Since 2008 and after more than a decade of strong growth, the microfinance sector of the WAEMU experienced a slowed growth due to indirect effects of the financial crisis
certain categories of economic actors consolidated of activities for a certain number of MFI activities, driven by some of the large mutual networks during 2007, seem to have extended to medium and smaller MFIs as well. The 2008 financial crisis on regional economies has been ratified and enacted in most states of the Union, is also pushing for restructuring of the sector, notably through the transformation/consolidation of small isolated entities that are without approval. The detailed studies of 39 MFIs composing our 2009 sample and (consisting of 23 MFIs) allowed us to measure changes in sec better understand the context in which the sector evolved insight into the national microfinance policy and development of remote banking in the region. The WAEMU includes the following countries: Senegal, Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger, Côte d’Ivoire, Guinea Bissau, Togo and Benin.

To obtain additional information on the regulatory framework, you can read our MIX Microfinance World. Since 2008 and after more than a decade of strong growth, the microfinance sector of the WAEMU a slowed growth due to indirect effects of the financial crisis, which led to certain categories of economic actors. Growth was also impacted by the restructuring and consolidation of activities for a certain number of MFIs. A strategy of strengthening the existing activities, driven by some of the large mutual networks during 2007, seems to have extended to medium and smaller MFIs as well.