The EIB will be a “Conference Supporter” of the 11th edition of the Sanabel Conference. The conference, held in Sharm El Sheikh (Egypt) on 20-21 October 2015, will provide a platform for all concerned stakeholders to network and share experiences, progress towards objectives, and take a closer look at global trends and regional activities that seek to achieve financial inclusion.
The Sanabel conference has been convened every year since 2003 by Sanabel, the microfinance network of Arab countries, bringing together its 90 members. Since its creation in 2002, the Sanabel network has grown tremendously and is now considered to be the major microfinance network in the region. More than 350 participants attended the 2014 edition of the conference.
The theme this year will focus on “Progress towards financial inclusion: Global Trends and Regional Initiatives”. The conference will also host the GIZ/Sanabel 2015 Award, which will recognise the organisation that has developed the most innovative approaches to enhance access to finance for women in the Arab countries.
EIB participation in this event is expected to further strengthen the Bank’s presence in the microfinance segment of the MENA region.