Sanabel Annual Conference
Sanabel organizes an annual conference for Arab microfinance practitioners every year in a different Arab country. It is usually a two and a half day event filled with plenary meetings, workshops and networking.
Sanabel's conference strives to meet the following objectives:
- on the practitioner level: to promote and faciitate exchanges between MFIs through presenting, discussing and debating major industry issues in the region
- on the regulator level: to promote an enabling environment for best practice microfinance by raising public awareness and understanding among governments and donors
- on the donor/investor level: to help building strategic relationships between MFIs and Arab/global donors and commercial entities in anticipation of fulfilling future capitalization needs.
2003 Conference
"Microfinance in the Arab World: "Shaping the Industry's Future" was the theme of the first Sanabel's annual conference. The conference held in the Dead Sea-Jordan under the patronage of Her Majesty Queen Rania Al-Abdullah during the period 15-17 December 2003.
During this three-day conference, microfinance practitioners and experts, donor agencies, investors and government officials came together to discuss the development of best practice microfinance in the Arab region.
For more information about the conference, please click here.
2004 Conference
Held under the patronage of Mrs.Suzanne Mubarak, Egypt's First Lady, Sanabel's Second Annual Conference was a tremendous success. More than 340 microfinance experts, donor agencies, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and government officials from 26 different countries attended.
Elizabeth Littlefield, CEO of CGAP congratulated Sanabel saying, "It was a great agenda, smooth organization and a fantastic turnout."
The conference was launched with the regional Microentrepreneur awards recognizing the work of 11 successful microentrepreneurs from Egypt. Jordan, Lebanon, Morocco, Palestine , Yemen and Tunisia. Following this important ceremony, 19 workshops , action planning sessions and networking activities provided an excellent forum for exchanging ideas around Client-Driven Microfinance.
Action Planning sessions called for regional training needs assessment and continued curriculum development , continued advocacy work to educate officials about best practice microfinance, the launch of an interactive Arabic Microfinance Gateway and training and promotion of standardized reporting and benchmarking.
2005 Conference
"Shaping the Industry's Future: From Microcredit to Microfinance in the Arab Region" was the theme of Sanabel's third annual conference that was held in Marrakech-Morocco during the period 28-30 November 2006.
Declared a tremendous success, the conference was held under the patronage of Mr. Driss Jettou, Morocco's Prime Minister. More than 400 microfinance experts, donor agencies, NGOs and government officials from 30 different countries attended the conference.
Sponsors & Event Organizers:
- Arab Gulf Programme for United Nations Development Organization - AGFUND
- Grameen-Jameel Initiative
- Rockdale Foundation
- French Ministry of Foreign Affairs/SCAC - Embassy of France in Morocco
- USAID/Microenterprise Development Office
- French Agency for Development Office
- KFW Bankengruppe (KFW Banking Group)
- Organizer: Ad Litteram
2007 Conference
It is our pleasure to invite you to the Fourth Annual Conference of Sanabel, the Microfinance Network of the Arab Countries, which will be held on June 12-14, 2007 at the Movenpick Hotel, Yemen. The theme for this year’s conference is "Serving the Poor: 10 million clients by 2010" and will be held under the patronage of H.E. Ali Abdullah Saleh, the President of the Republic of Yemen.
Conference Program includes:
- Panel Discussions— learn more about the current state of the Arab microfinance industry and ways to reach more clients while preserving social mission
- Workshops— explore growth strategies, Islamic lending, innovative partnerships, and more
- Mini-Trainings—participate in short courses about technology, SEEP Frame Tool, fundamentals of microfinance, financing growth, and more
- Action Plan Sessions— provide input on Sanabel’s strategic plan to ensure that it facilitates the advancement of microfinance in the Arab world
- Financing Forum— understand investment deals made in the region to-date and network with potential funders
- Networking Opportunities—connect with colleagues from around the region and key stakeholders
- 2007 Regional Microentrepreneur Awards— witness Sanabel’s fourth award ceremony, which showcases the best microentrepreneurs in the Arab region
- Microentrepreneur Souk—purchase Yemen’s exquisitely made handicrafts at the conference’s very own souk
- Exhibition— showcase microfinance-related products, services and information throughout the conference
- Field Visits –tour MFI branches of Yemen’s leading institutions within Sana’a and Ibb Governate
The primary language of the conference will be classical Arabic with some presentations in English and French. Simultaneous translation will be provided throughout the conference in English, Arabic and French. Conference materials will be in Arabic, English and French.
Welcome To Yemen
Old Arabic legend and the Yemenis say that Al-Yaman is derived from the word Al-Yumn (blessing and prosperity). This meaning agrees with the name "Arabia Felix". Others say the name Al-Yaman derives from yumna meaning “to the right of the Ka’aba”, the Muslim’s holiest shrine in Mecca. The Arabs orient themselves towards the right direction because the right side is considered a symbol of fortune.
Yemen is like nothing you've ever seen before -the land of the Queen of Sheba- with a history dating back to over 3000 yrs. Many of its towns and villages predate the arrival of Islam to the country in the eighth century. Yemen was very wealthy because of its trade in frankincense, myrrh, spices and silver.
Sana`a:
In the heart of old town Sana’a one can easily believe that time has stood still for centuries – it’s one of the oldest towns in the world. Legends say that Sam, the son of God’s messenger Noah, founded the city. Renowned as a refuge of peace, it was a place where fighting was not permitted.
Multi-storied houses built from clay tiles with alabaster windows and white-
chalk facades still adorn the old town. At the shops in the narrow winding streets of the souk, one can purchase everything: jewellery of amazing beauty, uniquely shimmering cloths, frankincense and a multitude of aromatic spices.
Yemen Facts & Travel:
Travel tips
Yemen is a very safe travel destination, despite the unfavorable publicity in the media. All tourist locations can be visited without restrictions.
Language
Arabic is the official language; however English is widely understood and spoken in the larger cities.
Climate
Yemen is endowed with a varied topography so the climate varies accordingly. For the most part, one can say there are two long seasons: summer and winter.
In the mountain areas of Sana'a, Ibb and Taiz, the weather is moderate during summer with June temperatures in Sana’a averaging in the mid-90 F=35 C during the day and the low 80s F= 28 C in the evening.
During the summer, temperatures and humidity are high in the coastal areas of Aden, Mukalla and Hodiedah. Rain may occur occasionally due to the monsoon, which moderates the temperature in the coastal areas during summer.
Seasonal rains usually fall during June/July, so it is recommended that you bring your coat and umbrella.
Electricity
The voltage in Yemen is 220 V. Five star hotels provide both options, 110 or 220 V. Adapters may be needed to operate electronic equipment.
People and Dress Code:
The people in Sana'a are friendly and helpful. Seeing men in their traditional dresses, and Jambia "a curved dagger" should not keep you from approaching them and talking to them. Most women dress in the black "Abaya"
with some still wearing the traditional colorful robes and veils. For visitors conservative and casual clothes are suitable. Ladies should dress modestly and avoid tight clothing, short-sleeve shirts, and short skirts.
Other Interesting Information on Yemen
Government: Parliamentary Republic.
National name: The Republic of Yemen
National Day: 22nd of May
President: Ali Abdullah Saleh (1990)
Prime Minister: Abdul Qader Bajamal (2001)
Area: 550.000 km²
Population: 20,727,063 (2005 estimate/growth rate=3.5%)
Capital: Sana'a: 1,778,900 and largest city (2003 est.)
Other large cities: Aden: 568,700
Hodiedah: 426,100
Taiz: 317,600
Monetary unit:Rial (YER)
$1USD=approximately 198 YER
Ethnicity:Predominantly Arab; but also Afro-Arab, South Asians, Europeans
Literacy rate:50% (2003 est.)
For more information about Yemen please visit the website:
http://www.yemen-nic.net/English%20site/index.htm
Regional Microentrepreneur Awards
Sanabel’s 2007 Regional Microentrepreneur Awards Ceremony celebrates the achievements of exceptional business people who have demonstrated the true spirit of entrepreneurship-using their creative minds and independent decision making to transform their small businesses into successful, growing enterprises.
Each winner demonstrates innovative thinking, impressive business skills, and has played an instrumental role in improving the livelihoods of their families and advancing their communities.
The winners’ successes demonstrate the growing scope of entrepreneurship in the Arab region and how the sustainable microfinance industry is supporting entrepreneurs in their efforts to boost the region’s economic future. Congratulations to the winners—they represent some of the Arab world’s best business minds, whose determination and self-reliance is an inspiration to us all. Special thanks to the Awards Committee members and all of those who applied for the awards.
The Winners are :
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Palestinian Agriculture Relief Committees Palestine |
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UNDP Rural Community Development Syria |
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Adbullatif Jameel Program - Saudi Arabia |
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Al-Amana Association - Morocco |
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Microfund for Women - Jordan |
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Al Majmoua - Lebanon |
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Port Sudan Association For Small Enterprise Sudan |
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ACSI/ CHF - Iraq |
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National Microfinance Foundation |
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ENDA - Tunisia |
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Egyptian Society for Small Enterprise Development - Egypt |
Participant Directory
Attached is the participants directory. If you registered and did not find your name please send an email to: conference@sanabelnetwork.com
Download participants directory here.
Conference Presentations
Conference Presentations
Day 1
Tuesday, June 12, 2007
10:00 – 12:30 Opening Session & Regional Microentrepreneur Awards
H.E. Ali Abdullah Saleh, President of YemenMr. Abdelkarim Al-Arhabi, Minister of Planning, Yemen
Dr. Taysir al-Radawi , Planning Ministry, Syria
Mohammed Jameel, Abdul Latif Jameel Group, Saudi Arabia
Nasser Al-Khatani, AGFUND, Saudi Arabia
Pancho Otero, IPM, BoliviaEssma
Ben Hamida, Chairperson, Sanabel, Tunisia
Kais Aliriani, Executive Director, Sanabel
13:30 – 15:00 Plenary 1 - 10 million clients by 2010: Current State of the Industry
Kais Al-Iriani, Sanabel, Egypt
Mustapha Bidouj, Fondation Banque Populaire, Morocco
Mohammed Al-Lai, Social Fund for Development, Yemen
Rula Dababneh, CGAP MENA Hub, Jordan
15:30 – 17:00 Plenary 2 – How to Finance 10 Million Clients by 2010
Ranya Abdelbaki, Sanabel, Egypt
Hassan Faried, Dakalya Businessmen’s Association, Egypt
Barbara Marcussen, Oikocredit, Netherlands
Salma Kadiri, Al Amana, Morocco
Day 2
Wednesday, June 13, 2007
9:00 – 10:30
Plenary 3: Reaching 2010 Goal without Compromising Mission
Walter Tounitsky, Microfinance Centre, Poland
Hind Taizi, Microfinance Information Exchange, USRami
Salhi, Enda Inter Arabe, Tunisia
Zine el Abidine Otmani, FONDEP, Morocco
Syed Hashemi, CGAP, US
11:00 – 12:30 Concurrent sessions
MT1: Principles of Good Practice Microfinance
Youssef Kandah, AMC, Jordan
Youssef Errami, FBP, Morocco
Moataz Tabaa, ABA, EgyptJamil Al Wahidi, ALJ, Saudi Arabia
W1: Partnerships
Wesam Qaid, SMEPS, Yemen
Arije El Amad, MFW, Jordan
Valerie Kindt, ACCION, US
Anna Gincherman, Women’s World Banking, US
W2: Tools for Measuring Social Impact
Jeef Toohig, Grameen, USSyed Hashemi, CGAP, US
Fabio Malanchini, Microfinanza Rating, Italy
Alex Pollock, UNRWA, West Bank
DF1: Microfinance in Emerging Countries
Ali Al Kayyali, Jebel Al Hoss, Syria
Jaafar Farah, Khartoum MF Network, Sudan
Momina Aijazuddin, IFC, Algeria
Muhamadou Lamine Diack, Mauritania
Ibrahim Badawood, ALJ, Saudi Arabia
Alia Farahat, Al Majmoua, Lebanon
14:00 – 15:30 Action Plans for the Arab Region
Concurrent sessions
AP1 – Training
AP2 – Transparency
AP3 - New Initiatives
AP4 – Membership
16:00 – 17:30 Concurrent workshops
W3 - Rating Session
Nadine Chehade, Planet Rating, France
Ragini Chaudhary, M-Cril/MicroRate, India
Loretta Schenato, Microfinanza Rating, Italy
W4 - Arab-focused Commercial Financing
Heather Henyon, Grameen-Jameel Ltd, Lebanon
Julie Cheng, Blue Orchard, Switzerland
Nasser Al-Khatani, AGFUND, Saudi
ArabiaMeryem Meknassi, Jaida, Morocco
Mohamed Maarouf, Planet Finance, Morocco
W5 – Enabling Regulatory Environments
Taysir al-Radawi , Planning Ministry, Syria
Yasir Gamie, Central Bank, Sudan
Deena Burjorjee, Access Alliance, US
DF2: Is Transformation Necessary?
Michael Cracknell, Enda, Tunisia
Fouad Abdelmoumni, Al Amana, Morocco
Valerie Kindt, ACCION, US
Pancho Otero, IPM, Bolivia
Day 3
Thursday, June 14, 2007
8:30–10:30 Concurrent trainings
MT2 - Financial Decision Making for Managers
Mohammed Khaled, Microserve
Steve Wardle, Grameen Fdn
MT3 – Technology for Decision Makers
Youssef Assad, Grameen-Jameel Ltd
Nick Wright, Autavis
MT4 –Strategic Planning for Growth
Pancho Otero, IPM
11:00 – 12:30 Concurrent workshops
DF3: Linking Social Safety Net Programs to Microfinance
Motahhar Ala Abbasi, YemenSyed Hashemi, CGAP, US
Heba Barakat, UNDP, Palestine
W6 - Islamic Microfinance
Mohammed Obaidullah, IDB, Saudi Arabia
Hameid Al-Amrani, Azal, Yemen
Osama Al-Shami, Social Fund, Yemen
Jafaar Farah, SDF, Sudan
W7 – New Technologies in Microfinance
Xavier Reille, CGAP, France
Lassaad Ben Hadj, Enda, Tunisia
Youssef Assad, Grameen-Jameel Ltd, Egypt
DF4: Post Conflict Microfinance: Challenges & Strategies
Youssef Fawaz, Al Majmoua, Lebanon
Reem Abboushi, ASALA, Palestine
Thelma Tajirian, Al Thiqa, Iraq
Mr. Ahmed Lamaa, CHF / ACSI, Iraq
13:00 – 14:30
A Look into the Future of Arab Microfinance by 2010 & Closing Remarks
Arlina Elmiger, KFW, Germany
Deepak Khanna, IFC, UAE
Ahmed Zamzami, NMF, Yemen
Motaz El Tabaa, ABA, Egypt
Kais Al-Iriani, Sanabel, Egypt
2008 Conference
The Sanabel’s 5th Annual Conference, “Advancing Arab Microfinance: Greater Social Impact through Inclusive Financial Services”, was held in Gammarth, Tunisia May 6th – 8th, 2008. This year’s conference was the largest ever attended by over 550 participants and featuring 65 speakers from the region and from around the globe. As the largest gathering microfinance gathering in the Arab world, Sanabel’s conferences present a unique networking opportunity. This year’s conference attracted a substantially increased number of participants from the international financial sector as well as regulators and government officials from the Arab region. Their presence demonstrates both the interest and growing strength of microfinance in the region.
Conference sessions were organized in four tracks including Social Performance Management, New Production, Financing and Operations/Technology. Industry leaders and practitioners engaged in lively discussions on a range topics including how to effectively train and retain top staff, the importance of consumer protection, how to introduce new products such as microinsurance, housing and agricultural loans and the experience with credit bureaus in the region. In addition to panels, peer learning and training sessions, Sanabel’s annual conference was the venue for the founding meeting of the Middle East Chapter of Women Advancing Microfinance (WAM). Many conference participants also attended the EIB conference “Microfinance in the Mediterranean: What is the Impact?” on May 5th, visited Enda Inter-Arabe branch offices and participated in a structured financial networking event which matched MFIs with potential investors.
During the opening ceremony of the conference, awards were given to the best micro-entrepreneurs in the Arab region, who had the opportunity to promote and sell their products at the conference’s very own souk (market). On the other hand, the closing ceremony witnessed the honoring of 11 members who made it to the 2007 MIX Global 100: Rankings of MFIs.
Conference Sponsors:
Welcome to Tunisia
A country with a long and renowned history, Tunisia has within its borders a wide variety of fascinating historic monuments and buildings, magnificent scenery and so much more-making Tunisia a fascinating and memorable country to visit!
Tunisia is mostly known for its 1,100km coastline of the most beautiful beaches of the southern Mediterranean, and around forty percent of the country is Saharan desert with the rest set on fertile land crossed by two ranges of mountains. But Tunisia also has a long history, in which many civilizations have settled and left their mark on the landscape and culture on the country. Many historical settlements and remains of the Roman, Byzantine, Islamic and Punic eras are found in this country and most of these sites are still in excellent condition. The outcome is an intriguing cross-cultural blend of the European, African and the Arab worlds.
One of the most famous historical sites in Tunisia is Carthage, just south of the conference’s location. Although effectively destroyed by the Romans in the third Punic War, Carthage to this day still contains splendor of long ago and is designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Carthage contains many magnificent Roman buildings such as the Antonine Baths and the amphitheatre. Tunis also hosts the Bardo museum which proclaims one of the largest selections of mosaics in the world as well as antiquities that date from prehistoric times through to present-day Tunisia, which is an easy day-trip from the conference site.
Other famous sites which are not to be missed while traveling to Tunisia, include:
The Medina of Tunis: listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Tunis’ Medina is one of the best-preserved medieval cities in the Islamic world. The souk has remained virtually unchanged since the 13th century and still contains its oriental charm. The Medina is a great place to spend the day shopping and view mosques, palaces and casbahs.
Sidi Bou Said: An enchanting village on a rocky hill overseeing the Mediterranean Sea. Known for its blue doors and shutters that contrast against the white facades covered with colorful geraniums and bougainvillea.
Kairouan: the fourth most holy city in the Islamic world after Mecca, Medina and Jerusalem. The city displays beautiful architecture, from its city walls and monumental gates to the great mosque of Okba Ibn Nafaa, a masterpiece of Islamic architecture. It’s also a great place to shop for copper, brass, leather and of course carpets- it’s the oldest and most renowned carpet-making center in Tunisia.
Dougga: the best preserved Roman city in Africa. Stretching across 65 hectares on a mountainside, Dougga boast grandiose temples and theaters, forum and markets.
Important Facts About Tunisia:
Capital: Tunis.
Language: French and Arabic are the main languages and are widely understood. Some English is spoken.
Population: 10 Million.
Currency: The official currency of Tunisia is the Tunisian Dinar. One Tunisia Dinar is worth 0.84 US Dollar or 0.55 Euro. The Tunisian Dinar is divided into 1000 millimes. The Dinar is not easily convertible, and it is prohibited to bring Dinars in and out of Tunisia. Be sure to save your ATM or Exchange receipt to be able to convert remaining Dinar into foreign currency before leaving. Without receipts, it will not be possible to reconvert your remaining Dinar before leaving.
ATMs / Credit Cards: Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) are widely available throughout Tunisia, and most major credit cards are accepted. Upper-class establishments also accept most major credit cards.
Airport: Tunis-Carthage International is the international airport serving Tunis, Tunisia. This is 14 km from the conference site.
Taxis: All registered Taxis use meters to determine a fare calculated from a combination of distance travelled and time required, and are recognizable by their standard yellow appearance. The fares increase late at night.
Cab fare will range between 10 and 15 Tunisian Dinars from the airport to the conference site, and an additional 5 Tunisian Dinars should be paid for heavy luggage. Barceló Carthage Thalasso, the hotel hosting the conference, was formerly the Carthage Palace Hotel. It may be helpful to specify to taxi drivers its location in Gammarth’s Touristic Zone (Zone Touristique).
Weather: Average temperatures range from 14° C to 28° C (57° F to 82.4° F) from October to May.
Voltage: The voltage used in Tunisia is 220V. Plugs are round and double-pronged.
Calling Code: +216
Sanabel's 2008 Regional Award for the Best Micro-entrepreneurs
Sanabel’s annual Microentrepreneur Awards Ceremony celebrates the achievements of exceptional individuals who have demonstrated the true spirit of micro-entrepreneurship.
Thanks to support from the Grameen-Jameel Initiative, Sanabel is able to bring this year’s award winners to Tunis to represent the millions of microfinance clients from across the region who benefit on a daily basis from the work of the industry.
Each year, it becomes more difficult to select “winners” from the many great nominations received by Sanabel. This year a “virtual committee” made up of judges from five of Sanabel’s member countries faced the task of prioritizing criteria and carefully evaluating applications.
While all successful microfinance clients can be considered winners, Sanabel is proud to introduce the “2008 Microentreneur of the Year” award recipients:
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Al Tadamun Microfinance Program | Egypt |
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CHF International / ACSI | Iraq |
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Tamweelcom | Jordan |
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Makhzoumi Foundation | Lebanon |
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Association Marocaine Solidarité Sans Frontières MicroCrédit ( AMSSF) | Morocco |
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UNRWA- Microfinance & Microenterprise Programme | Palestine |
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Abdel Latif Jameel Programme for Community Services | Saudi Arabia |
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UNDP-Rural Community Development Project | Syria |
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Enda Inter-Arabe | Tunisia |
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Al-Awael Microfinance Company | Yemen |
Participants Directory
You will find attached below the participants directory.
Conference Presentations
Conference Presentations:
Day 1
TUESDAY, MAY 6TH, 2008
09:00 – 10:00 Opening Session & Regional Microentrepreneur Awards
Welcoming Remarks: Kris Besch, Interim Executive Director, Sanabel, Egypt
Speech: Essma Ben Hamida, Chairperson of Sanabel, Tunisia
Speech: Dr. Nabe Rasheed Mohamad, Deputy Minister of Agriculture, Syria
Speech: H.E. Ali Chaouch, Minister of Social Affairs, Tunisia
Keynote Speech: H.R.H. Prince Talal Bin Abdul Aziz Bin Saud, President, AGFUND, Saudi Arabia
Introduction of Microfinance Ambassador: Sonia M’barek
Master of Ceremony: Fouad Abdelmoumni, General Manager, Al Amana, Morocco
10:00 – 11:00 Microentrepreneur Awards Ceremony & Conference Notices
Speech: Mr. Zaher Al-Munajjed, Chairman of Grameen-Jameel
Presentation of Awards
11:30 – 13:00 State of the Industry and Presentation of the Conference Themes
State of Industry: Ranya Abdel Baki, Transparency Manager, Sanabel, Egypt
Measuring and Managing Social Impact:
Martin Greeley, Research Fellow, Institute for Development Studies, United Kingdom
Developing Quality Products to Meet Customer Demand:
Mustapha Bidouj, General Secretary, Fondation Banque Populaire pour le Microcrédit, Morocco
Formalizing the Microfinance Sector: Integration into the Financial Sector:
Luc Rigouzzo, Chief Operating Officer, PROPARCO, France
Technology Revolutionizing the Industry:
Xavier Reille, Lead Microfinance Specialist, Consultative Group to Assist the Poor, France
14:30 – 16:30 Concurrent Sessions
Track One - Measuring and Managing Social Impact:
Social Performance in the Arab Region
Katarzyna Pawlak, Deputy Director, Microfinance Centre, Poland
Leïla Akhmisse, Director of Development, Fondation Zakoura, Morocco
Speaker/Moderator: Ozaina Aljundi, Social Performance Management Project Manager, Sanabel, Egypt
Track Two - Developing Quality Products to Meet Customer Demand:
Rural and Agricultural Lending
Marie-France L'heriteau, Project Manager, PROPARCO, France
Rula Nesnas, Advisor, PARC - REEF, Palestine
Hassine Cherif, President, ASAD, Tunisia
Moderator: Lillian Diaz, Lead International Consultant, SEEP, Vietnam
Track Three - Formalizing the Microfinance Sector:
Crunching the Numbers: Negotiating Funding Terms
Louise Schneider-Moretto, Capital Markets Group Sr. Director, WWB, USA
Youssef Chouk, Charge de Clientele, BIAT with Riadh Akrout, Finance Director, Enda Inter-Arabe, Tunisia
Bassem Khanfar, Executive Director, Al-Watani, Jordan
Moderator: Shawn Murphy, Executive Director of Fixed Income, Morgan Stanley, United Kingdom
Track Four - Technology Revolutionizing the Industry:
Using Technology to Increase Outreach and Decrease Costs
Samir Zghal, Executive Partner, OXIA, Tunisia
James Dailey, Independent Consultant, USA
Jean Marc Lagache, Banking Solution Manager, SOPRA Group, Tunisia
Moderator: Wassim Ali-Hassan, IT Officer, Grameen - Jameel, Dubai
Day 2
DAY 2 - WEDNESDAY, MAY 7TH, 2008
09:00 – 10:30 Concurrent Sessions
Track One - Measuring and Managing Social Impact:
Training - Women’s Leadership Matters
Deborah Burand, WAM President, USA
Soukeina Bouraoui, Executive Director, CAWTAR, Tunisia
Track Two - Developing Quality Products to Meet Customer Demand:
Empowering Families: Housing and Eduation Loans
Momina Aijazuddin, Program Manager, International Finance Corporation, Dubai
Fatma Triki, Researcher / R&D Coordinator, Enda Inter-Arabe, Tunisia
Anna Gincherman, Network Relationship Manager, Women’s World Banking, USA
Moderator: Hassan Faried, Executive Director, DBACD, Egypt
Track Three - Formalizing the Microfinance Sector:
The Credit Bureau Experience in the Arab Region
Marwan Hamdan, Executive Director, Delta Informatics, Jordan
Arije Al Amad, General Manager, Microfinance Fund for Women, Jordan
Motaz El Tabaa, Executive Director, Alexandria Business Association, Egypt
Moderator: Mohammed Khaled, Managing Partner, MicroServe, USA
Track Four - Technology Revolutionizing the Industry:
Greater Outreach through Gov’t Supported Programs: Opportunities and Challenges
Lamine Hafsaoui, CEO, BTS, Tunisia
Osama Al-Shami, Head of Small and Microenterprise Development Unit, SFD, Yemen
Amal Dalati, Director Assistant, Syria Country Planning Commission, Syria
Moderator: Chedli Ounis, Enda Inter-Arabe Board Member, Tunisia
11:00 – 12:30 Concurrent Sessions
Track One – Measuring and Managing Social Impact:
Role of Arab Financiers in Advancing Microfinance and Social Impact
Randa Akeel, Economist, World Bank
Ibrahem Badawod, Executive Director, Abdul Latif Jameel Community Service Program, Saudi Arabia
Mohamed Bin Salah, Expert, Arab Bank for Development for Africa, Sudan
Jebrin Al-Jebrin, Director of Projects Department, AGFUND, Saudi Arabia
Moderator: Nasser Al-Kahtani, Director, AGFUND, Saudi Arabia
Track Two - Developing Quality Products to Meet Customer Demand:
Reducing Client Vulnerability: Microinsurance
Said Bourjij, Director, Epargne Sans Frontière, France
Ashraf Nassif, Executive Director, First Microfinance Foundation Egypt - The Aga Khan Agency for Microfinance, Egypt
Ali El Ghazawi, Director General, Development & Employment Fund, Jordan
Moderator: Youssef Fawaz, Executive Director, Al Majmoua, Lebanon
Track Three - Formalizing the Microfinance Sector:
New Financing Models in the Arab Region
Jean-Luc Perron, Head of Micro Finance Unit, Credit Agricole Bank, France
Casey Albert Santiago, Microfinance Partnerships Manager, Kiva, USA
Bassel El Hariri, Head of Microfinance, First Microfinance Bank, Syria
Moderator: Heather Henyon, General Manager, Grameen - Jameel, Dubai
Track Four - Technology Revolutionizing the Industry:
PEER DISCUSSION: Recruiting, Motivating, Retaining Staff in a Dynamic Environment
Facilitator: Ziad Al-Rifae, Chief Executive Officer, Jordan Micro Credit Company (Tamweelcom), Jordan
Facilitator: Deborah Burand, WAM President, Independent Consultant, USA
14:30 – 15:30 Concurrent Sessions
Track One - Measuring and Managing Social Impact:
Consumer Protection and Education: Developing Standards
Maria Perdomo, Technical Advisor - Financial Education, Freedom From Hunger, USA
Lillian Diaz, SEEP Consultant, Vietnam
Moderator & Speaker: Magdy Moussa, MF Advisor and Managing Director - Middle East, PlaNet Finance, Egypt
14:30 – 16:30 Concurrent Sessions
Track Two - Developing Quality Products to Meet Customer Demand:
TRAINING: Islamic Microfinance: Innovative Techniques for Greater Sustainability (in Arabic and English ONLY)
Trainer: Khawaja Amjad Saeed, Advisor – Training and Development, Al- Huda, Pakistan
Track Three: Formalizing the Microfinance Sector:
Regulations: Overcoming Obstacles
Michael Tarazi, Policy Adviser, Consultative Group to Assist the Poor, United States of America
Rainer Hartel, Senior Sector Expert / Financial & Private Sector Development, KfW Bankengruppe, Germany
Fadhel Moussa, Director of Programs and Training, International Development Law Organization, Egypt
Moderator: Mustapha Bidouj, General Secretary, Fondation Banque Populaire pour le Microcrédit, Morocco
Track Four - Technology Revolutionizing the Industry:
Measuring, Managing and Preventing Risk
Gregory Thys, General Manager, MicroRating International
Sadaffe Abid, CEO Kashf Foundation, Pakistan
Emmanuelle Javoy, Managing Director, Planet Rating, France
Moderator: Louise Schneider-Moretto, Capital Markets Group Sr. Director, WWB, USA
15:30 – 16:30
Track One - Measuring and Managing Social Impact:
Beyond Financial Services: Greater Impact through Business Development Services
Alia Farhat, Business Development Services Manager, The Lebanese Association for Development - Al Majmoua, Lebanon
Zakia Lalaoui, Director of Research and Development, Association Al Amana, Morocco
Hashim Hussein, Head, UNIDO-ITPO, Bahrain
Moderator: Michael Cracknell, General Secretary, Enda Inter-Arabe, Tunisia
Day 3
THURSDAY, MAY 8TH, 2008
09:30–11:00
Plenary 2 – The Key Ingredient to Success: Quality Governance
Panelist: Nasser Al-Qahtani, Director, AGFUND, Saudi Arabia
Panelist: Samir El Gamal, Chairman of the Board of Directors, DBACD, Egypt
Speaker/Moderator: Martin Steindl, Program Manager, International Finance Corporation, Egypt
11:30 – 12:30 Closing Session and Transparency Awards
Transparency Awards: Hind Tazi, Lead Analyst, Microfinance Information eXchange (MIX)
Recognition of Top Performing MFIs: Ranya Abedel-Baki, Transparency Manager, Sanabel and Kris Besch Interim Executive Director, Sanabel, Egypt
Sanabel in 2008 and Beyond: Essma Ben Hamida, Chairperson of Sanabel, Tunisia
Closing
Sanabel’s General Assembly meeting
Kindly find attached below the minutes of the General Assembly meeting in English and French.
2009 Conference
GATHERING TO TACKLE HUMAN RESOURCE OBSTACLES OF THIS KEY ECONOMIC SECTOR ACROSS MENA
His Excellency, the Minister of Finance, Mr. Mohammad Chatah, representing His Excellency The President of the Republic of Lebanon, General Michel Sleiman, has inaugurated the 6th Annual Conference entitled: "Human Capital in Microfinance: People, Passion and Value" organized by Sanabel - The Microfinance Network of Arab Countries, based in Cairo, at Le Royal Hotel, Dbayeh- Greater Beirut, Lebanon. The Conference took place from May 12th – 14th 2009.
With over 500 participants, Sanabel’s annual conference was the largest gathering of microfinance practitioners, government officials, investors, donors and other industry stakeholders in the MENA region. In accordance with the Human Capital theme, the conference recognized ten outstanding MFI employees from the region and celebrated the accomplishments of several successful Lebanese micro entrepreneurs.
Microfinance refers to the provision of financial services to poor or low-income clients, including consumers and self-employed who have no access to conventional banks. Though Arab microfinance industry is quite young, it is one of the fastest growing areas when compared to its global peers.
• The emerging industry has expanded tremendously since its commencement as there are today approximately 100 active microfinance institutions (MFIs) across the Arab world serving 3.5 million clients as compared to 130,000 in 1999.
• Microfinance has steadily replaced governmental programs and employment funds as the most important source tool for starting and consolidating income-generating activities.
However, compared to other parts of the World (Latin America, South Asia), the Microfinance sector in the MENA region is still underdeveloped in terms of beneficiaries as well as sustainable Microfinance Institutions. The number of active microfinance clients remains quite insignificant when considering that:
• In the Arab countries 60 million people live on less than $2 per day.
• The majority of the MFIs in the region are not-for-profit NGOs with very few commercial banks active in the sector.