Partnerships

To reach its objective of developing financial systems adapted to the need of the poor in ACP countries, and in the framework of the Paris Declaration for Aid effectiveness, ACP/EU MICROFINANCE supports the actions of partner International Organisations.

Action	PFIP (Pacific Financial Inclusion Program)
Partner	UNDP UNCDF
Area of implementation	Pacific
Presentation	In 2005, the UNDP estimated that around 6.5 million Pacific islanders—representing 80% of low-income people—did not have access to either formal or informal financial services, making it one of the least-banked regions in the world. PFIP was developed in 2008 to increase the number of low-income and rural households and micro and small enterprises that have continual access to quality, affordable financial services
Partnership	ACP/EU MICROFINANCE participates to PFIP’s efforts of creating or facilitating policies, strategies and private / public partnerships that lead to the introduction of a broad range of appropriate and sustainable financial services to the market.
Type	Contribution Agreement
Amount of the contribution	€ 500.000

Action	Carib Cap (Caribbean Microfinance Capacity Building Project)
Partner	Inter-American Development Bank (IDB)
Area of implementation	English-speaking Caribbean
Presentation	Traditionally, MFIs in the English-speaking Caribbean have not performed well. This has been partly due to a lack of knowledge about international best practices in microfinance and a lack of technical, financial and governance skills. Carib Cap I (2008 – 2011) has made significant gains in terms of a change in mindset on the part of the MFIs. It also led to a better understanding of the sector and the creation of a regional network of MFIs. Carib Cap II focuses on bringing support to microenterprises and low-income MFI clients, by financing further improvements in the performance of microfinance institutions in the English-speaking Caribbean, as well as increases in MFI outreach and in the provision of services to low-income groups. Carib Cap will lead to the development of strong MFIs in the English-speaking Caribbean, and to increasing the availability of financial services for microenterprises, thereby promoting business growth and increases income for micro-entrepreneurs.
Partnership	ACP/EU MICROFINANCE supports the promotion of the development of microfinance in the region: annual organisation of the Carib Cap Forum, participation to national and international events, local and international media outreach, etc.
Type	Contribution Agreement
Amount of the contribution	€ 500.000

Action	Technical Assistance Facilty of REGMIFA
Partner	KfW
Area of implementation	Sub-Saharan Africa
Presentation	Insufficient access to funding is an obstacle to the growth of African businesses. REGMIFA is a regional investment fund dedicated to MSMEs in Sub-Saharan Africa. It addresses the lack of liquidity of the local market and can invest in local currency, in order to improve access to funding and unlock the potential of the local capital markets for the benefit of African MSMEs.
Partnership	ACP/EU MICROFINANCE participates to the Technical Assistance Facility of REGMIFA. The Facility was launched in January 2011 and encompasses training, tailored and systemic advice or focused counseling to the organisations (including MFIs) in which REGMIFA is investing or planning to invest.
Type	Delegated cooperation
Amount of the contribution	€ 1 million

Action	Increase access to quality microfinance trainings for ACP policymakers, mid and high level MFI managers, and strengthen the local supply of microfinance trainers
Partner	ITC ILO (International Training Center of the International Labour Organisation)
Area of implementation	ACP Member States
Presentation	ITC ILO is part of the International Labour Organisation, a specialised Agency of the United Nations. It offers training and capacity building expertise to policy makers, UN agency staff, semi public organisations and other organisations interested in issues of decent work and social justice. IT ILO offers eleven Technical Programmes and Services covering a wide range of areas of expertise.
Partnership	ACP/EU MICROFINANCE and ITC ILO have 2 common actions: 1/ Facilitate and cover the tuition fees for the participation of ACP policymakers in the Boulder Microfinance Training; 2/ Support the implementation of a trainer certification processes to expand trainers’ and managers’ access to the ILOs “Making Microfinance Work: managing for improved performance” (MMWI) training curriculum in two ACP countries, and deliver ILO’s “Making Microfinance Work: managing product diversification” (MMWII) training curriculum in four ACP countries through its existing network of certified trainers.
Type	Contribution Agreement
Amount of the contribution	€ 500.000

Action	Increase efficiency and transparency of the sector in ACP countries
Partner	CGAP (Consultative Group to Assist the Poor)
Area of implementation	ACP Member States
Presentation	CGAP is an independent policy and research centre dedicated to advancing financial access for the world's poor. It is supported by over 30 development agencies and private foundations who share a common mission to alleviate poverty. Housed at the World Bank, CGAP provides market intelligence, promotes standards, develops innovative solutions and offers advisory services to governments, financial service providers, donors, and investors.
Partnership	As a CGAP member, The European Commission globally supports its work on client demand, technology and business innovation, policy and governments, donors and investors, knowledge products and communication. Since the EC’s support is included within ACP/EU MICROFINANCE, it focuses on CGAP’s activities in the ACP area.
Type	Administrative agreement
Amount of the contribution	€ 2.5 million