Training on Leadership and Management: Building Resilient, Sustainable and High-Impact Institutions

Context

The microfinance sector in East Africa is at a pivotal moment. Across the region, Microfinance Institutions (MFIs) are operating in an environment that is changing faster than ever before. The rise of digital financial services, the growing presence of fintechs and mobile money providers, evolving regulatory expectations, climate-related challenges, and increasing demands for social and environmental responsibility are reshaping the way MFIs serve their clients and conduct their business.

While these changes create exciting opportunities to expand financial inclusion and deepen impact, they also bring new complexities and uncertainties. MFIs are expected not only to remain financially sustainable, but also to strengthen their social mission, manage emerging risks, embrace innovation, and respond effectively to the needs of increasingly diverse and demanding client segments.

In this rapidly evolving landscape, strong leadership has become a critical success factor. The ability of an institution to adapt, grow, and remain relevant depends largely on the capacity of its leaders to provide clear strategic direction, inspire teams, make sound decisions, and guide their organizations through change. Today’s leaders must be equipped to balance performance with purpose, resilience with innovation, and short-term priorities with long-term sustainability.

Recognizing these realities, there is a growing need to strengthen the leadership and management capabilities of Board Members, Chief Executive Officers, Senior Managers, and other key decision-makers within MFIs. Investing in leadership development is not only an investment in individuals; it is an investment in the future resilience, competitiveness, and impact of the institutions they serve.

It is in this context that MAIN & AEMFI are organizing a three-day training on Leadership and Management for MFI leaders.

General Objective

The overall objective of this training is to provide participants with practical tools, modern leadership approaches, and effective management techniques that will enable them to lead with confidence, drive institutional performance, navigate change successfully, and build stronger, more sustainable organizations for the future.

Expected Results

• Strengthen their leadership effectiveness in a rapidly changing environment.
• Align strategy, governance, and organizational culture.
• Lead institutional transformation and innovation.
• Improve decision-making and risk management.
• Enhance team performance and accountability.
• Build resilient and sustainable MFIs capable of delivering both financial and social value.

Target Audience

This training is primarily intended for:

• Members of the Board of Directors
• Chief Executive Officers (CEOs)
• Senior Managers
• Human Resource Managers
• Operations Managers
• Emerging leaders and supervisors
• Other professionals involved in financial inclusion
• Etc.

Training Location and Duration

The training will take place in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, from 12 to 14 October 2026 (3 days).

Key Training Topics

The training will mainly cover the following areas:

• The evolving role of MFI Leaders in East Africa
• Leadership versus Management
• Strategic Leadership and Vision
• Ethical Leadership and Governance
• Building High-Performing Teams
• Communication and Influence
• Performance Management and Accountability
• Conflict Management and Emotional Intelligence
• Change Management and Institutional Transformation
• Innovation and Digital Leadership
• Resilience, Risk Management and Crisis Leadership
• Sustainable Leadership for Future-Ready MFIs

Practical Arrangements

• Participants are kindly requested to organize their own travel to Addis Ababa.
• MAIN will reimburse international airfare through bank transfer upon presentation of the required supporting documents (air ticket, invoice, boarding passes, and institutional bank details).
• The maximum reimbursable airfare is USD 500. Any additional amount shall be borne by the participant's institution.
• Reimbursement of international airfare is subject to the submission of all supporting documents.
• MAIN will fully cover accommodation and meals throughout the training period.

Registration Fees

The registration fees, payable upon registration with MAIN, are as follows:

The registration fee covers training materials, tuition, coffee breaks, lunches, dinners, accommodation for international participants.

Registration Form

Registrations form should be sent to formations@mainnetwork.org with copy to secretariat@mainnetwork.org .

Important Notes

• MAIN will provide accommodation for international participants from the day before the training starts until the day after the training ends . Participants arriving earlier or departing later will be responsible for any additional accommodation costs.
• Only institutions that are up to date with their MAIN membership fees will be eligible to participate under member conditions.

Trainer's Profile