The Impact of Microfinance. Evidence from Wekembe in Uganda

The objective of the research project “Development of a training model in the strengthening of microfinance in Uganda” has been the definition and the dissemination of a training model in the field of microfinance in Uganda. The project can be replicated on a national scale and would have the potential to improve the effectiveness of this sector in order to ultimately reduce financial exclusion. The project achieved main results as follows: 1. organization of a specialized course to improve professional capabilities of local experts working in the field of microfinance in Uganda; 2. implementation of the sustainability to be achieved in terms of microfinance projects’ dissemination by helping the new operators to the introduction of new initiatives in remote areas; 3. improvement of the mobility of trained human resources in order to develop develop a comparative approach to microfinance, in paticular to the issue of microinsurance; 4. creation of an internet portal, in both Italian and English, to open an interesting communicative window; 5. improvement of the availability of relevant data in order to assess the progress and the impact of microfinance projects; 6. sharing micro-entrepreneurial experiences that can create positive externalities to further expand productive activities; 7. dissemination of best practices that will improve entrepreneurial skills, fostering greater impact on the socio-economic context. The project results have been collected in three publications, whose contributions have been subjected to a scientific evaluation and approval of the scientific direction: The Socio-Economic Impact of Microfinance: the case of “Wekembe” The Uganda Microinsurance Contest Microfinance course – concept papers