Morocco conference to focus on new technologies in microfinance

By Nagesh Narayana
Microfinance Focus, Jan. 28, 2010: PlaNet Finance, the Banque Populaire Group and Sogeti will organize the Second Global Conference on Microfinance and New Technologies on March 11 and 12, 2010 in Marrakech.
“New technology represents a key driver for the evolution of the microfinance sector: its use could result in doubling the number of microentrepreneurs, beneficiaries of microfinance, to 300 million worldwide, said a statement from the organisers.
The microfinance market in Morocco appears promising for providers of technology solutions attracted to the sector.

The venue is Royal Mirage Hotel in Marrakech on the theme “Which models are best placed to increase access to financial services for the unbanked?”
An international ideas exchange and networking event for leading decision makers in new technologies and microfinance fields.
The second Microfinance and New Technologies Summit (MFNT) is a key event for decision-makers in the technology and microfinance fields.
After the inaugural event in India in 2008, its principal objective is to reinforce the synergies between the two sectors in order to develop the use of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) in the
microfinance sphere.
The summit will try to address the subjects like:
- Which management information systems for microfinance?
- What technological solutions are available to improve microfinance institutions’ performance?
- Mobile banking and microfinance: what is the most efficient use?
Around 50 international experts are expected to speak at the conference, including representatives and consultants from
microfinance institutions, IT and telecommunications companies, banking and money transfer sectors, regulatory authorities, public and private investors and international development agencies.

Around 250 decision makers from around the world are expected to attend.
Both national and international exhibitors will be showcasing their products and services, said the statement.

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