The SAM (Semaine Africaine de la Microfinance – African Microfinance Week in French) is a major five-day gathering dedicated to inclusive finance in Africa. Since the first SAM in 2013, the SAM has consistently offered a true ecosystem of events, including a two-day conference that this year will deeply explore the resilience of the sector and the populations it serves, thanks to the participation of a range of high-level speakers and panelists. Before and after the conference, participants will meet new partners and learn new skills at the Investors’ Fair, the Innovators’ Village and a wide assortment of free training sessions and workshops.
The Innovators’ Village is a key element of the SAM, showcasing innovative solutions that strengthen the resilience of individuals and organisations in the inclusive finance sector. It is also a meeting place, creating opportunities for synergies among a myriad of actors in the sector. At the Innovators’ Village, you’ll find a range of organisations that can strengthen the resilience to shocks of African institutions and populations through concrete tools, methodologies, products and services. Exhibitors will meet new potential customers and investors to develop their businesses, as well as partners for new projects. Practitioners likewise will identify innovative solutions that meet their needs and find potential partners and investors. Funders can identify innovative solutions with high potential for both social and financial returns.
Probably the most effective way to understand the value of the Innovators’ Village is through the words of leaders who have participated as exhibitors in the past and will return for this next edition of the SAM, which will take place in Kigali, Rwanda, from October 18 to 22, 2021.
Jarek Chuchla, Microfact Coordinator: Every single edition of the SAM is a