The 28th MFC Annual Conference took place in Durrës, Albania, from 19–21 May 2026, bringing together more than 500 professionals from 49 countries representing microfinance institutions, investors, regulators, technology providers and microfinance associations. Organised in partnership with the Albanian Microfinance Association and under the Honorary Patronage of the Bank of Albania, the conference once again confirmed its position as one of the leading meeting points for the inclusive finance community in Europe and Central Asia.

The event facilitated nearly 1,000 meetings, creating opportunities for new partnerships, financing discussions and peer learning. Networking remained the primary motivation for attendance, with 91% of surveyed participants indicating that meetings with business partners were their main reason for joining the event.

Purpose as a Strategic Asset

Under the theme “Microfinance in Transition: Is Purpose at Risk?”, participants explored how the sector can remain mission-driven while responding to changing capital markets, digital transformation, climate challenges and geopolitical uncertainty. A recurring message throughout the conference was that purpose should not be viewed as a constraint but as a strategic asset that strengthens resilience and long-term sustainability.

The conference opened with a keynote by Professor Andrés Rodríguez-Pose of the London School of Economics, who challenged participants to rethink the role of finance in addressing regional development gaps. His concept of “development traps” sparked discussions on how microfinance can move beyond providing access to credit and contribute to building stronger local economies, skills and institutions.

Watch the keynote speech

 From Capital to Climate: Key Themes Shaping the Sector

Across sessions, spotlights and workshops, participants discussed some of the most pressing issues facing microfinance today. Sessions explored new forms of capital and blended finance, climate finance opportunities, social impact measurement, inclusive leasing models, regulatory developments and gender-smart governance. Particular attention was given to the growing importance of evidence-based impact management and to ensuring that digital innovation remains grounded in the needs of clients and communities.

Technology and artificial intelligence featured prominently throughout the agenda. Participants examined how AI can support financial inclusion, improve efficiency and strengthen decision-making while preserving the trust that remains central to the microfinance model. One of the best-rated sessions was “Purpose First: Digital Transformation and the AI Breakthroughs Shaping Inclusion”, which received a perfect average evaluation score from participants.

A New Experiment: Introducing an AI Conference Participant

The 2026 edition will also be remembered as the first MFC Annual Conference to introduce an AI participant, Aleksandra, into the agenda. She joined two sessions: Beyond Credit: Inclusive Leasing Models and “Purpose First: Digital Transformation and the AI Breakthroughs Shaping Inclusion” and also summarized the event during the closing session.

The experiment reflected a broader theme of the conference itself: how organisations can explore emerging technologies while remaining critical, responsible and focused on human-centred outcomes. Regardless of participants’ differing views, the discussion around AI became one of the most talked-about elements of the event and highlighted the sector’s willingness to engage with innovation.

More Than a Conference: Building Connections

Networking remained at the heart of the MFC Annual Conference. The event also featured an Investors’ Fair, a Regulators’ Roundtable and Annual Membership Meeting, a study tour dedicated to farming and agrotourism financing and numerous opportunities for informal exchanges.

The social program, including the Grill & Garden Networking Evening and the Seaside Gala Dinner, received the highest possible ratings from participants, reinforcing the conference’s reputation as a space where professional dialogue and community building go hand in hand.   

Looking Ahead

The discussions in Durrës demonstrated that microfinance is entering a new phase. Access to finance remains essential, but the future of the sector increasingly depends on mission-aligned governance, innovative capital, digital and organisational transformation, meaningful impact measurement and strong partnerships. As participants reflected on three days of debate, learning and networking, one message stood out clearly: in times of transition, purpose remains the sector’s strongest asset.

A big thank you to our sponsors, partners, speakers, members and their representatives and all other participants for shaping this year’s edition — and once again, a special thank you to our sponsors: NOA | ABI Bank, responsAbility Investments AG, Bank of Albania, Kiya.ai, CEB – Council of Europe Development Bank, Albanian Microfinance Association, Banca Etica, Fitch Ratings, Finance in Motion, Neptune Software Group, Fondi Besa, Evrotrust, Habitat for Humanity International, Global Gender-Smart Fund, Triple Jump, Frankfurt School of Finance & Management, REDI Economic Development, Globus Bank for their continued support.