Library
European Microfinance Actors – Working in Developing Countries – Main Topics and Priorities
This paper begins by stating that microfinance is evolving in terms of scale, professionalism, and significance within development programmes. As a consequence, an increasing number of European entities have entered the microfinance sector or have improved their existing competencies. It argues that this has led to ad hoc initiatives and topical working groups. The paper also notes that national microfinance platforms have recently appeared in several European countries and as a progression from this, the Luxembourg Round Table on Microfinance decided to try to create synergies on a European level.
To encourage such synergies, the paper suggests that it is important to know firstly, who does what, and where, in microfinance, and more importantly, who are the actors? What are their competencies and what are their perspectives on the future? This paper is a study, as well as a directory, which attempts to answer these questions – it aims to underline and analyse the aims and priorities of the main actors. Leading on from this, it also aims to promote expertise and to create linkages at a European level.
The directory lists European microfinance organisations currently active in microfinance in developing countries – it provides an overview about which organisations work where and on what topic, with the aim of facilitating the creation of synergies and cooperation. The data was complied by means of a survey.
The paper begins by setting out the scope of the survey and methodology. The bulk of the study then analyses the current situation of European microfinance actors. Within this section it starts with a look at general information about the organisations surveyed – broken down by types of organisation, human resources and regions of intervention. The second part of this section then looks various themes and topics – covering methods of intervention, areas of intervention and main topics.
Prior to concluding the paper also consider topics of the future. These include – microinsurance, remittances, new microfinance institutions financing products and linkages, social performance and client focus, and rural finance and outreach. The study then ends with conclusions and implications for the European microfinance dialogue.
The appendices to the study include a number of useful tables:
- Organisations by topics and competencies
- List of key studies and activities in relation to areas of intervention
- Organisations surveyed by country of origin
- Organisations surveyed by regions of intervention
- Resource type Paper
- Author Appui au Développement Autonome (ADA)
- OrganisationLuxembourg Round Table on Microfinance
- Year of Publication2005
- RegionEurope
- LanguageEnglish
- Number of pages88 pp.
- Keywords Microfinance Institutions