You are currently browsing the monthly archive for October 2008.
> Posted by Kelley Mesa
Listen to episode two of the Energy Link’s Podcast Series is available here.
This episode includes interviews with Harry Andrews of Barefoot Power and James Wire of Linux Solutions. As always, the Center for Financial Inclusion’s Paul Rippey hosts the discussion which talks about the renewable energy products under production and distribution by Barefoot Power in Uganda as well as James’ work supporting enhanced access to “light throughout the night” in rural Uganda.
The Center’s Energy Links project aims to bring renewable energy to microfinance clients, contribute to reducing greenhouse-gas emissions and give MFIs a viable “business-in-a-box.” Read more about the project here.
> Posted by Sofia Leon
Sofia Leon
Following an all-star Opening Plenary, I walked upstairs at the 2008 Clinton Global Initiative to see Chris Crane of Opportunity International, Elizabeth Littlefield of CGAP, and Maria Otero of ACCION International. I work in microfinance and was clearly excited to hear this panel, but I was surprised to find such a packed room’s attention set on the microfinance discussion at hand.
Track director Jane Wales introduced the panel, and after individual project updates from each of the three panelists, Jane asked Maria Otero to announce a new CGI Commitment spreading across the microfinance industry: The Campaign for Client Protection in Microfinance.
Maria Otero set the stage, describing how the growing interest from commercial lenders in serving the markets at the BoP make it essential for MFIs, MFI networks, and in general, institutions serving low income markets to proactively embrace client protection rather than having it forced upon them by governments, donors, or as a compliance matter by investors.
She also underscored how crucial it is to move beyond a simple affirmation of high-level principles into the “nitty gritty” of practice. The lack of such industry behaviors can lead to undesirable outcomes, as we are now witnessing. (I don’t have to remind you that the sub-prime lending crisis in the United States provides an example of an industry collapse due to risky behavior lacking proper mitigation or regulation.)
The relevance and the focus on the collaborative nature of the Campaign is what makes me passionate Maria’s announcement at this CGI Poverty Alleviation track session. The Campaign for Client Protection in Microfinance is a Commitment made by our recently launched Center for Financial Inclusion at ACCION International in partnership with ACCION International, Opportunity International, Pro Mujer, Women’s World Banking, Freedom From Hunger, Compartamos Banco, Al Amana, Women’s World Banking Colombia, CIDR/PAMIGA, BANEX, Deutsche Bank, and CGAP.
The Campaign is just beginning, but looks to involve the largest 500 MFIs reporting to the Mix Market on initiatives that aim to tackle over-indebtedness, transparent and fair pricing, ethical collections practices, ethical standards for staff, client recourse, and privacy of client data.
There isn’t a quick fix here, but these committed players recognize the need to start now along with the need to work together. (Even the New York Times came out with an article recognizing this effort, articulating the relevance this Campaign has for the industry.) Stay tuned for more to come as the coalition builds. A healthy microfinance industry affects all of us working on engaging the world’s four billion low-income consumers.
We welcome your insights and comments on how to build a stronger campaign.
> Posted by Kelley Mesa
We are pleased to release the first episode of the Energy Links Podcast Series, hosted by Center Senior Fellow Paul Rippey. In this first episode Paul speaks with Beth Rhyne, managing director of the Center for Financial Inclusion. Beth discusses the motivation for the project and the progress of an initial pilot project to put affordable solar lamps in the hands of rural entrepreneurs and households.
The Energy Links Podcast Series is brought to you by the Center for Financial Inclusion at ACCION International and the Academy for Educational Development FIELD Project, with the generous assistance of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and the Wallace Global Fund. Your comments and questions are welcome. Please send them to . And, stay tuned for new episodes in the coming weeks.
Facebook
Twitter
Recent Comments