Innovest Partner KIMS Microfinance wins the EFICA Awards

November 15, 2017

Event
Sub-Saharan Africa
Sustainable Development Goals

Kaah International Microfinance Institution [KIMS] is Somalia’s only dedicated privately owned microfinance institution, providing responsible and Shariah compliant financing and micro-savings to Somali micro and small businesses.

In 2013 the world’s first Ethical Finance Innovation Challenge and Awards was launched to inspire and promote innovative solutions that advance ethics in financial services across the globe.

As KIMS Microfinance has provided more than $7 million in life-changing financing to over 8,000 Somalis [including refugee returnees, IDPs, and groups at risk of leaving the country] since its launch in 2014, they were nominated for the EFICA award.

After a rigorous multi stage process of evaluation – in which over 50 other candidates from 24 countries competed – KIMS presented themselves successfully to EFICA’s Advisory Board, and then managed to beat the UK-based asset management firm Arabesque and Malaysia’s retirement savings fund the Employees Provident Fund (EPF) in the final at the EFICA gala in Dubai this week, taking home the $100,000 first prize. This award recognises KIMS as the institution which provided the ‘most dynamic actionable solution that advance ethics in the world’s financial services’.

KIMS has officially confirmed to be using the $100,000 award to provide life changing training and finance to help 100 refugee returnees start their business projects.

“I praise the organisers of EFICA in promoting ethics and innovation in financial services. Winning this award reflects the growing recognition of the need for long-term market-based solutions in fragile and conflict affected countries. KIMS’ innovative micro and SME financial solutions have enabled at risk populations to become resourceful economic actors, and they will continue to enhance its capabilities and scale its financial service offerings to empower the Somali people to pursue sustainable sources of income.”

– Justin Sykes