Microfinance Academies
German Sparkassenstiftung Eastern Africa has consistently supported its partners in the establishment of academies.
Introduction
The establishment of microfinance academies underlines the goal of professionalising the microfinance sector and SACCOs (Savings and Credit Cooperatives) as well as to strengthen finance knowledge for Micro- small and medium enterprises. Together with our partner organisations, German Sparkassenstiftung Eastern Africa (DSIK) currently supports academies in Rwanda (RICEM) and Uganda (UCSCU Academy) and previously in Burundi (RIM Academy).
For these academies several modules and training curricula have been and are constantly developed. The curricula focus on objectives like developing financial, business, and managerial knowledge. Additionally, the dual apprenticeship system has been introduced for young professionals and a professional program for employees in managerial positions has also been established.
The target groups are owners, managers and employees of microfinance institutions and SACCOs, cooperatives, and entrepreneurs. Among the latter target group, even households and micro businesses are included; hence some of the academies mentioned above are offering financial education related courses alongside with entrepreneurial courses. DSIK promotes financial education related courses for trainers and beneficiaries within the certified Business Games such as Savings Games, Farmers Business Games, Micro Business Games and Managing Climate Resilience Business Game.
In the long run, the academies will increase the development of institutions in the microfinance sector though highly skilled staff members who are able to deal with up-to-date technologies, strategic and operational procedures as well as management concepts.
For the target group of entrepreneurs, attendance in the academies’ courses will generate new jobs by increasing the employability of individuals, by facilitating them to become successful entrepreneurs and job-creators and by strengthening their managerial know-how to ultimately improve living conditions.
Academy in Rwanda
DSIK has played a great role in supporting the establishment of a vocational training centre named Rwanda Institute of Cooperatives, Entrepreneurship and Microfinance (RICEM). This project contributes to the systematization and quality improvement of vocational business training in Rwanda. The project started in 2012 and focuses on training needs in Rwanda but is also inspired by the German system of Dual Vocational training and the highly qualified vocational degree programs offered by academies of German Sparkassen. In the long run, the vision is to become a vocational centre of excellence for the entire Eastern African region working in close collaboration with governments and national associations.
Several key milestones have been achieved so far, including the development of various training modules for its three pillars of Microfinance, Cooperatives and Entrepreneurship, and conducting short-term training in various districts, especially on loan management, effective governance, and customer relationship management. RICEM was supported by DSIK to develop and submit curricula for the Certified Microfinance Professional (CMP) Level 1 (formerly referred to as the Dual Apprenticeship System) and Level 2 training programs for accreditation and is paving the way to start long-term accredited courses and certificates. Since 2017, five cohorts have graduated from the CMP Level 1, and since 2023, two cohorts have graduated from CMP Level 2, reinforcing RICEM’s contribution to microfinance development.
Academy in Uganda
DSIK and its partner the Uganda Cooperative Savings and Credit Union (UCSCU)recognize the vital role of a skilled and knowledgeable workforce in fostering a robust and professional SACCO sector across Uganda. To address this need, we established the UCSCU Academy – the official training arm of the union dedicated to empowering SACCO managers, staff, and board members. UCSCU´s core mandate is to provide education, training, and technical assistance towards SACCOs for their growth and sustainability.
The overall purpose of the academy is to provide a one stop centre for the provision of high-quality specialised education, excellence training and technical services to the microfinance sector and especially the SACCOs in Uganda. The programs are meticulously crafted to equip individuals with the essential skills and knowledge required to enhance their productivity, ensure sound governance, and ultimately contribute to the sustainable growth of their respective SACCO.
DSIK has supported and still supports UCSCU in the development and implementation of a strategic and business plan.
Academy in Burundi
Since 2012, DSIK in Burundi has partnered with RIM (Réseau des Institutions de Microfinance) to enhance the professionalism of the microfinance sector in Burundi. DSIK supported the project partner in various areas such as the establishment of a microfinance academy. The aim of the academy is to provide regular professional training for employees of microfinance institutions as well as entrepreneurs in general. Thus, it contributes to the improvement of high quality and systematic capacity development of the microfinance sector and entrepreneurs in Burundi.
Several steps, including the conduction of training needs assessments and the development and validation of modules, have been taken with the support of DSIK. The partnership was concluded in September 2024, and RIM continues to operate the academy, ensuring ongoing professional development within the sector.
