Can’t make it to European Microfinance Week? Don’t worry – you can watch our plenaries livestream on the e-MFP Facebook page on the 15 & 16 Nov. Mark your calendar and tune in!
Thursday, 15th Nov at 9.00 Luxembourg time:
Financial inclusion through technology
Keynote speech: Graham Wright, MicroSave
Moderator: Gera Voorrips, Triple Jump
Panelists: Lisa Chassin, PHB Development; Albert Sié Dah, Advans Cote d'Ivoire, Ivory Coast; Paul Thomas Kadambelil, ESAF Small Finance Bank, India; Karlygash Raikhanova, KMF, Kazakhstan
In a lively discussion together with sector experts, the 3 finalists of the €100,000 European Microfinance Award will present their initiatives, discuss on the main challenges faced by their institutions when going digital and reflect on the (r)evolution the inclusive finance sector is going through thanks to financial technologies.
Friday, 16th Nov at 9.00 Luxembourg time:
Where next for microfinance: a view from The Founders
Moderator: Bernd Balkenhol, University of Geneva
Speakers: Essma Ben Hamida, Co-Founder of Enda Tamweel, Tunisia; Godwin Eseiwi Ehigiamusoe, Founder of LAPO Microfinance Bank, Nigeria; Carmen Velasco, Founder of Promujer, Bolivia; Hans Dieter Seibel, Professor Emeritus, University of Cologne
As microfinance enters its 5th decade, it continues to evolve. This plenary is a rare opportunity to hear the unparalleled perspective of the Founders of Microfinance. Each of the panellists were founders of the very first MFIs in their countries, dating back to the 1980s and 90s, with each institution having grown from those earliest days into leading institutions in their countries and regions, and whose leadership inspired countless others along the way.
Friday, 16th Nov at 15.30:
Is there room left for the 'little guy'?: a debate on the relevance of Tier 2 & 3 MFIs
Moderator: Sam Mendelson, European Microfinance Platform (e-MFP)
Speakers: Maria Teresa Zappia, BlueOrchard Finance Ltd; Maude Massu, Consultant; Kaspar Wansleben, Luxembourg Microfinance and Development Fund (LMDF); Alex Silva, OMTRIX
Is there a continued role for smaller MFIs – or indeed is the inexorable trend towards consolidation among a smaller number of larger players? This is an Oxford-style debate on these issues, on the motion “This House Believes there’s No Room Left for the ‘Little Guy’”. There will be two speakers taking the Affirmative side, and two on the Negative – arguing for the continued relevance of smaller institutions.
Our media partner NextBillion will also stream this closing plenary.
Thursday, 15th Nov at 9.00 Luxembourg time:
Financial inclusion through technology
Keynote speech: Graham Wright, MicroSave
Moderator: Gera Voorrips, Triple Jump
Panelists: Lisa Chassin, PHB Development; Albert Sié Dah, Advans Cote d'Ivoire, Ivory Coast; Paul Thomas Kadambelil, ESAF Small Finance Bank, India; Karlygash Raikhanova, KMF, Kazakhstan
In a lively discussion together with sector experts, the 3 finalists of the €100,000 European Microfinance Award will present their initiatives, discuss on the main challenges faced by their institutions when going digital and reflect on the (r)evolution the inclusive finance sector is going through thanks to financial technologies.
Friday, 16th Nov at 9.00 Luxembourg time:
Where next for microfinance: a view from The Founders
Moderator: Bernd Balkenhol, University of Geneva
Speakers: Essma Ben Hamida, Co-Founder of Enda Tamweel, Tunisia; Godwin Eseiwi Ehigiamusoe, Founder of LAPO Microfinance Bank, Nigeria; Carmen Velasco, Founder of Promujer, Bolivia; Hans Dieter Seibel, Professor Emeritus, University of Cologne
As microfinance enters its 5th decade, it continues to evolve. This plenary is a rare opportunity to hear the unparalleled perspective of the Founders of Microfinance. Each of the panellists were founders of the very first MFIs in their countries, dating back to the 1980s and 90s, with each institution having grown from those earliest days into leading institutions in their countries and regions, and whose leadership inspired countless others along the way.
Friday, 16th Nov at 15.30:
Is there room left for the 'little guy'?: a debate on the relevance of Tier 2 & 3 MFIs
Moderator: Sam Mendelson, European Microfinance Platform (e-MFP)
Speakers: Maria Teresa Zappia, BlueOrchard Finance Ltd; Maude Massu, Consultant; Kaspar Wansleben, Luxembourg Microfinance and Development Fund (LMDF); Alex Silva, OMTRIX
Is there a continued role for smaller MFIs – or indeed is the inexorable trend towards consolidation among a smaller number of larger players? This is an Oxford-style debate on these issues, on the motion “This House Believes there’s No Room Left for the ‘Little Guy’”. There will be two speakers taking the Affirmative side, and two on the Negative – arguing for the continued relevance of smaller institutions.
Our media partner NextBillion will also stream this closing plenary.