In conjunction with the Association of Microfinance Institutions in Kosovo (AMIK), Microfinance Information Exchange (MIX) published a report titled, “The 2009 Kosovo Microfinance Analysis & Benchmarking Report.”
The report delves into developments in the legal and regulatory environment in Kosovo and the financial performance of the microfinance sector in Kosovo and shows benchmarks that compare seven microfinance institutions (MFIs) in Kosovo to regional peers. The report shows that microfinance institutions (MFIs) in Kosovo have increased their borrower base by 27 percent over the period of January 1, 2009 through October 31, 2009. The loan portfolio growth of the MFIs has decreased to 15 percent in the third quarter of 2009, as compared to an increase of 41 percent in 2008. These numbers demonstrate that the penetration levels of the microfinance sector in Kosovo lag behind those reached by other states in the Balkans, specifically, 15 percent in Kosovo as compared to 84 percent in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH), 35 percent in Serbia and Montenegro, and 23 percent in Albania. The report attributes this lag to the overall decrease in remittances to Kosovo in 2009, which in turn reduced the purchasing power of MFI clients. As a result MFIs in Kosovo became more conservative in their lending by disbursing smaller loans. The report also states that Kosovo MFIs are on par with their peers in the Balkans in terms of overall profitability. Specifically, the report shows that MFIs in Kosovo reported an adjusted return-on-assets (ROA) of 2.6 percent or higher, as compared to an ROA of 0.3 percent which is the median for the Europe & Central Asia (ECA) region.
About Microfinance Information Exchange (MIX):
Established in 2002, Microfinance Information Exchange (MIX) is a nonprofit organization with headquarters in Washington, DC, and regional offices in Peru, Senegal, India and Indonesia. MIX provides detailed financial and social performance information from microfinance institutions (MFIs), as well as business information from market facilitators and leading donor organizations and investors in microfinance. MIX was founded by CGAP (Consultative Group to Assist the Poor), and is sponsored by Citi Foundation, Deutsche Bank Americas Foundation, IFAD, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. MIX website: http://www.themix.org/
About Association of Microfinance Institutions in Kosovo (AMIK):
Association of Microfinance Institutions (AMIK) in Kosovo is a trade association that supports the development of Kosovo-based microfinance programs. AMIK provides access to microcredit and business training to microfinance institutions (MFIs). AMIK website: http://www.amik.org/
Bibliography:
AMIK: https://www.microcapital.org/microfinanceuniverse/tiki-index.php?page=Association+of+Microfinance+Institutions+in+Kosovo+%28AMIK%29
MIX: https://www.microcapital.org/microfinanceuniverse/tiki-index.php?page=Microfinance+Information+Exchange+%28MIX%29
Additional Resources:
[1] The 2009 Kosovo Microfinance Analysis & Benchmarking Report, available at: http://www.themix.org/press-release/kosovo-microfinance-benchmarking-report-now-available
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