At Microfinancing Partners in Africa (MPA), we believe that poverty is not simply a matter of lacking money—it’s the result of exclusion from the economic life of a community. That’s why our mission goes beyond aid and handouts. We invest in long-term, people-powered solutions.
We collaborate with grassroots organizations that are deeply embedded in their communities—partners who not only share our mission to end extreme poverty but also embody what we call “Microfinancing the MPA Way.”
What Does It Mean to “Microfinance the MPA Way”?
Although our partners operate in diverse settings with unique challenges, the most effective programs share several core principles that guide their success:
✅ Lifting people out of extreme poverty through business creation, not handouts
✅ Operating as nonprofit entities, reinvesting all proceeds to reach more families
✅ Instilling a “save first” mindset, emphasizing the importance of financial discipline
✅ Welcoming all, regardless of religion, race, tribe, or ethnicity
✅ Providing continuous training and coaching to support long-term success
✅ Maintaining accountability for loan repayment or “pay-it-forward” commitments
✅ Ensuring sustainability so the program thrives independently over time
These are not just values—they are the standards we use to select and support our partners across Sub-Saharan Africa.
The MPA Approach: Economic Inclusion as the Antidote to Poverty
We understand that persistent poverty stems from exclusion from production—from not having the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to one’s local economy. An empty wallet is a symptom. The cure lies in economic empowerment.
Our partner organizations work with communities to create those missing opportunities:
- Where there are no jobs, we help people start businesses from scratch
- Where there are no lenders, we support local microloan programs
- Where there is no financial experience, we provide education and mentorship
- When poverty leads to health or social issues, we address root causes through holistic care
This comprehensive approach ensures that each microloan is more than a transaction—it’s a lifeline to lasting transformation.
How We Measure Success
Sustainability is our benchmark. True success means that our partners and their members can thrive—with or without MPA’s ongoing support. We evaluate sustainability by looking at both individual outcomes and group-level strength.
We define success when at least 80% of participants:
- Can pay for their children’s school fees
- Maintain a savings account with at least 3 months of expenses
- Earn more than $60 USD per month
And each participant:
- Has at least two meals a day
- Access to clean water
- Protein at one meal daily
- A separate sleeping area for children and parents
A partner group is considered sustainable when:
- Its members have achieved improved living standards and financial stability
- The group has generated enough internal assets to provide loans to all current members—without needing outside capital
Building Businesses Where None Exist
In some regions where we work, there are no banks. No formal employment. No infrastructure. Yet, the desire to work and the drive to succeed are abundant. Microfinancing Partners in Africa steps into these spaces with partners who are committed to lifting up their communities one loan, one lesson, and one life at a time.
We’re not just giving people money—we’re helping them unlock the dignity and power that comes from being a creator of value. That’s why microfinance works. That’s why it lasts. That’s why we do what we do.
Support the MPA Way
Your donation doesn’t just help someone survive today. It helps them build a business, send their children to school, and pass that opportunity on to others in their village.
Join us in sustaining success across Africa. Visit microfinancingafrica.org to learn more, donate, or become a monthly partner.