Mali

Key figures

New microfinance law in the West African region promotes the consolidation of small isolated MFIs into larger regional networks. For example, in Mali, Terrafina Microfinance focuses on consolidation of the sector through linking NGO-based microfinance branches / operations to larger MFIs. Some 2,500 clients are involved here.

Terrafina also supports five highly rural networks called CVECA (Caisse Villageoise d'Epargne et de Crédit Autogérée) through a capacity building programme. These CVECA networks typically have 20,000 - 30,000 members. In addition to technical support, Terrafina provides CVECAs with grants and access to loans from Oikocredit and Rabobank Foundation.

And IT WORKS!

Finally, Terrafina cooperates with several larger MFIs who are loan clients of Oikocredit. Here, Terrafina support is related to product development specifically to rural areas and to women-led enterprises and to social performance actions. Terrafina also works with the MFIs to help them in their efforts to measure their progress out of poverty.

Terrafina set up a social performance management pilot in Mali in 2008 where they held an initial awareness workshop, organized together with the national network APIM (Association Professionnelle des Institutions de la Microfinance) and many MFIs. Currently, consultants are being trained in facilitating SPM processes (Social Performance Management) in MFIs that will follow the trainings in 2009.