2012 MENA Regional Snapshot

This report provides an overview of trends in the microfinance sector in Middle East and North Africa (MENA). It focuses on MFI performance and funding structure, the Arab Spring, and investments from cross-border funders. The report derives its data from 36 MFIs that reported to MIX in the 2010 financial year. Findings include:

• MENA continues to be the smallest market in terms on both borrower outreach and loan portfolio;
• Egypt remains the largest market in the region in terms of borrower, while Morocco is still the largest in terms of portfolio;
• Almost two-third of the total loan is in MENA are to female borrower;
• Region has the second lowest level of outreach to the rural clients;
• Corporate and SME lending remain minimal at 5% of MENA's total portfolio.