Two Balkan Associations joined MFC as a Strategic Partners

MFC’s Partnership Programme for Country Associations is a new initiative that is expected to move the cooperation with country level microfinance networks to a new, strategic level.  This week, Association of Microfinance Institutions  (AMFI) from Bosnia and Herzegovina and Alliance of Microfinance Organizations (MFO) from Macedonia  a joined the Programme.  Both associations play an important role in promoting financial inclusion in their countries.  This partnership creates  new opportunities for advancing access to finance in the Balkan Region.

Association of Microfinance Institutions in BiH (AMFI)  gathers eight microcredit organizations from Bosnia and Herzegovina as follow: EKI, LOK, Lider, Mikra, Mikrofin, MI-BOSPO, Partner and SUNRISE.

After a few years of slowdown, Association has been re-established at the end of 2017. Association goals are to strengthen sectoral advocacy potential for microfinance regulation, to work more on consumer protection agenda, strengthening public image and strengthening the Association by increasing number of members.

Alliance of Microfinance Organizations from Macedonia (MFO) – is focused on supporting start-up entrepreneurs, micro and small enterprises, as well as all others who have difficulties to access to financial services (Roma, rural population, etc.). For accomplishing the goals, MFO is working to establish strong links with other similar domestic NGOs, international organizations and foreign donors. MFO unites 4 members: CEP Moznosti Skopje, ZG FULM Skopje, Microcredit fondation Horizonti Skpje, Macedonian Enterprise Development Fondation – MEDF.

At the moment Programme is started with 5 country level associations: MFO (Macedonia), AMFI (BiH), AMFOT (Tajikistan), AMFA (Azerbaijan) and AMFI (Kyrgyzstan).