The Microfinance Management Institute

Building the human resource capacity of microfinance

The Microfinance Management Institute (MFMI) forges networks of trainers, academics and donors dedicated to training a new generation of microfinance leaders in developing countries. Its goal is to strengthen their ability to design, develop and deliver quality learning programs in microfinance. The work of the MFMI promotes the evolution of dynamic leaders and competent organizations that can meet the demand of the poor for financial services.

Growth in microfinance requires skilled staff

The MFMI is a support organization. It facilitates the creation and management of microfinance knowledge at the global level. Specifically, it spurs the development of up-to-date learning materials and accelerates the uptake of microfinance innovations and best practices via its international network.

Support from the MFMI helps trainers and educators increase the quality, quantity and sustainability of microfinance-related learning programs throughout Africa, Asia, Latin America, Eastern Europe and the Newly Independent States. MFMI core services include:

• open access to an online clearinghouse of microfinance education resources
• financial support for research and development of new educational materials on the management of microfinance institutions
• support for training institutes and graduate academic networks to exchange experience, ideas and information
• guidance on effective donor investments in microfinance
• facilitation of peer learning among MFMI network members and their target communities

The MFMI targets trainers, academics and donor field staff in developing countries

Background

Created in 2003 by the Consultative Group to Assist the Poor (CGAP) and the Open Society Institute (OSI), the MFMI initially focused on integrating the study of microfinance into graduate management (MBA) programs in developing countries. As of 2007, it had created a network of 13 programs in 10 countries that had collectively delivered microfinance electives and short courses to several thousand practitioners and graduate students.

In late 2006, CGAP entrusted the MFMI with the management of two respected training programs: the Skills for Microfinance Managers series and the CGAP Donor Training Program. As a result, the MFMI mission now reaches all links in the chain of microfinance, from university preparation to professional skills training and specialized education for donors. In collaboration with CGAP, it now delivers the donor training course, which is intended for non-specialist staff. This work uniquely positions the MFMI to build the knowledge of donors and effectively support their efforts in training, education and technical assistance in microfinance.