Expand Microfinance in Sub-Saharan Africa
Sub-Saharan Africa is the region with the highest rates of poverty worldwide, and where the need is as great as the potential for microfinance to transform lives. Over the past decade, there has been visible progress toward political stability, strong governance, and steady economic growth in several countries.
Enable Youth to Access Microfinance
Worldwide, there are 800 million youth living on less than $2 a day. Most are economically involved and are actively supporting their parents and siblings.
Strengthen the Microfinance Sector
The MasterCard Foundation is working to strengthen the microfinance sector in three areas: building the leadership, managerial, and technical skills of microfinance practitioners; supporting management information systems to increase the efficiency of microfinance providers; and, promoting global standards to measure performance, protect clients and ensure transparency.
Project Categories
Robinah is the bubbly owner of a small business that rents tents and chairs and sells soft drinks and beers for parties. She’s been doing this for several years. She recently obtained a loan of 4.5 million Ugandan shillings from BRAC to expand her business. Previously she worked with another bank but decided the interest rate was too high. BRAC’S terms were more reasonable, interests rates were lower and funds available in a few days.
