A group of eight CEOs of nonprofit microfinance organizations has issued a “Road Map for the Microfinance Industry: Focusing on Responsible and Client-Centered Microfinance” highlighting their support for MFTransparency.

MFTransparency’s work in Ethiopia has provided a unique insight into a market where several MFIs have achieved financial and operational sustainability whilst at the same time maintaining a strong social mission and very low product pricing.

All Africa: Limited knowledge about the products, costs as well as charges by financial institutions is halting access to finance for small and micro businesses, according to experts. Jessica Massie, a consultant with Microfinance Transparency notes that most borrowers lack basic knowledge about financial products offered by lenders, particularly bank charges, interest rates and the cost of a product.

In October 2011, MFTransparency hosted the African Microfinance Pricing Transparency Leadership Forum in Nairobi, Kenya. This was the first event of its kind, bringing together policymakers, regulators, networks and a host of industry experts to discuss issues related to pricing transparency in African microfinance markets.