Developing a Housing Microfinance Product: The First Microfinance Bank's Experience in Afghanistan

The objective of this case study is to document an example of the successful design and implementation of housing microfinance (HMF) products by analyzing the approach taken by the First Microfinance Bank of Afghanistan (FMFB-A) from 2009 to 2013. This report aims to encourage other lenders to follow suit and offer housing-related loans to low-income earners. It is part of IFC’s MENA Microfinance Knowledge Management project, which aims to raise awareness among microfinance institutions (MFIs) about the importance of risk management, product development, and transformation.

FMFB-A implemented a rigorous, albeit flexible, approach to the roll-out of its HMF products in Afghanistan. The idea to develop an HMF product at FMFB-A started in 2007 as a response to client demand. Its aim has been to increase access to housing microfinance for Afghanistan’s low-income households in urban and rural areas. It also sought to improve the quality of housing for this segment by offering construction technical assistance (CTA) services.

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Ending the Microfinance Crisis in Morocco: Acting early,acting right

Since its remarkable rise and hard fall in 2008-09, much has been written about the microfinance sector in Morocco. As memories of what is often regarded as the Moroccan microfinance crisis recede, this report takes a look at how the sector has evolved since then. Using case studies from the three leading MFIs in Morocco – Al Amana, Fondation Banque Populaire (Attawfiq), and FONDEP – as well as a wealth of data from other sources, we seek to capture the lessons that can be learned from this experience. It is also an opportunity to deepen the understanding of how the crisis evolved and look ahead to future challenges and opportunities faced by the sector.

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Microfinance Market Outlook

Welcome to the sixth edition of the Microfinance Market Outlook and to the sixth chapter in a success story. When research specialists at responsAbility began searching for reliable data about the global microfinance industry back in 2010, they encountered a gap in the market: countless countries had microfinance institutions, many of which were operating successfully but others less so. However, there was no study to indicate how the global market as a whole was performing.

This is precisely where the Microfinance Market Outlook comes in. Since it was first published in 2010, the study has been providing insights into global developments in the microfinance sector and presenting forecasts for the next 12 to 14 months. In this context, the Microfinance Market Outlook draws on input from a host of industry experts across all key markets and it combines their views with macroeconomic indicators and the extensive body of data from responsAbility’s own activities. The sound approach adopted by our research specialists is demonstrated by the high degree of accuracy of our forecasts.

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Shining the Light on Energy Efficiency

Energy efficiency is an extremely attractive area of upfront investment that pays for itself over time, while providing the added benefits of reducing the cost of energy and increasing the energy productivity of the economy. It is therefore not surprising that many governments have emphasized energy efficiency opportunities during the current economic downturn as a way to stimulate their faltering economies. By focusing funding on energy-efficient initiatives, governments hope to not only save or create jobs – the primary goal of spending – but to also reduce domestic dependence on foreign energy supplies and reduce carbon emissions associated with energy use.

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Voices; Risk Assessment in MENA

Voices is the first leadership paper which has been conducted by Sanabel and IFC MENA Office. It seeks to measure the risks facing the microfinance industry in the Arab region according to their trend and severity. Furthermore, Voices is based on the same methodology of Banana Skins Annual Survey with additional adaptations that are necessary to the region.

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Voices; VSE / SME in MENA

The Very Small Enterprise (VSE) report is a joint effort between IFC and Sanabel, this report based on a survey conducted in May-June 2015 by IFC and Sanabel to better understand the efforts of MFIs in Arab countries totarget the VSE segment and respond to their needs.

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