Welcome to the virtual conference: improving the use of technology at microfinance institutions

by Lauren Braniff: Tuesday, December 8, 2009

Why do MFIs struggle with technology and what can MFIs, donors, investors, TA providers, software vendors and others do to improve the situation?

If you’re reading this, you’ve probably asked yourself the same question, or heard it discussed around the office and at conferences. It’s the same question microfinance practitioners have been posing for over decade now. Since we’re all discussing the same question, and seeking solutions, CGAP and the Grameen Foundation are co-hosting this virtual conference so we as an industry can share thoughts and generate ideas for how to address the technology challenge at MFIs.

This discussion builds on one which began at a workshop in October, co-organized by CGAP and the Grameen Foundation with support from the Mastercard Foundation. During the workshop we identified four themes which present an obstacle to the effective use of technology at MFIs: skills, business processes, business models, and standards. Are improvements in these four areas the key to helping MFIs capitalize on technology to improve the efficiency, transparency, and outreach of their operations?

Over the next two days, we’ll be joined by several industry experts who will each introduce a theme and moderate a discussion. The objective is to discuss how the theme relates to the broader question at hand, and what each stakeholder group can do to support MFIs.

The conference will take place right here on the blog, no registration is required. Just post your comments using the “Leave a reply” option at the bottom of the thread.

Day One: December 8, 2009