THE SECTOR-BASED Savings and Credit Cooperatives, Imirenge Sacco, are being encouraged to join the association of micro-finance institutions in the country as a way of sharing best practices, skills and experience to transform the sector.

The Association of Microfinance Institutions in Rwanda (Amir) already comprises over 60 institutions and intends to attract more.

The Association, in partnership with the Savings Banks Foundation for International Cooperation (SBFIC) in Rwanda, is currently organising roundtables across the country aimed at bringing together managers of Imirenge Saccos and other MFIs to discuss the challenges facing them and devise  solutions.

On Friday, more than 60 Sacco managers from Huye, Gisagara and Nyanza districts met in Huye for a one-day meeting.

Such roundtables have also been organised in Rusizi and Nyamagabe districts.

Vianney Jean Marie Nzagahimana, Amir’s chairperson, said the initiative seeks to support Saccos in their quest to promote access to finance.

"Joining other MFIs helps boost advocacy (for the Saccos), capacity building and strengthens the financial education drive,” he said.

He also observed that members get to share experiences and best practices to the benefit of the sector. 

Adopting best practices from more developed micro-finance institutions will  help stimulate growth and foster good governance in the sector, he said