December 31, 2010, Credit Suisse reported total assets of USD 1.1 trillion.

About Opportunity International
Based in the United States, Opportunity International is a nonprofit organization that was founded in 1971. Today, Opportunity International provides small business loans, savings, insurance and training to approximately two million poor people in 24 countries in Africa, Asia, South America and Eastern Europe. As of December 31, 2010, Opportunity International reported total assets of USD 150 million with an annual revenue of USD 32 million.

By Charlotte Newman, Research Associate

Sources and Additional Resources:

MarketWatch: “Opportunity International Gains Funding to Expand Technology and Training Programs, Provide Financial Tools to the World’s Poorest Citizens,” http://www.marketwatch.com/story/opportunity-international-gains-funding-to-expand-technology-and-training-programs-provide-financial-tools-to-the-worlds-poorest-citizens-2012-01-24

MicroCapital.org story, January 17, 2012, “MICROCAPITAL BRIEF: responsAbility Lends $3m to Microfinance Institutions Advans Cameroun, Opportunity International Bank of Malawi,” http://www.microcapital.org/microcapital-brief-responsability-lends-3m-to-microfinance-institutions-advans-cameroun-opportunity-international-bank-of-malawi/

MicroCapital Universe Profile: Credit Suisse
http://www.microcapital.org/microfinanceuniverse/tiki-index.php?page=Credit+Suisse

MicroCapital Universe Profile: Opportunity International
http://www.microcapital.org/microfinanceuniverse/tiki-index.php?page=Opportunity+International

Browse the MicroCapital Universe and add your entry to the wiki at http://www.microcapital.org/microfinanceuniverse/