The Association of Ethiopian Microfinance Institutions (AEMFI) was formed as a non-for-profit, non-governmental association of the Ethiopian microfinance institutions as defined by Proclamation No. 40/1996 under which microfinance institutions in Ethiopia are regulated by the National Bank of Ethiopia.

 

It was registered and licensed as such on 28th June, 1999 by the Ministry of Justice of the Federal Government of Ethiopia.  The original goals were for it to serve as a platform for knowledge and information sharing, and lobby for political support for the development of an enabling environment for the business of microfinance.

 

Since its formation, AEMFI’s goals and activities have broadened to include training, research, performance monitoring and benchmarking and provision of technical assistance.  Regionally, AEMFI is the strongest of the Country Level Networks in Africa.

 

Objectives

AEMFI strives to achieve the following objectives:

• The promotion of professional standards through training, experience sharing, exposure visits and technical assistance;
• To develop a cleared understanding and propose solutions for the microfinance sector through research;
• Influence national policy and the regulatory environment to facilitate the development of a strong microfinance industry;
• Assist in identifying sources of loan and equity funds from domestic and foreign sources
• Monitor and improve the performance of our members;
• Facilitate networking, collaboration, and information sharing nationally and internationally;
• Develop a microfinance resource center use by all interested parties;
• Advocate for the microfinance industry in all media at national and international levels.

 

Core Activities

To achieve its objectives, AEMFI carries out the following activities as specified in its memorandum of Association and its other documents:

• Training and Experience Sharing Visits
• Research & Publications
• Performance Monitoring & technical assistance
• National, Regional and International Networking
• Establishing a Resource Centre
• Knowledge Management and Communication
• Conducting Workshops, Conferences, etc.