Microfinance and the Poor in Times of Crisis
How are MFIs helping poor people during the COVID-19 pandemic?
Microfinance institutions reach over 140 million low-income people worldwide and play a crucial role in sustaining livelihoods. With extreme poverty forecast to rise by at least 88 million this year, its first increase in decades, the role of MFIs becomes ever more critical. Learn from leaders in the MFI sector on how they are working to support poor people severely hit by the twin crises of a global health pandemic and economic downturn. What strategies are MFIs deploying to help their customers in face of business shutdowns and lost income? How are they managing debt moratoria and loan adjustments to alleviate pressure on clients’ finances?
Speakers:
- Moderator: Greta Bull | CEO, CGAP
- Shameran Abed | Executive Director, BRAC Bangladesh
- Steve Hollingworth | President and CEO, Grameen Foundation
- Michael Schlein | President and CEO, Accion
- Andree Simon | President and CEO, FINCA Impact Finance International (FIF)
- Momina Aijazuddin | Global Head of Microfinance, International Finance Corporation