Central Asian Microfinance Forum 2026: Regional Dialogue and a Shared Agenda in Almaty
Almaty, 21 September 2026
The Central Asian Microfinance Forum 2026 took place in Almaty, bringing together around 500 participants from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and other countries. Organised by the Association of Microfinance Organizations of Kazakhstan (AMFOK) and the Coordination Council of Associations of Microfinance Organizations of Central Asian Countries, the Forum has become one of the main regional platforms for professional dialogue on the future of the microfinance sector.
Participants included leaders of microfinance organisations and banks, government and regulatory representatives, international financial institutions, investors, development funds, fintech companies, credit bureaus, anti-fraud platforms and industry associations.
MFC’s participation
MFC was represented by CEO, Wojciech Stępień, who delivered the opening address, and Archil Bakuradze, Chair of the MFC Council, who moderated a session on international perspectives on microfinance development. The Forum also provided an opportunity to meet MFC members, partners, and colleagues from across Central Asia and to exchange views on the challenges and opportunities facing inclusive finance in the region.
Key themes of the discussion
The agenda reflected the significant changes currently underway in Central Asian microfinance markets. Sessions addressed regulatory transformation, responsible lending, consumer protection, digitalisation and the use of artificial intelligence, new sources of funding, and the investment attractiveness of the sector. Participants also examined growing risks linked to cyber fraud and illegal lending.
Particular attention was given to financing entrepreneurship and technology-driven businesses, the development of conduct supervision and practical digital solutions that microfinance organisations can apply in their daily operations.
The Almaty Declaration
The main outcome of the Forum was the adoption of the Almaty Declaration by microfinance associations from Central Asian countries. The Declaration confirms a shared commitment to building a sustainable, transparent, and responsible microfinance market and identifies priority areas for joint work, including responsible lending and the reduction of household debt burdens, consumer protection and financial literacy, combating financial fraud, responsible digital transformation, closer dialogue between governments, regulators, and market participants, and regional cooperation and the exchange of good practice.
The Declaration is intended to serve as a basis for regular exchange among industry associations, the coordination of joint initiatives, and more structured engagement with regulators and international partners.
Commenting on the outcome, Yerbol Omarkhanov, Chairman of the Council of AMFOK, noted that the sector is going through an important stage of transformation and faces common challenges across the region. In his view, the Forum showed the industry’s readiness to address these issues openly and collectively, and the Declaration provides a common foundation for future cooperation among associations, regulators, and market participants.
Agreements and new initiatives
Several agreements focused on inclusive finance and client protection were signed during the Forum. A Letter of Commitment to the principles of the Women Entrepreneurs Finance Code was signed, supporting improved access to finance for women-led businesses in cooperation with the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD). AMFOK also concluded two memoranda of understanding: one with the Association of Mediators of Kazakhstan on out-of-court dispute resolution and better communication with borrowers, and another with the Financial Culture of Kazakhstan Public Foundation on promoting financial, digital, and consumer literacy and preventing illegal lending, pyramid schemes, and fraud.
The Forum also included an awards ceremony recognising sixteen microfinance organisations from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, and Tajikistan for their achievements in corporate governance, support for entrepreneurship and SMEs, and the protection of client rights.
Looking ahead
Discussions in Almaty underlined that the further development of microfinance in Central Asia depends not only on technology and access to capital, but also on shared standards of responsible conduct, client trust, and continued dialogue between public institutions, the industry, and the wider professional community. MFC will continue to support its members and partners in the region in advancing these priorities.
MFC thanks AMFOK and the Forum organisers for the invitation and for hosting a well-attended regional meeting.