Providing micro-entrepreneurs with access to credit is only one part of the financial inclusion puzzle. Without the fundamental knowledge and skills to manage money effectively, clients may struggle to use their loans productively, leading to over-indebtedness and a cycle of financial instability. Financial literacy integrated in microfinance offers a holistic and empowering solution, embedding essential financial education directly into the lending process. This approach moves beyond a simple loan transaction to build the long-term capacity of clients, teaching them how to budget, save, manage debt, and plan for the future. By equipping individuals with these vital skills, microfinance institutions (MFIs) can increase the likelihood of loan repayment, reduce portfolio risk, and, most importantly, foster genuine and lasting financial empowerment.

This course is designed to provide microfinance professionals with the strategic and practical knowledge to design, implement, and measure the impact of integrated financial literacy programs. You will learn how to create engaging and contextually relevant training materials, explore different delivery channels—from group-based sessions to mobile technology—and understand how to measure the real-world behavioral changes of your clients. By mastering the principles of effective financial education, you will be prepared to transform your institution into a true partner in your clients' financial journey, driving both social impact and financial sustainability.

Duration: 5 days

Target Audience:

• Microfinance institution (MFI) managers and executives
• Professionals in charge of product development
• Field officers and client relationship managers
• Financial inclusion and development practitioners
• Social entrepreneurs and startup founders
• Professionals in charge of training and development
• Researchers in financial literacy
• Non-governmental organization (NGO) staff
• Regulatory and policy advisors

Objectives:

• Master the core concepts of financial literacy and its importance in microfinance.
• Understand the strategic business case for integrating financial education.
• Learn how to design a curriculum that is relevant to micro-entrepreneurs.
• Grasp the complexities of different delivery channels.
• Explore strategies for a scalable and cost-effective program.
• Understand the role of a well-trained field staff.
• Learn how to measure the impact on client behavior and business growth.
• Understand the link between financial literacy and a healthy loan portfolio.
• Analyze successful case stories from different regions.
• Develop a strategic roadmap for a financial literacy program.

Module 1: The Why of Financial Literacy

• The importance of financial literacy for micro-entrepreneurs
• The link between a lack of literacy and over-indebtedness
• The business case for investing in financial education
• The role of financial literacy in a client-centric culture
• The benefits for MFIs and their clients

Module 2: The Core Components of Financial Literacy

• The main topics: budgeting, saving, debt management, and financial planning
• The importance of a well-defined and contextually relevant curriculum
• The role of a simple and accessible language
• The importance of a practical and hands-on approach
• The link between a curriculum and a client's daily life

Module 3: The Delivery Channels

• The various channels: group-based sessions, one-on-one coaching, and mobile
• The importance of a blended approach
• The role of a dedicated training team
• The benefits and risks of each channel
• The importance of a well-defined delivery model

Module 4: The Role of the Field Officer

• The new role of the field officer as a financial coach
• The importance of a well-defined training program
• The role of a well-defined incentive system
• The importance of a well-defined support system
• The link between a field officer and a client's success

Module 5: Product Design and Integration

• The importance of a financial literacy component
• The role of a simple and accessible product
• The importance of a clear and transparent pricing policy
• The link between a product and a client's needs
• The importance of a well-defined product development process

Module 6: The Tools and Technology

• The use of a simple mobile app or a USSD code
• The role of a chatbot for financial coaching
• The importance of a well-defined content management system
• The role of a tablet or a smartphone for training
• The potential of gamification and interactive learning

Module 7: Impact Measurement and Evaluation

• How to measure the impact on client behavior
• The importance of a well-defined monitoring and evaluation system
• The role of a baseline and an endline survey
• The importance of a well-defined data collection process
• The link between an evaluation and a program's sustainability

Module 8: The Partnership Ecosystem

• The importance of a partnership with NGOs and government agencies
• The role of a well-defined business development team
• The importance of a network of trust and collaboration
• The role of a pilot program
• The importance of a regular review process

Module 9: The Regulatory and Policy Environment

• The importance of a supportive policy framework
• The role of a well-defined legal framework
• The importance of a clear and well-defined regulatory framework
• The role of a regulatory sandbox for innovation
• The importance of a well-defined compliance plan

Module 10: Scaling and Sustainability

• The challenges and opportunities of scaling a financial literacy program
• Measuring the return on investment (ROI)
• The long-term financial sustainability of the approach
• The future of financial inclusion with a robust program
• New trends and innovations 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.