Certificate Programme in Microfinance Management

Presented Semi-Annually by the Centre for Microfinance, University of Pretoria

This is an outstanding course! It has the following competitive edges: Very comprehensive
every topic is detailed enough. It incorporates adequate practical & real life exercises, participant
July 09.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION

COURSE STRUCTURE

This programme is targeted at middle and senior level managers of

institutions which offer financial services to the low income markets.

The course consists of three intensive weeks of in classroom material.

Homework during evenings and week-ends should be expected.

The primary aim of this programme is to provide participants with a

thorough understanding of best practices, management techniques, and
critical analysis in microfinance. A secondary objective is to present a
comprehensive profile of the global microfinance sector as well as the
microfinance sector in South Africa.

Each week includes a stimulating combination of modules drawn from the

following five topics: environmental factors; lending methodologies; savings
& other services; financial fundamentals; and operational management.
Each week will reinforce and build on the previous weeks material.
LECTURERS:

LEARNING OUTCOMES
Upon completion, all learners should have mastered at a minimum
- an understanding of the depth and maturity of the global
microfinance sector;
- an understanding of the microfinance sector in South Africa,
including client characteristics, suppliers, the role of
government, and unique challenges;
- an ability to analyse a microlending methodology and
determine its strengths and weaknesses, sustainability, and
appropriateness for the client market being served;
- an understanding of key provisions and compliance
requirements of the NCA and the role of the NCR;
- an understanding of the reasons for savings and preferences
regarding a saving service;
- an ability to measure the financial performance of an
institution offering micro-financial services and compare
against international benchmarks; and
- an understanding of the institutional development steps for an
institution offering micro-financial services and the key success factors
for effective management.
COURSE FEE (CE at UP IS EXEMPT FROM VAT)
Please contact our Client Service Centre for more information
WHO SHOULD ATTEND
Middle and senior level managers of any institution offering financial
services to the low income markets, including commercial banks,
consumer lenders, microfinance institutions and larger cooperative
financial institutions. It is also relevant for consultants and staff of
policymaking entities such as donors or government departments.

Barbara Calvin, Head of Education, Centre for Microfinance

Prof. Gerhard Coetzee, Director, Centre for Microfinance & Head,
Microenterprise Finance, ABSA
Anne Marie Chidzero, Independent Consultant and Chair of AfriCap
Microfinance Investment Company
David Kombanie, Africa Regional Director, VisionFund International
Alex Roux, Senior Manager & Consulting Actuary, Quindiem Consulting
Mark Seymour, Managing Director, Thuthukani Financial Services, & Chair
of MFSA.

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE

A grade 12 or higher and three years work experience in development or
financial services
ACCREDITATION
The University of Pretoria is an accredited higher education provider.
Certificate will be awarded upon successful completion of all modules and
the final examination.
REGISTRATION:
Client Service Centre
Tel: +27 (0)) 12 420 5015
Fax: +27 (0) 12 420 5465
E-mail: info.ce@up.ac.za
ENQUIRIES:
Kathy Blaine (Centre for Microfinance)
Tel: +27 (0)12 420 3344
Fax: +27 (0)12 420 2106
E-mail: katherine.blaine@up.ac.za

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WEEK ONE (5 days plus assessment day)
Global microfinance sector
SA microfinance sector
Lending market segmentation & methodologies
Loan product features & utilisation
Savings theories; the poor can save; product features: case studies
Calculating effective interest rates & yields; NCA maximum rates
Delinquency measurement; cost of delinquency; loan loss rates; provisions & write-offs
WEEK TWO (5 days plus assessment day)
Individual microenterprise lending theory & practice
Group microenterprise lending theory & practice
Accounting refresher; MFI financial statement structure
Performance indicators and ratio analysis
Performance management systems theory & practice
Performance based remuneration theory & practice

WEEK THREE (5 days plus assessment day)

Salary based (consumer) lending theory & practice
Role of credit bureaux
NCA and NCR; objectives and compliance
Micro insurance best practices case studies
Remittances best practices case studies
Sustainability planning for MFIs