Microfinance in Africa: Experience and Lessons From Selected African Countries

Author/Editor:

Rodolphe Blavy ; Anupam Basu ; Murat  Yulek

Publication Date:

September 1, 2004

Electronic Access:

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Disclaimer: This Working Paper should not be reported as representing the views of the IMF.The views expressed in this Working Paper are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent those of the IMF or IMF policy. Working Papers describe research in progress by the author(s) and are published to elicit comments and to further debate

Summary:

Based on the experience of selected countries, this paper offers a critical presentation of the development of the microfinance sector in Africa. The paper supports the view that microfinance institutions, especially those engaged in full financial intermediation, complement effectively the banking sector in extending financial services and successfully draw on the rich experience of community-based development and preexisting informal methods of financial intermediation in Africa. Growing linkages between microfinance institutions and the banking system and the dissemination of good practices by nongovernment organizations contribute to the sound development of the sector, supported by regulation and supervision by local authorities.

Series:

Working Paper No. 2004/174

Subject:

English

Publication Date:

September 1, 2004

ISBN/ISSN:

9781451858723/1018-5941

Stock No:

WPIEA1742004

Pages:

24

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