Kigali, Rwanda | November 12–14, 2025
Deadline for registration is October 22nd, 2025
Download the registration form here
In a fast-evolving financial landscape, Microfinance Institutions (MFIs) face growing challenges: rising competition, digital transformation, increased regulatory requirements, and evolving client expectations. To remain relevant and effective, MFIs must adopt clear, well-structured, and sustainable growth strategies that respond to both internal needs and external pressures.
As growth becomes more complex and non-linear. Managers must be equipped not only with proven strategic frameworks but also with the ability to think creatively, challenge assumptions, and lead their organizations through transformation. Traditional growth models are being redefined by digital platforms, customer-centric ecosystems, mergers and acquisitions, and data-driven decision-making.
Growth today must go beyond simple portfolio expansion or client outreach. It must be qualitative, integrating innovation, social impact, digitalization, product diversification, and institutional resilience.
To support its members in navigating these challenges, MAIN is organizing a training on Growth Strategies, which will take place in Kigali, Rwanda, from November 12- 14, 2025 in collaboration with AMIR ( Association of Microfinance Institutions in Rwanda). This training is designed to build the capacity of senior executives and strategic decision-makers in MFIs to design and implement effective, inclusive, and sustainable growth strategies.
During the training, a guest speaker will be invited to share with participants how he has driven the growth of his institution to what it has become today.
Mr. Hannington Namara, CEO of Equity Bank, Rwanda
Hannington is the Managing Director of Equity Bank Rwanda. He holds a degree in Business Administration with a specialization in Finance from Makerere University Business School. Additionally, he is a graduate of the Advanced Management Program at Strathmore Business School. He is a fellow of the Africa Leadership Initiative – East Africa and a member of the Aspen Global Leadership Network. With over 19 years of experience in banking and private sector development, Hannington has extensive knowledge and a proven track record in strategic leadership, banking and finance, management, and communications. He has held various leadership positions at reputable organizations, including Trademark East Africa, the Rwanda Private Sector Federation, and the Rwanda Investment Export Promotion Agency (RIEPA), now known as the Rwanda Development Board. Hannington also holds several positions on corporate boards and is the current Chairperson of the Executive Committee of the Rwanda Bankers’ Association.
At the end of the training, participants will be able to:
The training will take place in Kigali, Rwanda, from 12 – 14 November, 2025 (3 days).
Deadline for registration is October 22nd, 2025
The following requirements should be fulfilled to attend the program.
A registration fee of USD 250 must be paid to MAIN by member organizations, USD 300 for non-member of MAIN and USD 650 for international participants who are MAIN member and coming from another country than Rwanda.
Registrations form should be sent formations@mainnetwork.org with copy to secretariat@mainnetwork.org .
Participants who failed to pay the registration fee will not be accepted by MAIN.
Registration fees are paid in cash upon arrival on the training site.
International Candidates are requested to arrange their own international travel and MAIN will make reimbursement up to USD 400 upon presentation of flight ticket receipt, and boarding pass along bank details immediately after the session is over.
Please note that the cost of air ticket exceeding USD 400, the difference will be covered by the participant institution.
International Participants will be lodged by MAIN for 4 nights. Meals and rooms are provided by MAIN for international participants.
Member institutions are requested to clear their arrears of annual contribution to MAIN before attending the training.
Who is the Trainer?
Straton is a Senior Consultant in Financial Inclusion, Program Management, and SME Promotion. Previously, he worked as the SEEP Network’ Senior Program Manager for the Responsible Finance through Local Leadership and Learning (RFL3) Program, based in Kigali, Rwanda. Prior to joining SEEP, Straton has led programs focusing on capacity building for local development actors in East and Central Africa (Rwanda, Burundi, Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda, Kenya, and Ethiopia). In his 30 years of experience, Straton has worked for many international NGOs where he contributed to poverty reduction through microfinance, agriculture value chain development, WASH, Education, Humanitarian Aid, and Tourism. He has also worked as an independent consultant, providing technical support to public and private institutions. Straton has completed his MBA (Project Management) from the Maastricht School of Management outreach program in Kigali, Rwanda; holds a bachelor’s degree in Economics from Kigali Independent University, and an Associate Bachelor’s degree in Microfinance and Community Economic Development (Uganda Martyrs University). He is fluent in English, French, Kiswahili and Kinyarwanda.
