2007 CGAP Regional Funder Survey: Sub-Saharan Africa

This report summarizes the results of a CGAP survey of funders working in Africa to increase access to finance. A total of 40 respondents provided self-reported information on their general projects, specific activities in each country and funding instruments. The survey reveals that:

• Funding is heavily concentrated in East Africa and certain countries of West Africa, with Uganda having the largest number of financial access programs;
• Access to finance projects are distributed among retail institutions, financial infrastructure and policy environment projects;
• Funders include microfinance investment vehicles (MIVs), international NGOs, development finance institutions, private foundations, bilateral and multilateral funders;
• Funders use a range of instruments that include grants, loans, in-kind funding, equity funding and guarantees.

In conclusion, the report recommends that funders maximize their effectiveness in supporting access to finance in Sub-Saharan Africa, by collaborating with other funders, and by analyzing their own strengths and weaknesses in terms of strategic clarity, staff capacity, knowledge management, appropriate instruments and accountability for results.