6-day workshop on MFIs

As many as 25 participants from 15 institutions working in the field of microfinance in eight countries, are participating in a six-day workshop on expanding management capacity of microfinance institutions in Africa and Asia.

The workshop is being organised in Ahmedabad by Women's World Banking and Citigroup.

Over the next few days, the participants will deliberate on various issues involving microfinance such as the various business models used, training of staff and capital constraints.

The management development course will also cover key concepts such as managing for results and aims to impart transformational skills to micro finance managers.

"In the past decade or so, Citigroup has focused its attention on the issue of microfinance. We are working on a global model for microfinance with pilots done in Mexico, India and the Philippines."

"In my interaction with personnel of microfinance institutions, I have realised that this is an amazingly difficult job and the fact that many of you from several countries are attending this workshop, is an indicator of your commitment to the cause of microfinance," said Sarvesh Sarup, country business manager, global consumer group, Citicorp Foundation, at the inaugural session of the workshop, that began on Monday.