Events

TIME: 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm (networking lunch at 12 pm)

LOCATION:

Renaissance Arlington Capital View Hotel (2800 South Potomac Ave, Arlington, VA 22202)

BACKGROUND

In 2018, the SEEP Network – in partnership with FSD Africa and FSD Zambia – developed a learning brief on Applying a Market Systems Approach to Savings Groups. The paper proposes a systemic approach to Savings Groups, to support the development of a well-functioning system where Savings Groups effectively reach all those who seek participation.

THE GLOBAL LEARNING SERIES

In partnership with the FSD Network, SEEP will convene a global learning series in 2018 and 2019 on a market systems approach to Savings Groups, based on the concepts, examples, and guidance presented in the learning brief.

Join us for the first installment of the Global Learning Series on October 4, 2018, in Arlington, VA, (immediately following the SEEP Annual Conference), where we will:

• Strengthen our understanding and application of market systems principles to Savings Groups
• Explore new roles for funders, governments, financial service providers, and implementing organizations, through active coordination and proactive experimentation in the formation and operations of Savings Groups

Agenda

FACILITATORS

Joanna Ledgerwood

Joanna Ledgerwood is a senior professional with extensive long- and short-term experience in financial inclusion, market systems development, SME finance, informal finance, and regulatory reform. In 2017, she stepped down as the founding Director of Financial Sector Deepening Zambia, a market systems development programme aimed at increasing financial inclusion in Zambia. Prior to moving to Zambia in 2013, Joanna was Director Access to Finance with the Aga Khan Foundation based in Geneva responsible for twelve country programmes in Africa, the Middle East, and Central/South Asia. From 2001-2005, she served as Deputy Director on a USAID-funded project in Uganda to increase access to financial services, create and expand agricultural and non-agricultural enterprises, and strengthen legal and regulatory frameworks; and from 1999 to 2001 on an SME finance and rural bank strengthening project in the Philippines. Joanna has written numerous papers and books including The Microfinance Handbook (1998), Transforming Microfinance Institutions (2003), and The New Microfinance Handbook (2013) which provides a detailed guide to making financial markets work for the poor. By mid-2018, The New Microfinance Handbook had been downloaded over 300,000 times making Ms. Ledgerwood the World Bank’s most popular author.

Candace Nelson

Candace Nelson is Senior Advisor to the SEEP Network, with 30 years of experience in international development as a trainer, writer, researcher, and grants manager. From 2009 to 2017, she facilitated the SEEP Network’s Savings-Led Working Group (SLWG), an inclusive global learning community of Savings Group practitioners. In 2011, Candace led the design team for the Arusha Savings Group Summit, the first global meeting of Savings Groups practitioners. Ms. Nelson has led the development of numerous SEEP publications related to Savings Groups including The Evidence Based Story of Savings Groups (2013), Savings Groups at the Frontier (2012), and Savings Groups - What are they? (2010). Candace is also an expert on financial education; as Senior Technical Advisor to Microfinance Opportunities from 2004-2012, she wrote financial education curriculum, trained trainers and advised FSD Kenya on a national financial inclusion strategy.

This learning event is hosted by the SEEP Network in partnership with FSD Africa.

Register Now!