SPECIAL REPORT: Frédéric Ruaz on Semaine Africaine de la Microfinance (SAM, African Microfinance Week), June 29 – July 3, 2015, Dakar, Senegal

MicroCapital: What can attendees expect to see at Semaine Africaine de la Microfinance (SAM)?

Frédéric Ruaz: You will find most of the sessions involve managers of several types of organizations: microfinance institutions (MFIs), public entities and private funds. In addition to fostering debate, we aim SAM to bridge practitioners with experts, South with North, and even small MFIs with large MFIs. Indeed, SAM is the largest microfinance meeting place in Africa.

MC: Is there a session that you think attendees may find particularly valuable?

FR: That is a tough question, as SAM offers such a diversity of panels. On Wednesday, July 1, the second session will focus mostly on social entrepreneurship. I strongly believe this concept is key to accelerating innovative rural and agricultural finance in Africa. Many high-level government representatives also have confirmed their participation – though I cannot release the names now. This is a clear sign of how important this is to Africa.

MC: Please tell us about the Innovation Fair.

FR: Undoubtedly, this is the major new element of the 2015 edition of SAM. May I say that it is, itself, an innovation? Starting on the night of Wednesday, July 1, the Innovation Fair will showcase new technology, services and products that could positively impact the lives of rural people. I was astonished when I saw how such ideas could ease the work of microfinance and life in general through mobile devices, management information systems, 3-D printing, and energy and water access.

MC: Please tell us about the Investor’s Fair.

FR: The Investor’s Fair of African Microfinance Transparency Forum (AMT) is well known in the microfinance industry. The seventh edition will occur during SAM. Unlike in previous years, all MFIs are welcome. A key portion of the fair is the “speed-dating” sessions between investors and MFI representatives.

MC: Please comment on the many partner organizations involved with SAM.

FR: What was really great about organizing SAM is that the African Microfinance Network, the African Rural and Agricultural Credit Association, AMT and the Microfinance African Institutions Network all are committed to make this event the best it can be. Also, we cannot forget the key role of the Association Professionnelle – Systems Financiers Delocalizes, the network of Senegalese MFIs, whose daily operational support is much appreciated!

MC: What would you say to an attendee trying to decide whether to attend SAM?

FR: We expect 400 attendees from 36 countries. Consultants, MFI managers, NGO directors, bankers, microfinance experts, politicians and university professors will take part. For every attendee, SAM is a unique opportunity to meet people, exchange ideas and develop her or his business. From June 29 to July 3, for everybody involved in microfinance, SAM will be the place to be!

Frédéric Ruaz serves as the communication and information manager for ADA, an NGO located in Luxembourg. This interview is part of a sponsored series on the second annual Semaine Africaine de la Microfinance, which is held each year by ADA in partnership with several African organizations (named above).

Additional Sources and Resources:

MICROFINANCE EVENT: African Microfinance Week (Semaine Africaine de la Microfinance), June 29 – July 3, 2015, Dakar, Senegal, With On-site Reporting by MicroCapital: https://www.microcapital.org/microfinance-event-ada-to-host-african-microfinance-week-semaine-africaine-de-la-microfinance-june-29-july-3-2015-dakar-senegal-with-on-site-reporting-by-microcapital/

African Microfinance Week Website: http://www.microfinance-africa.org

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