New Report Analyzes Microfinance in West Africa
Microfinance Information Exchange has just released a new analysis and benchmarking report on microfinance in the UEMOA (Union économique et monétaire ouest-africaine), the West African Economic and Monetary Union. This union is comprised of eight West African states, seven of which have microfinance institutions (MFIs) represented in this year’s report.
The 2009 UEMOA Microfinance Analysis & Benchmarking Report presents the very first trends related to the effects of the global financial crisis on the microfinance sector in this West Africa region. Regarding 2008 data, it seems that the effects of the crisis are mainly visible at a saving activity level rather than credit activity. Also and for the first time, this report created a new peer group, “UEMOA Women” (grouping MFIs working with at least 75% of women), thus highlighting the performance of women-focused MFIs and comparing them to the rest of the sector.
The 2009 report includes 2008 data from 46 MFIs and trend data from 21 MFIs covering the period from 2006 to 2008. For more information on microfinance in West Africa, download the report (available only in French) or visit MIX Market’s regional page.
