For decades, self-help groups (SHGs) have served as a powerful engine for community-based finance, relying on face-to-face meetings, physical cash, and paper ledgers. While highly effective, these traditional methods often face significant limitations, including security risks, a lack of transparency, and limited access to formal financial services. By leveraging digital self-help group platforms, these communities can overcome these barriers, digitizing their savings, automating their record-keeping, and securely linking to the broader financial ecosystem. This transformation streamlines operations, reduces the risk of error and fraud, and provides a documented financial history that can unlock access to formal credit and insurance for millions of people.

This training course is designed to empower microfinance practitioners and development professionals to navigate the complexities of digitizing self-help groups. You will learn the strategic and operational considerations required to transition groups from manual to digital processes, focusing on platform design, member training, and overcoming challenges like digital literacy and connectivity. By exploring the technology, business models, and best practices of successful digital SHG platforms, you will be equipped to scale your programs, enhance transparency, and accelerate financial inclusion in remote and underserved communities.

Duration: 5 days

Target Audience:

• Microfinance institution (MFI) managers and executives
• Digital finance and technology specialists
• Community development and financial inclusion practitioners
• Product managers and platform designers
• IT and operations staff
• Regulatory and policy advisors
• Researchers in social and financial behavior
• Social entrepreneurs and startup founders
• Consultants in community-based finance

Objectives:

• Master the core concepts of digital self-help group platforms.
• Understand the strategic rationale for digitizing SHGs.
• Learn how to design a user-centric and inclusive digital platform.
• Grasp the technical requirements for a successful digital platform.
• Understand the challenges of digital literacy and how to overcome them.
• Explore new financial products enabled by digitalization.
• Learn how to manage and mitigate risks in a digital environment.
• Grasp the role of data and analytics in improving SHG performance.
• Analyze successful case studies and best practices globally.
• Develop a strategic roadmap for digitizing a SHG program.

Module 1: The Digital SHG Transformation

• The evolution from traditional to digital SHGs
• The benefits of digitalization (transparency, security, efficiency)
• The key differences between manual and digital processes
• How digitalization changes the role of the group and the facilitator
• Case studies of the digital SHG revolution

Module 2: Platform Design and Features

• Key features of a successful digital SHG platform
• User-centric design for low-literacy populations
• The importance of a simple and intuitive interface
• Designing for offline functionality and low-connectivity environments
• The role of SMS, USSD, and mobile apps

Module 3: Technology and Integration

• The technology stack for a digital SHG platform
• Integrating with mobile money and payment gateways
• Connecting to core banking systems and FinTech APIs
• The importance of a scalable and secure architecture
• The role of cloud computing and data storage

Module 4: Training and Member Adoption

• Strategies for building digital literacy among members
• The importance of a "train-the-trainer" model
• Overcoming resistance to change and building trust
• The role of local champions and community leaders
• Managing the transition from paper to digital

Module 5: Risk Management and Security

• The main risks in a digital SHG platform
• Protecting client data and ensuring privacy
• The importance of two-factor authentication and secure logins
• Detecting and preventing fraud in a digital setting
• Building a robust security framework

Module 6: Data and Analytics

• The types of data collected by a digital platform
• Using data to track group performance and health
• Identifying trends and patterns in savings and loan behavior
• The role of data in automating processes
• Leveraging data for reporting and decision-making

Module 7: Financial Products and Linkages

• How digitalization unlocks access to formal finance
• Using digital records as a basis for credit scoring
• Enabling formal loans, insurance, and other products
• The role of the platform as a bridge to formal institutions
• Designing new products based on client data

Module 8: Business Models and Sustainability

• Different business models for a digital SHG platform
• The role of platform fees and revenue streams
• Building a sustainable business model
• The role of partnerships with financial institutions
• Cost-benefit analysis of going digital

Module 9: The Role of the Facilitator

• The new role of the facilitator in a digital world
• Providing technical support and troubleshooting
• Using the platform to monitor and support groups
• The importance of a well-defined support system
• Training and empowering facilitators

Module 10: The Future of Community Finance

• The convergence of digital SHGs and other technologies
• The potential of AI and machine learning in the sector
• The role of a fully digital financial identity
• The future of financial inclusion through digital communities
• New trends and emerging models in the sector

Training Approach

This course will be delivered by our skilled trainers who have vast knowledge and experience as expert professionals in the fields. The course is taught in English and through a mix of theory, practical activities, group discussion and case studies. Course manuals and additional training materials will be provided to the participants upon completion of the training.

Tailor-Made Course

This course can also be tailor-made to meet organization requirement. For further inquiries, please contact us on: Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org Tel: +254 702 249 449

Training Venue

The training will be held at our Skills for Africa Training Institute Training Centre. We also offer training for a group at requested location all over the world. The course fee covers the course tuition, training materials, two break refreshments, and buffet lunch.

Visa application, travel expenses, airport transfers, dinners, accommodation, insurance, and other personal expenses are catered by the participant

Certification

Participants will be issued with Skills for Africa Training Institute certificate upon completion of this course.

Airport Pickup and Accommodation

Airport pickup and accommodation is arranged upon request. For booking contact our Training Coordinator through Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org Tel: +254 702 249 449

Terms of Payment: Unless otherwise agreed between the two parties’ payment of the course fee should be done 7 working days before commencement of the training.