The African Microfinance Network (AFMIN) is an association of microfinance networks in Africa resulting from an initiative led by African microfinance practitioners to create and/or strengthen country-level microfinance networks for the purpose of establishing shared performance standards, institutional capacity and policy change. AFMIN was formally launched in November 2000 and has established its Secretariat in Abidjan (Republic of Côte d’Ivoire), where AFMIN is legally recognized as an international Non-Governmental Organization pursuant to Ivorian laws.



MISSION



AFMIN’s mission is to contribute to the development and provision of effective and sustainable financial services to the low income population of Africa, by supporting Country level Networks and their member MFIs to achieve their missions and objectives, and helping to improve the microfinance environment in Africa and globally.



VISION



AFMIN’s vision is to work together with microfinance practitioners, policy makers, regional bodies technical service providers, and donors to leverage human, technical and financial resources needed to build responsive microfinancial institutions.



The purpose of the organization shall be:



- to facilitate the formation and strengthening of Country-level Networks of MFIs in Africa;



- to establish performance standards and professional norms for the microfinance sector in Africa;



- to be a platform for building knowledge, exchange of experience and consultation to strengthen the capacity of microfinance institutions and to support the microfinance sector in Africa;



- to develop joint programs for the training of personnel specialized in microfinance;



- to provide support for research, publications and information sharing to promote best practice;



- to serve as a hub for information about microfinance in Africa and to become a key player in influencing the policies and regulations of donors and governments in favor of microfinance;



- to improve microfinance policies and practices by working with governments, donors, central banks and commercial banks;



- to identify and build strategic partnerships with other Networks, individuals and organizations;



- to optimize access to available resources for Country-level Networks and microfinance institutions;



- to receive on behalf of, and transfer funds to, microfinance institutions and Country-level Networks;



- to take all other measures aimed at facilitating the achievement of the objectives of the Organization.