Tag Archive

> Posted by Adrian Merryman, CEO, Small Enterprise Development Agency

This post is part of the Center for Financial Inclusion’s Expert Exchange: Building A Movement Toward Financial Inclusion by 2020, cultivating conversation around the goal of reaching full financial inclusion by 2020. For further questions about this series, write to , Fellow, Center for Financial Inclusion at Accion.

We have made a lot of progress toward financial inclusion, especially when it comes to cities. Walk into most major cities in low-income countries, and you will probably find outlets of banks and microfinance institutions that lend to virtually all who qualify as economically active with a viable business model and of credible character.

But that is only 28 percent of the story. The urban focus ignores the 72 percent of people in low-income economies who live in rural areas.  Unfortunately, organizations striving to achieve financial viability are conflicted when it comes to serving rural clients.  The steps we take to pursue operational sustainability are not steps that will immediately benefit the 72 percent. Read the rest of this entry »