2010 Arab Microfinance Analysis & Benchmarking Report
This report presents the latest microfinance trends in Arab countries. It is based on a sample of 37 MFIs from 7 countries (Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Morocco, Palestine, Tunisia, and Yemen). The report also includes the most recent developments in the region based on 55 Arab MFIs from 9 countries (Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Morocco, Palestine, Sudan, Syria, Tunisia, and Yemen).
The report contains a dedicated section for assessing social performance of MFIs in the region. Some of the key findings of the report include:
- Double digit growth of the Microfinance sector;
- High portfolio quality of MFIs and highest returns recorded in comparison to global peers;
- Lowest levels of foreign direct investment received in the region due to an apparent lack of regulation and clear legal frameworks;
- Progress in regulatory reform with the introduction of microfinance laws in Egypt, Palestine, Yemen and Syria.
The report concludes that as the microfinance industry in the Arab region matures further it will be imperative to develop country-specific regulation that is flexible enough to allow the sector to develop while providing enough supervision and reporting to ensure investor and client rights as well.
