Sanabel was established in 2002 by 17 founding members in 7 Arab countries as a membership-driven regional network for microfinance institutions (MFIs) in the Arab world. By end of March 2007 Sanabel members increased to 53 of the leading MFIs in the region representing 11 Arab countries. These members collectively serve more than 90% of the total active microfinance clients in the region.
Sanabel - Microfinance Network of Arab Countries was established in 2002 by 17 founding members from 7 Arab countries as a membership-driven regional network of microfinance institutions in the Arab world. Sanabel members serve an estimated 90% of the total microfinance clients in the region.
Vision:
Sanabel envisions all low income people in Arab countries with access to comprehensive financial services.
Mission:
Sanabel advocates for growth, innovation, best practices & standardization of the microfinance sector in Arab countries.
Objectives:
1. Strengthen the capacity of MFIs through needs-based training, technical assistance and peer exchanges.
2. Advocate for a positive and conducive microfinance environment and for the inclusion of microfinance in the financial sector.
3. Promote microfinance best practices among stakeholders in Arab countries through transparency, standardization, peer learning and information exchange efforts.
4. Foster innovation in the microfinance sector by researching and highlighting leading trends in technological developments, product diversification and new financial services.
The executive committee of Sanabel, its staff and its institutional sponsor, met in Cairo 12-14 of April 2004 to discuss and finalise a strategic plan to address the needs and challenges in the Arab microfinance industry. The following strategy statement was adopted by the meeting:
By June 2007, Sanabel envisions an Arab microfinance industry
* where 1,500,000 clients are served across 12 countries
* with a range of high quality financial products and services
* by an increasingly diverse array of well capitalized, best practice microfinance service providers
* operating within enabling regulatory environments * utilizing transparent methods and practices
* employing well trained staff who enjoy full access to microfinance training and continuing education within the Arab region.
Toward these ends, Sanabel will organize itself as a market facilitator
* providing the Arab microfinance industry with direct services in the areas such as networking, training, translation, research, and the exchange of information using the primary languages of the region (Arabic and French); while also,
* serving as a catalyst and coordinating entity for the work of partner organizations in areas such as transparency and benchmarking and in the development and/or reform of microfinance regulations.
To view Sanabel's three-year strategic plan, please see the attachment below.
General Assembly:
Sanabel is governed by the members of its General Assembly. The members of the General Assembly are microfinance practitioners from the Arab world. Sanabel offers two types of membership: full and affiliate. For more information on membership, please visit the "Membership section".
The General Assembly meets once a year to discuss Sanabel’s activities, annual financial performace and budget.
Board of Directors :
The General Assembly elects a Board of Directors once every two years. This Board is comprised of five representatives and one institutional sponsor. In its first meeting, the newly elected Board of Directors elects its Chairperson. The Board meets at least once a year in person in addition to its two traditional meetings just before and after the annual conference and the General Assembly meeting. Throughout the year, the Board will be called upon to carry out the duties assigned to them in the bylaws. They do so through emails, conference calls and, whenever possible, face-to-face meetings during other regional activities.
See the attachment below for more information about Sanabel bylaws.
Sanabel Board Members:
Mr. Youssef Fawaz, Al Majmoua, Lebanon, Chairperson.
Mr. Moustafa Bidouj, Fondation Banque Populaire pour le Microcrédit, Morocco , Deputy Chair.
Mr. Karim Fanous, Lead Foundation, Egypt, Treasurer.
Mr. Alex Pollock, UNRWA, Palestine.
Institutional Sponsor: The Rockdale Foundation
Sanabel Staff:
Executive Director: Mr. Shireen Farrag, sfarrag@sanabelnetwork.org
Financial & Administration Manager: Mr. Mohamed Nawawy, mnawawy@sanabelnetwork.org
Accountant: Mr. Ahmed Ali, aali@sanabelnetwork.org
Transparency Unit Head: Ms. Ranya Abdel-Baki, rabdelbaki@sanabelnetwork.org
Transparency Analyst: Ms. Shaimaa Zain, szain@sanabelnetwork.org
Communications & Membership Coordinator: Mrs. Lamiaa Said, lsaid@sanabelnetwork.org
Arabic Microfinance Gateway Manager: Ms. Abeer Mahrous, amahrous@sanabelnetwork.org
Translation Coordinator: Ms. Sahar Soliman, ssoliman@sanabelnetwork.org
Receptionist/Secretary: Ms. Yasmin Fysal, yfysal@sanabelnetwork.org