Africa Microfinance Growth Centre

Setup in 2009, the Africa Microfinance Growth Centre was an 18-month leadership development programme for CEOs of East African microfinance institutions (MFIs) designed to help MFIs grow by improving strategy, leadership skills, and execution ability. The Growth Centre, a Unitus and Financial Deepening Sector Kenya (FSDK) partnership, sought to rapidly expand the financial services available to low income families with an initial focus on Kenya and Tanzania.

The program was designed to empower CEOs to overcome key barriers to growth and ultimately impact more low-income families through improved strategy, leadership skills, and execution ability. Key programme components include:

  • Leadership and Growth Workshops
  • Functional Training (e.g. technology, capital raising)
  • On-Site Strategic Planning Session
  • Access to a Dynamic Peer Network

After a rigorous review and screening process, Unitus Labs kicked off workshops and trainings in July 2009. Participants completed the program in 2010 with a strategic plan for their organization, training in functional business topics needed for day-to-day management, and strengthened leadership skills.

The Africa Microfinance Growth Centre was made possible through the financial support of FSDKOmidyar NetworkThe Boeing Company and SV2: Silicon Valley Social Venture Fund.

See the African Microfinance Growth Centre overview (PDF)