Micro Finance

Micro Loan Foundation

MLF is a Non Governmental Organization (NGO) micro finance institution (MFI) based in Malawi and funded from the UK. They disburse loans to the rural poor and are in the process to becoming self sustaining so that they can open branches in Zambia. As a consultant, I was involved in a number of projects to build capacity and operational performance and worked closely and influenced staff at all levels, from CEO and senior management to field officers.

• Report writing on analysis and recommendations of MLF current operational performance.
• Develop an Impact Analysis - studying the impact MLF is having on the beneficiaries’ lives, with the aim to assess operational efficiency, future strategy and produce a donor report.
• Develop and design Business Development Training manual, which will be used to train field staff and then for field staff to train the beneficiaries in business best practice.
• Research and write case studies on the individual impact MLF has had on beneficiaries’ lives.
• Assist in accounts department reconciliation process.
• Review and update internal processes and procedures manual - including group formation and training manual.
• Develop IT training course on MS Windows and MS Office for staff. Procurement and budgeting for: Impact Analysis, Business Training manual and IT training.
• Interview panel for senior management.
• Advocacy of MLF and Micro Finance with other NGOs
  Refresher TOT course and introduction of business plan TOT
• Trainer of Trainers, refresher business training and business plan development.

“Chris’ work with us has helped us to develop a full set of business training tools for both clients and staff. We consider business training as a key component in our programme and Chris’ work has enabled us to develop a reputation for high quality business assistance and Mentoring; the training is tailored to suit our clients”. 

Josh Perry - CEO MLF

CUMO Microfinance Limited

CUMO is a not for profit MFI, providing financial services to over 26,000 clients (over 80% female). Their vision is – “To create a viable regional rural microfinance network with capacity to meet the diverse financial needs of remote communities as part of efforts to reduce poverty”.

• Design of credit officer’s policies and procedures manual.
• Formulated marketing strategy 2008 – 2012.
• Prepared institutional case study and annual report.
• Mobile Business Training Unit concept note and project proposal for USAID donor funding.
• Information Communication Technology (ICT) concept note, and potential supplier analysis.
• Social Performance Analysis coordinator.
• Sold Business For All training manuals.

“We were impressed by BFA business training course; it is short, practical and to the point. It’s a course that can easily be used by our Field Service Officers to train our beneficiaries, improve their businesses and thus increase the repayment rates”.

Bola Garbardeen - CEO CUMO

Financial Cooperative (FINCOOP) Limited

FINCOOP is the largest Financial Cooperative in Malawi and was established in 2004. It has four branches, +25,000 members and services over 50 communities across the country. FINCOOP is an open bond financial cooperative, which is different to a SACCO and one of the principle reasons why they have been very successful at obtaining new members and growing their business.

• Facilitate workshop on: Loan product development.
• Loan operational methodology, policies and procedures
• Design training schedule for new loans.
• Design procedure for analyzing loan application - specifically business loans.
• Design of credit officer’s policies and procedures manual for: business, personal and agricultural loans.
• Write concept note on ICT innovation to increase loan portfolio through mobile banking.
• Conduct ToT in business management.
  
• Write concpet for mobile banking grant proposal
• Design marketing strategy

“Previously FINCOOP clients had little business training.  Chirs helped us do some product development and it was thought vital to have some basic business training to help members write a business plan.  This would help in our business analysis of the loan application, which in turn will make FINCOOP more financially sustainable.”

Anthony Ngwira - General Manager

WEMalawi Women Entrepreneurs Malawi

WEMalawi supports a limited number of women entrepreneurs who are currently using the services of OIBM (Opportunity International Bank Malawi) an MFI. WEMalawi gives the women, specific business training and helps them formulate business plans. Where the organisation feels the beneficiary has the necessary business skills, experience and motivation, WEMalawi gives the women a grant to help fund the business growth.

• Train beneficiaries in business management and writing a business plan.
• Developed a project proposal.
• Advice on organisational strategy.

“BFA helps our clients, due to the progressive step by step approach that has been used. It covers all the areas needed for a successful business in an easy to use manner, culminating in the different levels of business plans”.

Hawi Kaseje - Project Manager WEMalawi