CONFERENCE’26
28th MFC Annual Conference in Albania
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.
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.
Key Takeaways from Sessions
Keynote Speaker: Prof. Andres Rodrigues-Pose
Why do some regions continue to lag behind despite living in an era of unprecedented technological progress and economic growth? In his keynote address Development Traps in a World in Transition, Professor Andrés Rodríguez-Pose explored how economic activity is becoming increasingly concentrated in capitals and major metropolitan areas, leaving many regions across Europe, North America and emerging economies struggling to fulfil their potential. Drawing on research conducted across continents, he argued that these “development traps” represent one of the most pressing economic and political challenges of our time.
Professor Rodríguez-Pose highlighted that the issue is not simply a lack of growth, but the persistent underutilisation of local talent, resources and entrepreneurial capacity. As regions remain trapped in cycles of low productivity, weak job creation and limited opportunities, societies pay a heavy economic and political price. The keynote offered both a diagnosis of these challenges and a call for place-sensitive solutions that build on local strengths, institutions and human potential.
Key Takeaways
Development traps are holding back entire regions
A development trap occurs when a region consistently performs below its own potential, experiencing weaker growth in income, employment and productivity compared to its historical trajectory and the wider economy. According to Professor Rodríguez-Pose, such traps have become widespread across Europe, the United States and emerging economies, affecting regions that struggle to benefit from broader economic progress.
Growth is becoming increasingly concentrated
Economic activity is concentrating in capitals and major metropolitan areas, while many intermediate cities and regions are losing ground. Examples can be found across Europe, from parts of Italy, Croatia, Romania and Greece to regions in Ireland that lag behind the success of Dublin and Cork. Similar patterns are visible in the United States and Kazakhstan, where prosperity remains concentrated in a limited number of locations.
The cost of ignoring regional potential is enormous
One-third of the EU population lives in regions that have recorded very low growth since 2000. Professor Rodríguez-Pose warned that failing to invest in these places means wasting talent, overlooking productive capacity and weakening the foundations of national economies. Simply encouraging people to move elsewhere or relying on subsidies does not address the root causes of regional stagnation.
Development traps can fuel political instability
Economic exclusion often has political consequences. Regions that feel left behind are more likely to experience growing dissatisfaction with established institutions, creating fertile ground for populism, anti-system movements and social unrest. Professor Rodríguez-Pose argued that economic and political challenges reinforce one another, creating a self-perpetuating cycle that becomes increasingly difficult to break.
Place-sensitive policies are more effective than one-size-fits-all solutions
The keynote challenged approaches based on copying successful innovation hubs or pursuing place-blind investment strategies. Instead, development policies should build on the specific assets, capabilities and opportunities that already exist within each region. Lasting progress requires patience and a deep understanding of local circumstances.
Institutions matter as much as investment
Strong institutions, education systems, training opportunities and skills development are critical ingredients for unlocking regional potential. Professor Rodríguez-Pose emphasised that funding alone is not sufficient; regions need the institutional capacity to support entrepreneurship, innovation and long-term development.
Microfinance has a vital role to play
Microfinance can help individuals and communities make the most of their existing potential by providing access to financial resources that would otherwise remain out of reach. By enabling people to pursue opportunities, start businesses and invest in their futures, microfinance contributes to economic inclusion and sustainable local development.
Digitalisation and AI should support local transformation
Rather than focusing solely on generating breakthrough technologies, regions should prioritise helping businesses adopt digital tools and artificial intelligence. Supporting firms to modernise, become more productive and reinvent themselves can play a significant role in overcoming development traps and creating new opportunities for growth.
Unlocking potential requires long-term commitment
Professor Rodríguez-Pose concluded that overcoming development traps will require sustained investment in people, institutions and local capabilities. The greatest opportunities for future growth may not lie in already successful capitals and innovation hubs, but in the regions whose talent and potential have remained underutilised for far too long.
Speakers:
- Archil Bakuradze – Council Chair, Microfinance Centre; Member of the Supervisory Board, Bank Crystal, Georgia
- Sébastien Duquet – Director, Mirova, France
- Olga Tomash – Founder, Tomash Consulting, Netherlands
- Nicolas Blondeau – Fund Manager, Inpulse, Belgium
- Thomas Eriksson – Regional Director for Eastern Europe, Central Asia and the Middle East, Green Climate Fund
As microfinance institutions mature, attract new investors, and navigate changing market conditions, how can they preserve their social mission while ensuring access to the capital needed for growth?
This panel discussion from the MFC Annual Conference 2026 explores the complex relationship between purpose, ownership transitions, impact investing, and the future direction of the microfinance sector. Speakers examine how institutions can remain mission-driven while adapting to changing investor expectations, evolving financial inclusion challenges, and emerging opportunities such as climate finance.
During the session, participants discuss how geopolitical shifts, changing investment priorities, and evolving market realities are influencing the flow of impact capital and creating new challenges for mission-driven financial institutions. The conversation highlights practical approaches to governance, responsible exits, climate finance, and preserving purpose during ownership transitions.
Key takeaways from the session:
✅ Financial inclusion is evolving from simply providing access to finance toward delivering responsible financial services that are fair, transparent, and client-focused.
✅ Access to impact-aligned capital is becoming more challenging as investors increasingly prioritise sectors such as defence, artificial intelligence, and domestic investments.
✅ Climate finance presents significant opportunities for microfinance institutions, particularly in supporting climate adaptation, resilient agriculture, renewable energy, and energy efficiency at the local level.
✅ Institutions should remain authentic to their mission and clearly communicate their social value rather than rebranding themselves to follow funding trends.
✅ Ownership transitions require careful planning from the outset to safeguard institutional purpose and avoid mission drift when investors exit.
✅ Growth should not be pursued at any cost; organisations should balance expansion with maintaining quality, governance standards, and social impact.
✅ Strong governance, transparent impact reporting, and clear social objectives are essential for attracting mission-aligned investors.
✅ The European Commission reaffirmed that poverty reduction, support for vulnerable groups, gender equality, and rural inclusion remain central priorities for European microfinance policy.
✅ Speakers called for the creation of common social and environmental standards and rating mechanisms to make it easier for investors to identify and support mission-driven financial institutions.
The discussion offers valuable insights for microfinance practitioners, investors, policymakers, and development finance institutions seeking to balance financial sustainability with lasting social impact in a rapidly changing environment.
This session was part of the programme of the MFC Annual Conference 2026, one of Europe’s leading events dedicated to inclusive finance, social finance, microfinance, entrepreneurship support, impact investing and financial inclusion.
Photo Gallery
Borrow Wisely Campaign and Senior Entrepreneurship Recognition
Grill & Garden Networking Evening
Gala Dinner
Photo and Video Coverage: Media Solution
Media Coverage 2026
With the support of local partners — Bank of Albania and the Albanian Microfinance Association (AMA) — the 2026 edition attracted significant interest from local media. Below are a few examples of the coverage.
Conference Sponsors and Partners 2026
Previous editions
- 2025, 27-29 May, 27th MFC Annual Conference in Georgia: Shifts, Shocks and Solutions: Microfinance in the Shadow of Geopolitics Read more
- 2024, 14-15 May, 26th MFC Annual Conference in Cracow, Poland: Embracing Diversity for Inclusive Finance Read more
- 2023, 24-25 May, 25th MFC Annual Conference in Budva, Montenegro: Thriving Together. Silver Jubilee Read more
- 2022, 29-30 June, 24th MFC Annual Conference in Istanbul, Turkey: Microfinance Investing Through Uncertainty Read more
- 2021, 14-16 September, 23th MFC Virtual Conference, Social Finance Vibe 2021: Pandemic Reboot Read more
- 2019, 30-31 May -22nd MFC Annual Conference in Istanbul, Turkey: Demystifying Digital in Microfinance Read more
- 2018, 3-5 October – the MFC-EMN Annual Conference 2018, Bilbao, Spain: People and the digital revolution: Advancing our social mission through technology Read more
- 2017, 24-26 May – 20th MFC Annual Conference – Horizon 2037: Fair Finance for All (Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina). Download the Conference Agenda
- 2016, 23-24 June – 19th MFC Annual Conference – Microfinance in the Cloud (Tirana, Albania). Download the Conference Agenda
- 2015, 5-6 November – 18th MFC Annual Conference- Employment, Youth and Investment: What can Microfinance do? (Prague, Czech Republic). Download the Conference Agenda
- 2014, 27-28 May – 17th MFC Annual Conference-The new world of financial inclusion: What role for microfinance? (Istanbul, Turkey). Download the Conference Agenda
