MicroCapital » Middle East

MICROCAPITAL BRIEF: “SANAD Fund for MSME” to Loan $5m to BLC Bank of Lebanon for On-Lending to Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises

Ariana Malushi — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 21:07:20 +0000

SANAD Fund for MSME, a Luxembourg-based investment fund, has invested in Lebanon for the first time with a USD 5 million loan to BLC Bank sal, a Lebanese commercial bank. The loan will allow BLC to expand its lending to small and medium-sized enterprises.

SANAD Fund for MSME (SANAD) provides medium- and long-term debt and equity financing to commercial banks, microfinance institutions (MFIs) and other financial institutions in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) with the intent of strengthening the micro-, small and medium-sized enterprise (MSME) sector and local financial markets. As of September 2011, SANAD had raised commitments of USD 34 million.

BLC, incorporated in 1950, operates a network of 51 branches throughout Lebanon and Cyprus. BLC Bank subsidiaries include USB Bank PLC Cyprus, which offers financial services through its 16 branches on the island of Cyprus and BLC Finance and BLC Services which are based in Lebanon and offer fund management, proprietary trading, floor brokerage and margin lending. Financial Information for BLC is not available.

About SANAD Fund for MSME (SANAD):
Founded in August 2011, SANAD Fund for MSME (SANAD) provides medium- and long-term debt and equity financing to commercial banks, microfinance institutions (MFIs) and other financial institutions in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) with the intent of strengthening the micro-, small and medium-sized enterprise (MSME) sector and local financial markets. As of September 2011, SANAD had raised commitments of USD 34 million. SANAD will initially be focusing on Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Tunisia, followed in stages by Algeria, Iraq, Morocco, the Palestinian Territory, Syria and Yemen.

About BLC Bank sal:
BLC, incorporated in 1950, operates a network of 51 branches throughout Lebanon and Cyprus. BLC Bank subsidiaries include USB Bank PLC Cyprus, which offers financial services through its 16 branches on the island of Cyprus and BLC Finance and BLC Services which are based in Lebanon and offer fund management, proprietary trading, floor brokerage and margin lending. Financial Information for BLC is not available.

By Ariana Malushi, Research Associate

Press Release submitted to MicroCapital, December 2011
http://www.sanad.lu/home

MicroCapital.org Story, December 29, 2011, “MICROCAPITAL BRIEF: Grameen-Jameel Achieves 1.5m Microfinance Clients Reached, $53m Facilitated”
http://www.microcapital.org/microcapital-brief-grameen-jameel-achieves-1-5m-microfinance-clients-reached-53m-facilitated/

MicroCapital.org story, March 15, 2010, “MICROCAPITAL BRIEF: CGAP, Deutsche Bank, Grameen-Jameel and Islamic Development Bank partner to launch Islamic Microfinance Challenge 2010”
http://www.microcapital.org/microcapital-brief-cgap-deutsche-bank-grameen-jameel-and-islamic-development-bank-partner-to-launch-islamic-microfinance-challenge-2010/

MicroCapital Universe Profile:

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MICROCAPITAL BRIEF: BlueOrchard Private Equity Fund Acquires 20% Stake in Microfinance Holding Company CHF Development Finance International, Focus to be on Middle East

Kristha Abores — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 14:17:35 +0000

The BlueOrchard Private Equity Fund (BOPE Fund), a microfinance investment vehicle managed by Switzerland’s BlueOrchard, recently acquired a 20 percent stake in US-based CHF Development Finance International, a holding company established by development organization CHF International to own and manage CHF’s commercially-oriented microfinance subsidiaries. BOPE Fund’s subscription of USD 1.6 million represents a 30 percent premium over book value. The transaction strengthened CHF Development Finance International’s capital structure and allows it to have seed capital to enter new countries and expand its services.

CHF International Vice President for Development Finance Elissa McCarter said, “BlueOrchard shares our commitment to responsible finance and to generating both financial and social returns by meeting the financial needs of low and medium-income clients. They have shown needed flexibility during this early stage investment in recognition of the challenging environments in which we work, particularly in the Middle East, which is a region of focus for the company.”

Between September 2009 and March 2011, CHF worked in 29 countries. CHF reported net assets of USD 101 million as of September 2010.

As of December 2010, BOPE Fund has USD 195 million in total commitments from both institutional and individual investors.

By Kristha Abores, Research Associate

About CHF International (CHF):
CHF International (CHF) is an international development organization founded in 1952 that works in post-conflict, unstable and developing countries. CHF partners with communities in efforts to help them to improve and direct their lives and livelihoods. CHF is a politically neutral nonprofit organization. Between September 2009 and March 2011, CHF worked in 29 countries. As of September 2010, CHF reported net assets of USD 101 million. CHF Development Finance International LLC, a limited liability company registered in the US state of Maryland and majority-owned by CHF International, was created in September 2006 to house the commercial ownership of financial institutions in which CHF has an equity position.

About BlueOrchard Private Equity Fund (BOPE Fund):
BlueOrchard Private Equity Fund (BOPE Fund) was registered in Luxembourg in December 2007 and acquires minority stakes in microbanks while aiming to play an active governance role at the board level. As of December 2010, BOPE Fund has USD 195 million in total commitments from both institutional and individual investors. BOPE Fund is managed by BlueOrchard, a Switzerland-based, commercial microfinance intermediary that provides loans to microfinance institutions through its subsidiary BlueOrchard Finance SA and invests in the equity of microfinance institutions and microfinance network funds through its subsidiary BlueOrchard Investments SA. BlueOrchard had approximately USD 860 million under management as of December 2010.

Sources and Additional Resources:

[1] Information submitted to by BlueOrchard to MicroCapital

MicroCapital.org article, October 24, 2011, “MICROCAPITAL BRIEF: Microfinance Investor BlueOrchard Releases 2011 Social Performance Data,”http://www.microcapital.org/microcapital-brief-microfinance-investor-blu…

MicroCapital.org article, May 11, 2011, “MICROCAPITAL BRIEF: BlueOrchard Invests $1m in Svasti Microfinance Private Limited of India,”http://www.microcapital.org/microcapital-brief-blueorchard-invests-1m-in…

MicroCapital Universe Profile: BlueOrchard Private Equity Fund (BOPE Fund), http://www.microcapital.org/microfinanceuniverse/tiki-index.php?page=blu…

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

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MICROCAPITAL BRIEF: Mint Technology Forms Microfinance Subsidiary “Mint Money” Targeting Market in United Arab Emirates (UAE)

Cameron Milani — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 21:52:11 +0000

Mint Technology Corporation (Mint), a Toronto-based provider of prepaid credit card programs to employers, has created Mint Money, a subsidiary that will seek to offer microfinance loans directly to its existing cardholder base starting during the first quarter of 2012. Many of Mint’s cardholders receive their wages on the pre-paid card. Mint Money reportedly will offer advances of up to USD 1,000, with approval and settlement taking place within 24 hours. Repayments will be deducted from employee’s wages before the wages are released to the card. Mint currently has a customer base of approximately 400,000.

By Cameron Milani, Research Associate

About Mint Technology: Mint Technology Corporation is a prepaid financial products and services company that provides prepaid credit card programs to clients. Through its Dubai-based subsidiary Mint Middle East LLC, the firm offers a card-based payment solution for employers and employees for the payment of wages and benefits. Mint has developed a secure payment platform that provides customers the means to handle and manage these financial transactions. Mint also offers ‘next generation’ payment methods that include chip, internet, data mining and mobile phone loading and remittance technologies. Mint currently has a customer base of approximately 400,000.

Sources and Additional Resources:

Marketwire, “Mint Announces Formation of New Subsidiary ‘Mint Money,’” http://www.marketwire.com/press-release/mint-announces-formation-of-new-…

MicroCapital Article, October 7, 2011: “MICROCAPITAL BRIEF: Government of Botswana to Stop Facilitating Repayment of Microfinance Loans by Civil Servants,” http://www.microcapital.org/microcapital-brief-government-of-botswana-to…

MicroCapital Universe, Mint Technology: http://www.microcapital.org/microfinanceuniverse/tiki-index.php?page=min…

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MICROFINANCE EVENT: Challenges of Designing Shariah Compliant Microfinance, October 21, 2011, New York, United States

Ashim Kar — Fri, 07 Oct 2011 04:56:13 +0000

Event Name: The Challenges of Designing Shariah Compliant Microfinance Conference

Event Date: 6.30 pm, October 21, 2011

Event Location: Deutsche Bank Auditorium, New York, United States

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

Cost:
USD 15 for the general public, free for members of the Microfinance Club of New York (MFCNY) and employees of Moody’s, a US-based company that performs financial research and analysis regarding commercial and government entities.

About the Event:
Mohammed Khaled of US-based nonprofit CGAP (Consultative Group to Assist the Poor) will provide an overview of innovations currently being implemented in North Africa and Asia in an effort to provide financial access to poor Muslims.

Background on Organizer:
This event is sponsored by Microfinance Club of New York (MFCNY), a US-based NGO that was founded in 2003 as a forum for the exchange of information and ideas about microfinance. The club organizes approximately 10 events per year on various topics in microfinance.

Event website: http://mfcny.org/content/challenges-designing-shariah-compliant-microfinance

For additional information, you may email mfclubny@gmail.com; no telephone number is provided.

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

By Ashim Kar, Research Associate

Source and additional resources:

Microfinance Club of New York event story, “Challenges of Designing Shariah Compliant Microfinance”, http://mfcny.org/content/challenges-designing-shariah-compliant-microfinance

MicroCapital.org story, April 7, 2011, “MICROCAPITAL BRIEF: HSBC Allocates $2m for Distribution Via Shariah-Compliant Microfinacnce Branches of PT Permodalan Nasional Madani (PNM) of Indonesia”, http://www.microcapital.org/microcapital-brief-hsbc-allocates-2m-for-distribution-via-shariah-compliant-microfinance-branches-of-pt-permodalan-nasional-madani-pnm-of-indonesia/

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

MICROFINANCE EVENT: Second International Conference on Inclusive Islamic Financial Sector Development, Khartoum, Sudan, October 9 – October 11, 2011

Ashim Kar — Mon, 03 Oct 2011 17:13:00 +0000

Event Name: Second International Conference on Inclusive Islamic Financial Sector Development: Enhancing Financial Services for Regional Micro-enterprises

Event Date: October 9 – October 11, 2011

Event Location: Sudan Academy for Banking and Financial Sciences (SABFS), Khartoum, Sudan

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

Cost: The cost to attend has not been released

Summary of Event:
The conference aims to analyze the challenges microenterprises face due to the limited availability of Islamic financial services and to explore how to develop such services and related infrastructure. The Sudan Academy for Banking and Financial Sciences (SABFS) and The Islamic Research and Training Institute (IRTI) of Saudi Arabia are organizing the conference.

The themes of the papers to be presented in the conference are to include Islamic financial sector development policies and strategies; the sustainability of microenterprises; social enterprise development; technology; legal, tax, regulatory and policy frameworks; insurance; risk management and instruments, contracts and capital market financing for microenterprises.

Event website: http://www.irti.org/irj/go/km/docs/documents/IDBDevelopments/Internet/English/IRTI/CM/downloads/CallforPapers.pdf

For additional information, you may contact Dr Abd elrahman Elzahi Saaid Ali via email at aelzahi@isdb.org or Dr Ishraga Khattab via at email crpc@sabfs.edu.sd, or you may telephone +249 0155144913 or +249 83771716.

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

By Ashim Kar, Research Associate

Source and additional resources:

“2nd International Conference on Inclusive Islamic Financial Sector Development: Enhancing Financial Services for Regional Micro-enterprises”, http://www.irti.org/irj/go/km/docs/documents/IDBDevelopments/Internet/English/IRTI/CM/downloads/CallforPapers.pdf

Knowledge-Driven International Development (KDID) news story, “2nd International Conference on Inclusive Islamic Financial Sector Development”, http://microlinks.kdid.org/events/2nd-international-conference-inclusive-islamic-financial-sector-development

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

MICROFINANCE EVENT: Inclusive Financial Services Stakeholders Conference, Erbil, Iraq, October 3 – October 4, 2011

Ashim Kar — Sun, 02 Oct 2011 20:15:22 +0000

Event Name: Inclusive Financial Services Stakeholders Conference

Event Date: October 3 – October 4, 2011

Event Location: Erbil, Iraq

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

Cost: Free

Summary of Event:
This event will be held by the USAID-Tijara Provincial Economic Growth Program in collaboration with twelve microfinance institutions (MFIs) in Iraq. The theme of the conference is “Transforming Inclusive Financial Services for Increasing Outreach”. The event aims to attract Iraqi policy makers and representatives from international rating institutions, donors and commercial banks. Topics of discussion are to include institutional reform, transparency, governance and how to better serve vulnerable groups such as youth and women while developing new, demand-driven products and alternative forms of collateral. Strategic business planning and the development of a credit bureau also will be covered.

Background on Organizer:
The USAID-Tijara Provincial Economic Growth Program is a five-year initiative to promote private-sector growth and employment in Iraq. The program is funded by US Agency for International Development (USAID). USAID offers a suite of resources aimed at improving the outcomes of microenterprise development research and practice at http://microlinks.kdid.org/.

Event Website: http://imfi.org/en/node/25438

For additional information, you may e-mail mfconference2011@tijara-iraq.com, call +1 202 684 7473, extension 105

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

By Ashim Kar, Research Associate

Sources and Additional Resources:

“Iraqi Microfinance Conference in Erbil to Discuss Expansion, Greater Outreach to Poor”, https://tijara-iraq.com/?pname=open&f=&id=2038&type=html

MicroCapital.org story, November 12, 2010, “MICROFINANCE EVENT: USAID-Tijara to Hold Inclusive Financial Services Stakeholders’ Conference 2010 in Erbil, Iraq, November 28-30, 2010”, http://www.microcapital.org/microfinance-event-usaid-tijara-to-hold-inclusive-financial-services-stakeholders-conference-2010-in-erbil-iraq-november-28-30-2010/

MicroCapital Universe profile, United States Agency for International Development (USAID), http://www.microcapital.org/microfinanceuniverse/tiki-index.php?page=United+States+Agency+for+International+Development+%28USAID%29

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

MICROCAPITAL BRIEF: Dr Muhammad Yunus Suggests Microfinance “Misinterpreted” as Charity in the Arab World due to Outdated Regulation

Nisha Koul — Fri, 30 Sep 2011 09:00:20 +0000

Dr Muhammad Yunus, the founder of Bangladeshi microfinance institution (MFI) Grameen Bank, recently argued that the Arab world has “misinterpreted the system’s true principles” by operating it as a “charity affair” [1]. Dr Yunus explains that this is because Arab microfinance organizations are not legally permitted to function as financial institutions, forcing them to use traditional banks as an intermediary to disburse loans.

Dr Yunus offers two policy suggestions to improve the situation: lawmakers should pass laws that allow microlenders to function independently of banks; and governments should create microfinance regulatory authorities that would set norms for interest rates and service quality. Conceding that microfinance is not a “silver bullet,” Dr Yunus proposed the analogy that microfinance is a powerful tool for reducing poverty and unemployment just as information technology has been a key driving force in the recent Arab uprisings.

By Nisha Koul, Research Associate

About Grameen Bank: Grameen Bank is a Bangladeshi microfinance institution that provides loans to poor entrepreneurs in rural areas. It was founded in 1976 by Dr Muhammad Yunus, who, along with Grameen Bank, won the 2006 Nobel Peace Prize for his work in developing the concept of microfinance. As of December 31, 2010, Grameen Bank reported to the US-based nonprofit Microfinance Information Exchange total assets of USD 1.7 billion, a gross loan portfolio of USD 939 million, return on assets (ROA) of 0.7 percent, return on equity (ROE) of 10.7 percent and 8.34 million active borrowers.

Sources and Additional Resources:

[1] The Daily Star, “Arab Microfinancing Missing Expectations,” http://www.dailystar.com.lb/Business/Middle-East/2011/Sep-05/147878-arab-microfinancing-missing-expectations.ashx

MicroCapital.org story, September 8, 2011, “MICROCAPITAL BRIEF: Dr Muhammad Yunus Advises Nigeria’s Microfinance Banks to “Look At Conventional Banking And Do It the Opposite Way,”” http://www.microcapital.org/microcapital-brief-dr-muhammad-yunus-advises-nigeria%E2%80%99s-microfinance-banks-to-%E2%80%9Clook-at-conventional-banking-and-do-it-the-opposite-way%E2%80%9D/

MicroCapital.org story, April 26, 2011, “MICROCAPITAL BRIEF: CGAP (Consultative Group to Assist the Poor) Microfinance Blog Explores Effects of Arab Upheaval on Microfinance Institutions (MFIs),” http://www.microcapital.org/microcapital-brief-cgap-consultative-group-to-assist-the-poor-microfinance-blog-explores-effects-of-arab-upheaval-on-microfinance-institutions-mfis/

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

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MICROFINANCE EVENT: Mobile Money Global Summit and Expo, Dubai, United Arab Emirates, October 31 – November 3, 2011

Ashim Kar — Tue, 13 Sep 2011 06:17:21 +0000

Event Name: Mobile Money Global Summit and Expo, 2011

Event Date: October 31 – November 3, 2011

Event Location: Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE)

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

Cost:
Conference only, November 1 – November 2, 2011, GBP 1,599 (USD 2,540), with add-on fees for available pre- and post-conference workshops. Discounts are available for bookings made before September 30.

Summary of Event:
The Mobile Money Global Summit aims to offer learning and networking opportunities to representatives of mobile networks, banks, third-party operators, microfinance institutions, money transfer networks, exchange houses, mWallet developers, regulators and NGOs. The second annual Mobile Money Global Awards will pay tribute to industry pioneers, established stakeholders and exceptional individuals who have made significant contributions to the growth of the mobile money industry.

October 31, 2011: Pre-Conference Workshop
• Mobile money pricing and commission structures
• Enterprise mobile money
• Defining your agents and distribution models

November 1 – November 2, 2011: Conference
• Harnessing the power of mobile money services and investing in community development to bring an end to poverty
• Facilitating socio-economic transformation in emerging markets through mobile lifeline services
• Offering cost-efficient and convenient mobile money transfer services through existing mobile network and banking infrastructures
• How mobile money is accelerating innovation in the developing world
• How to build scale across geographies
• How to make interoperable mobile money a universally accepted form of payment
• Leveraging experiences and transferring best practices across geographies (Africa to South Asia)
• The role of branchless banking in creating transformational financial services
• Expanding mobile money businesses into new markets and opening up new revenue streams
• Learning from established markets and tapping into the potential of mobile money in Latin America
• The potential of mobile money in North Africa and Middle Eastern markets: market assessments of Egypt, Tunisia and Morocco
• Creating a regulatory environment to incentivize mobile payments innovation in the Middle East and North Africa

November 3, 2011: Post-Conference Workshop
• How airtime fits into the mobile money ecosystem
• How mobile money operators can earn commissions from regular flows of government payments
• How to mitigate fraud

Background on Organizer:
This event is hosted by Clarion Events, a British events company that has also operated conferences focusing on payments innovation, telecommunications, government and emerging technologies.

The presenters will include:
Nasser Bin Obood, CEO, Etisalat, UAE
Osman Sultan, CEO, du, UAE
Karim Khoja, CEO, Roshan, Afghanistan
Abdul Malek; CEO, Zain Jordan & COO, Zain Group; Jordan
Michael Joseph, former CEO, Safaricom, Kenya
Nitin Garg, Director, MicroSave, India
Abbas Sikander, Group Executive Director, Tameer Microfinance, Pakistan
Jacques Voogt, Head of Financial Services, Vodacom, Tanzania
Kazi Md. Saiful Alam; General Manager, Regulatory; MTN Ghana
Anirbban Goswami, Senior Manager, Axis Bank, India
Irfan Ali, Head of Money Transfer Distribution, Vodafone Qatar

Event Website: http://www.mobile-money-transfer.com/global

For additional information, you may contact Manoj Nardani via email manoj.nardani@clarionevents.com or via telephone at +44 (0) 20 7067 1828

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

By Ashim Kar, Research Associate

Source and additional resources:
Mobile-money-transfer.com, “Mobile Money Global Summit and Expo”, http://www.mobile-money-transfer.com/global

MicroCapital.org story, July 13, 2011: “MICROCAPITAL BRIEF: Creation Investments, Promus Equity Partners Raise $5.5m in Equity For Mobile Banking Technology Provider Eko India”, http://www.microcapital.org/microcapital-brief-creation-investments-promus-equity-partners-raise-5-5m-in-equity-for-mobile-banking-technology-provider-eko-india/

MicroCapital.org story, November 3, 2010: “MICROCAPITAL EVENT: Mobile Money Transfer Asia Pacific Conference and Expo, Manila, Philippines, January 17-20, 2011”, http://www.microcapital.org/microcapital-event-mobile-money-transfer-asia-pacific-conference-and-expo-manila-philippines-january-17-20-2011/

MicroCapital.org story, October 6, 2009: “MICROCAPITAL EVENT: Mobile Money Transfer (MMT) APAC Conference & Expo, December 8-9, 2009, Manila, Philippines, Sponsored by Obopay”, http://www.microcapital.org/microcapital-event-mobile-money-transfer-mmt-apac-conference-expo-december-8-9-2009-manila-philippines-sponsored-by-obopay/

MicroCapital.org story, March 29, 2010: “MICROFINANCE EVENT: Mobile Money Transfer Africa Conference and Expo to be hosted May 4 – May 7, 2010 in Nairobi, Kenya”, http://www.microcapital.org/microfinance-event-mobile-money-transfer-africa-conference-and-expo-to-be-hosted-may-4-may-7-2010-in-nairobi-kenya/

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

MICROCAPITAL BRIEF: Tuninvest-Africinvest Announces Close of Maghreb Private Equity Fund III, Investing in Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs) in Tunisia, Morocco, Algeria, Libya, Egypt

Rohan Trivedi — Tue, 13 Sep 2011 05:03:26 +0000

The Tuninvest-Africinvest Group, a Tunisia-based private equity company that invests in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), recently announced the closing of its Maghreb Private Equity Fund III (MPEF III) with approximately EUR 96 million (USD 134 million) in capital commitments. The 10-year fund has a target size of EUR 150 million (USD 210 million) and will invest in opportunities in Algeria, Morocco, Tunisia and Libya, with the possibility of also deploying funds in Egypt.

Investors in the fund include: the African Development Bank (AfDB), a Tunisia-based development finance institution (DFI); the Netherlands Development Finance Company (FMO in Dutch), a public-private partnership; the International Finance Corporation (IFC), the private-investment arm of the World Bank Group; CDC Enterprises, a French institutional investor; the German Investment Corporation (DEG in German), a member of Germany’s KfW Bank Group; the Investment and Promotion Company for Economic Cooperation (PROPARCO in French), a French DFI; the Swiss Investment Fund for Emerging Markets (SIFEM), a Swiss DFI; the Belgian Investment Company for Developing Countries (BIO), a public-private partnership between the Ministry for Development Cooperation and the Belgian Corporation for International Investment; and Averroes Finance II, a French fund of funds. The level of investment committed by each institution has not been released.

As of August 2011, Tuninvest-Africinvest manages 10 investment funds with approximately USD 550 million in assets under management.

By Rohan Trivedi, Research Associate

About the Tuninvest-Africinvest Group:
The Tuninvest-Africinvest Group is a private equity company that targets growth capital investments in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across North and Sub-Saharan Africa. Both Tuninvest-Africinvest and its parent institution, the Integra Partners financial services group, were established in Tunisia in 1994. As of August 2011, Tuninvest-Africinvest manages 10 investment funds with approximately USD 550 million in assets under management.

Sources and Additional Resources:

[1] BIO Press Release: “BIO participates in the closing of MPEF III”, http://www.bio-invest.be/en/news/29-bio-participates-in-the-closing-of-mpef-iii.html

MicroCapital.org story, May 12, 2009: “MICROCAPITAL STORY: European Development Finance Institutions Part 3: The Netherlands Development Finance Company (FMO) Invests Over USD 160 million in Microfinance in Last Two Years”, http://www.microcapital.org/microcapital-story-european-development-finance-institutions-part-3-the-netherlands-development-finance-company-fmo-invests-over-usd-160-million-in-microfinance-in-last-two-years/

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

MicroCapital Universe Profile: African Development Bank (AfDB), http://www.microcapital.org/microfinanceuniverse/tiki-index.php?page=African+Development+Bank++%28AfDB%29

MicroCapital Universe Profile: Netherlands Development Finance Company (FMO), http://www.microcapital.org/microfinanceuniverse/tiki-index.php?page=Netherlands+Development+Finance+Company+%28FMO%29

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

MicroCapital Universe Profile: Deutsche Investitions-und Entwicklungsgesellschaft GmbH (DEG), http://www.microcapital.org/microfinanceuniverse/tiki-index.php?page=Deutsche+Investitions-und+Entwicklungsgesellschaft+GmbH+%28DEG%29

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

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

MICROCAPITAL BRIEF: Microfinance Portfolio Risk Jumps in Tunisia, Egypt, As a Result of Political Unrest

Rohan Trivedi — Thu, 11 Aug 2011 05:03:36 +0000

Sanabel, a network of microfinance institutions (MFIs) in Arab countries, has reportedly released results of a survey of MFIs in Tunisia and Egypt that indicates a significant increase in portfolio-at-risk (PAR) since political instability and social unrest recently broke out in those countries. PAR is a proxy measure for expected defaults and anticipated loan write-offs, that has risen because of enforced office closures and curfews that prevent repayments from being collected. According to the report, between March 2011 and April 2011 PAR in Egypt reached 5.87 percent from an unspecified benchmark, while the same metric rose to 2.23 percent in Tunisia [1].

The survey corroborates recent evidence from the Yemen Microfinance Network (YMN), which found that MFIs in Yemen had encountered “operational difficulties” as a result of political uncertainty, as was reported by MicroCapital in late July 2011 [2].

By Rohan Trivedi, Research Associate

About Sanabel:
Sanabel is a network of microfinance institutions (MFIs) in Arab countries that was established in 2002 by 17 founding members from seven countries. Currently Sanabel has 83 members from 12 Arab countries. As of December 31, 2009, Sanabel member institutions served 2.8 million clients, a number that reportedly represents 90 percent of all microfinance clients in the region. In 2004, Sanabel was incorporated and registered as a nonprofit organization in both Atlanta, in the US state of Georgia, and in Cairo, Egypt, where it is headquartered. Sanabel has organized an annual microfinance conference since 2003.

Sources and Additional Resources:

[1] Microfinance Focus: “Rising Portfolio Risk for microfinance institutions caught in Arab spring”, http://www.microfinancefocus.com/rising-portfolio-risk-microfinance-institutions-caught-arab-spring

MicroCapital.org story, July 29, 2011: “MICROCAPITAL BRIEF: Survey Conducted by Yemen Microfinance Network (YMN) Indicates Microfinance Institutions Facing Operational Difficulties Because of Ongoing Political Tension”, http://www.microcapital.org/microcapital-brief-survey-conducted-by-yemen-microfinance-network-ymn-indicates-microfinance-institutions-facing-operational-difficulties-because-of-ongoing-political-tension/

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

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