Oikocredit’s motto is “Investing in People.” But what does that mean – and how can investments funds from US investors reach entrepreneurs and workers in the poorest countries worldwide? Oikocredit USA staffer Leah Gage breaks it down.  Part 1: The Investor Being an investor in Oikocredit is more than just a passive contribution to global poverty alleviation. Sometimes, being an investor in Oikocredit requires work – I can attest to ... Read More »

This week we’re sharing information about the success of microfinance in Peru. Oikocredit’s Regional Manager for the Northern Andean Region in South America- Frank Rubio- recently hosted a webinar on Oikocredit’s microfinance partners in Peru, such as PRISMA! When you think microfinance, countries like India or Bangladesh might come to mind… However, according to the Economist Intelligence Unit, the leading country is Peru!  This is the 2nd year Peru has ... Read More »

Oikocredit relies on investor support for more than financial investment in our project partners. Our investors are also our strongest resource in mobilizing support of Oikocredit’s model for alleviating poverty through microcredit. The Summer of Microfinance is traditionally a time when we ask investors to become ambassadors for Oikocredit, reaching out to their respective communities to share our mission and encourage a wider base of support. This summer, Oikocredit did ... Read More »

What does true price or transparent pricing mean in microfinance? The global, working definition of transparent pricing means the pricing, terms, and conditions of loans will be adequately disclosed to the clients in a clear manner that allows both accurate understanding of prices and comparison of different products. The terminology itself is important. The interest rate is one of several charges and terms that affect the overall cost of borrowing. Using the word “pricing” rather than “interest rates” is more comprehensive.

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You’ve probably heard about the debate surrounding interest rates on microfinance loans, with the center of focus hitting Indian microfinance institutions in the past year. However, you may not know what the industry is doing to respond to these concerns, what Oikocredit is doing to ensure transparent pricing for end-borrowers, or even how interest rates are calculated in the field.

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Yesterday, Oikocredit USA staff attended a seminar on Microfinance Investment Transparency and Evaluation, with presentations by Chuck Waterfield of MFTransparency and Sebastian von Stauffenberg of MicroRate. The recap of that event is posted here and below. On Wednesday, July 20, Chuck Waterfield of MFTransparency and Sebastian von Stauffenberg of MicroRate explained important steps for expanding transparency and evaluation of microfinance institutions at the After Hours Seminar, sponsored by Microenterprise Development ... Read More »

The clients we visited had compelling stories: a local woman who made fried dumplings (mandazi) in her home and brought them to market to sell. The money she made from selling these delicious morsels helped her feed her children and pay for their school fees and uniforms. Another sold traditional medicines, hundreds of herbs and other medicines that earned him $100 per month after accounting for expenses, which earns him a bit more than $3 per day, putting him just above the poverty line ($2.70 per day).

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In Reyna’s case, a microloan would not just mean a new stove. That loan translates into so much more – a better business; more income; Tattiana’s education; Tattiana’s future; the future of the students Tattiana educates; and so on. This is what motivates Honduras Good Works to start a microfinance mechanism, and it’s what motivates Oikocredit to continue working to change the lives of 28 million people worldwide.

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Investing in Women is now considered by the UN, the World Bank, OECD, USAID, and a plethora of other development agencies a no-brainer. Why? Because study after anecdotal study shows that when income is placed in a woman’s hand, the chances are much higher that she will invest her income into her family’s future and her community’s development. One study showed that the likelihood of a child’s survival increased by 20% when the mother controlled household income.

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Oikocredit’s 2011 Summer meetings ahead of its Annual General Meeting begin today in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. To mark the occasion, Oikocredit is launching the newest addition to our blog, Tour Around the World with Oikocredit. Poverty looks different in every country, every community. With partners in 71 different countries worldwide, Oikocredit has an opportunity to share important information about poverty in the countries in which we work. This week ... Read More »