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Microfinance institutions’ operational self-sufficiency in sub-Saharan Africa: empirical evidence

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  • Laxmi Remer

    (CBS International Business School)

  • Hanna Kattilakoski

    (CBS International Business School)

Abstract

The topic of financial sustainability in microfinance institutions has become more important as an increasing number of Microfinance Institutions (MFIs) seek operational self-sufficiency, which translates into financial sustainability. This study aims to identify factors that drive operational self-sufficiency in microfinance institutions. To accomplish this, 416 MFIs in sub-Saharan Africa are studied and several drivers for operational self-sufficiency are empirically analyzed. Results indicate that these drivers are return on assets, and the ratios total expenses/assets and financial revenues/assets. The results imply that MFIs should encourage cost-management measures. They also reveal that there may not be a significant tradeoff in self-sufficiency and outreach. These findings will enable microfinance institutions worldwide to sharpen their institutional capabilities to achieve operational self-sufficiency and also provide policymakers with more focused tools to assist industry development.

Suggested Citation

  • Laxmi Remer & Hanna Kattilakoski, 2021. "Microfinance institutions’ operational self-sufficiency in sub-Saharan Africa: empirical evidence," International Journal of Corporate Social Responsibility, Springer, vol. 6(1), pages 1-12, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:ijocsr:v:6:y:2021:i:1:d:10.1186_s40991-021-00059-5
    DOI: 10.1186/s40991-021-00059-5
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Mark Schreiner, 2002. "Aspects of outreach: a framework for discussion of the social benefits of microfinance," Journal of International Development, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 14(5), pages 591-603.
    2. Shakil Quayes, 2012. "Depth of outreach and financial sustainability of microfinance institutions," Applied Economics, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 44(26), pages 3421-3433, September.
    3. Niels Hermes & Robert Lensink, 2007. "The empirics of microfinance: what do we know?," Economic Journal, Royal Economic Society, vol. 117(517), pages 1-10, February.
    4. Valentina Hartarska & Denis Nadolnyak, 2007. "Do regulated microfinance institutions achieve better sustainability and outreach? Cross-country evidence," Applied Economics, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 39(10), pages 1207-1222.
    5. Ahmad Nawaz, 2010. "Performance of Microfinance: The Role of Subsidies," Working Papers CEB 10-008.RS, ULB -- Universite Libre de Bruxelles.
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    Cited by:

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    2. Adalessossi, Kokou, 2024. "What are the determinants of the financial and social performance of MFIs in Togo? Does gender borrower matter on financial performance?," Finance Research Letters, Elsevier, vol. 62(PA).

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