Objectives:
The objective was to contribute to the development of a diverse and competitive microfinance sector by encouraging the establishment and operation of private, sustainable microfinance institutions (MFIs) that focus on best-practice and outreach to the poor, and consequently contribute to poverty alleviation. The technical assistance project aimed to provide support services to the JFPR Grant on the management and implementation of the Microfinance Fund (MFF). Among other things, it required an integrated capacity building and training approach to the establishment of the MFF and Microfinance Fund Management Unit (MFFMU) and strengthening staff capability of the MFF, MFFMU, included MFIs, developing the operational systems and procedures in implementation, and conduct training workshops with the various stakeholders like Microfinance Institutions (MFIs), mass organizations, NGO’s and Bank of Lao (BOL) to improve capabilities in implementing microfinance.
Services:
MSL provided services of Team Leader and Rural Microfinance Specialist (domestic) for the entire period of the ADB TA. Detailed description includes:
- Drafted the terms and conditions under which MFls may gain access to MFF support, guidelines for applicants, and MFFMU operational procedures including procedures for the evaluation and acceptance or rejection of requests for support for adoption and approval.
- Planed, prepare, and implemented a series of four workshops per year for Government staff, practitioners, NGOs, donors, mass organizations and other stakeholders designed to promote microfinance best practice and to publicize experiences gained by MFls that have received MFF support.
- Planed, developed and assisted in the delivery of practical training courses for MFI boards, management, and staff in MFI governance, accounting, information systems, and credit assessment tools, and guide eligible MFls in the preparation of institutional development plans, operational polices, and manuals.
- Assisted in the preparation of guidelines, mandates, manuals, promotional materials, training material, and delivery.
Timeframe: June 2007 - June 2010
Realated Countries: Laos
Client(s): ADB
Categories: SME and Microfinance and Microenterprise, Technical Assistant
