Ten years now, the Microfinance Sector has recorded a number of development milestones; obviously the establishment of AMIR is one of the achievements, to mention in this regard, that the Microfinance Sector should be proud of.
In establishing the Association, the ultimate goal was to jointly find sustainable solutions for challenges that hamper sector’s business. Ten years now, AMIR has been being the sector’s effective and strategic communication channel with stakeholders, and advocate vis-à-vis capacity building, institutional development lobbying and advocacy.
AMIR in particular and the sector in general, would not be what it is today without strong commitment and efforts of “YOU”: AMIR members and partners.The long journey that AMIR made jointly with partners, the struggle and great efforts that they jointly made to overcome sector challenges, have given microfinance practitioners capacity and confidence, and have sharpen their competency towards serving Rwandans and improve the lives of middle income earners – clients. AMIR thanks local government, especially regional focal points in districts “BDEs” – thanks SBFIC.
AMIR is the only umbrella body for microfinance institutions in Rwanda that seeks to build a flourishing #MF sector in Rwanda. Currently its membership has reached over 90% of the sector.
In its General Assembly that took place, on 11th December 2015, AMIR members expressed their strong wish to have a one stop center for various shared services. Since then, AMIR has been working tirelessly to translate the members’ wish – dream into reality.
AMIR has succeeded in establishing one stop center of different and various shared services for members to work smartly and efficiently.
Through a competitive process, AMIR partnered with competent firms that will be providing these shared services to all of the AMIR members across the country.
The shared services will include: IT – Security –Recovery – Insurance and Audit Services.
In the kick-off meeting of these shared services which took place on 5th May at Legend Hotel, the AMIR chairman of board stressed that even though the work done so far is commendable, AMIR members still need to work closely and feel the ownership and sensitivity of the shared service project.
“It is worthwhile for all of us, to play our respective roles appropriately for the project to be effective” Mr. Jules Theonest Ndahayo said.
“…This will help AMIR to overcome the current challenges that are likely to impact “negatively” the implementation of the shared service project – namely lack of commitment (for some members to pay membership fees) – members who have not yet joined the platform – members who don’t provide prompt feedback…” He added
Mr. Jules pointed out that the launch of AMIR Shared Services was an historic and symbolic gesture to show that #AMIRMembers made first step in building their future – that their commitment will lead them in building a brighter future for the #MF sector.
The event was attend by CEOs of big MFIs and 30 deans representing microfinance practitioners from all the 30 districts, BDEs from districts and representative of shared service companies.
