The Foundation participated in African Inclusive Finance Week (SAT 2025), which was held in Nairobi from October 7 to 11. This major industry event brought together more than 1,200 inclusive finance actors from across the continent to discuss the challenges and the sector innovations.
SAM 2025 Nairobi, Kenya ©Philippe Lissac/GODONG
Present alongside numerous partners, the Foundation took part in several panels and workshops devoted to essential themes:
On the first day, the Foundation organized a workshop on the ’ Climate emergency and economic vulnerability : Spotlight on inclusive finance and insurance», with the participation of the MicroInsurance Network (MIN) and hosted by Hanadi TUTUNJI.
Later in the day, Edouard SERS and Philippe GUICHANDUT spoke and moderated a session on « Impact Bridges : Connecting Europe and Africa for a Sustainable Future», organized by Financing Innovation Tool (FIT).
On the second day, Khady FALL spoke in the workshop « When regulations change, who is left behind? – How are new regulations redefining inclusive finance in Africa? The case of UMOA», and Philippe GUICHANDUT spoke in the workshop « Prospective : mixed models and non-traditional financing possibilities».
Finally, on Thursday, the Foundation organized a workshop on the ’ Financial inclusion of forcibly displaced persons : what economic opportunities for displaced people, PSF and investors? », led by Hanadi TUTUNJI who also spoke later in the workshop « Climate Risk Coverage for Impact Investors »", organized by the MicroInsurance Network.
And finally, the Foundation organized a final workshop on the « Techno-Human : AI & Digital for Inclusive and Human Finance in Africa».
The discussions highlighted several strong trends:
- Digital transformation, which opens new perspectives for reaching rural populations, while highlighting the importance of the human connection in customer relations.
- Climate finance, which has become an essential lever for strengthening the resilience of vulnerable communities in the face of environmental shocks.
- Blended finance, combining public and private capital, as a key driver of sustainable financing and attracting responsible investments.
For the Foundation, committed to supporting microfinance institutions and social enterprises in Africa—which represent more than 50 % of its partners and 40 % of its portfolio—this edition of the SAM was an opportunity to strengthen ties, listen to the needs on the ground and reaffirm its commitment to more inclusive and resilient finance.
The Grameen Crédit Agricole Foundation at the World Forum on the Social and Solidarity Economy in Bordeaux
From October 29 to 31, 2025, the city of Bordeaux hosted for the first time in France the World Forum on the Social and Solidarity Economy (GSEF). This major international event brought together more than 10,000 participants came from five continents elected officials, leaders, experts, field actors, representatives of development agencies and international organizations, all mobilized to promote more sustainable, equitable and inclusive economic models.
The Grameen Crédit Agricole Foundation was represented there by Véronique Faujour, General Delegate, and Philippe Guichandut, Secretary General. Their participation helped to highlight the Foundation's role in financing the social and solidarity economy and its commitment to inclusive finance in the service of sustainable development.
Two presentations particularly highlighted the Foundation's presence during this 7th edition of the Forum:
This edition of the GSEF, placed under the sign of dialogue, of the cooperation and of the sharing experiences, This has enabled the creation of new bridges between public, private, and civil society actors. The fruitful discussions throughout the forum have given rise to concrete perspectives for strengthening the collective impact of the social and solidarity economy in the years to come.
The meeting concluded with a final declaration that will define a common roadmap for the next two years, confirming the global momentum towards a fairer, more inclusive and resilient economy.
Strengthening financial inclusion in Malawi: a new partnership between the Grameen Crédit Agricole Foundation and Centenary Bank Malawi
On October 13, 2025, in Nairobi (Kenya), the Grameen Crédit Agricole Foundation and Centenary Bank Malawi (CBLM), member of the Centenary Group, signed a Statement of intent marking an important step in the development of inclusive finance in Malawi.
This partnership is part of the shared mission of both institutions. to promote inclusive financial services, innovative and durable, with particular attention paid to women entrepreneurs and rural populations.
This future collaboration is based on three major pillars:
This new commitment builds on the vision and successes of the Centenary Group, particularly through Centenary Bank Uganda, and is in line with the Foundation's strong historical roots in Malawi.
The Foundation extends its sincere thanks to Mr. Godfrey Helewala, Managing Director of CBLM, and Mr. John DeLuca, Executive Chairman of the Centenary Group, for their trust and commitment. Together, they are laying the foundations for a more inclusive and resilient financial future for Malawi.
Grameen Crédit Agricole Foundation at the African Inclusive Finance Week (SAM 2025)
The Foundation participated in African Inclusive Finance Week (SAT 2025), which was held in Nairobi from October 7 to 11. This major industry event brought together more than 1,200 inclusive finance actors from across the continent to discuss the challenges and the sector innovations.
SAM 2025 Nairobi, Kenya ©Philippe Lissac/GODONG
Present alongside numerous partners, the Foundation took part in several panels and workshops devoted to essential themes:
On the first day, the Foundation organized a workshop on the ’ Climate emergency and economic vulnerability : Spotlight on inclusive finance and insurance», with the participation of the MicroInsurance Network (MIN) and hosted by Hanadi TUTUNJI.
Later in the day, Edouard SERS and Philippe GUICHANDUT spoke and moderated a session on « Impact Bridges : Connecting Europe and Africa for a Sustainable Future», organized by Financing Innovation Tool (FIT).
On the second day, Khady FALL spoke in the workshop « When regulations change, who is left behind? – How are new regulations redefining inclusive finance in Africa? The case of UMOA», and Philippe GUICHANDUT spoke in the workshop « Prospective : mixed models and non-traditional financing possibilities».
Finally, on Thursday, the Foundation organized a workshop on the ’ Financial inclusion of forcibly displaced persons : what economic opportunities for displaced people, PSF and investors? », led by Hanadi TUTUNJI who also spoke later in the workshop « Climate Risk Coverage for Impact Investors »", organized by the MicroInsurance Network.
And finally, the Foundation organized a final workshop on the « Techno-Human : AI & Digital for Inclusive and Human Finance in Africa».
The discussions highlighted several strong trends:
For the Foundation, committed to supporting microfinance institutions and social enterprises in Africa—which represent more than 50 % of its partners and 40 % of its portfolio—this edition of the SAM was an opportunity to strengthen ties, listen to the needs on the ground and reaffirm its commitment to more inclusive and resilient finance.
The FGCA approach: a rigorous and human investment process
What are the Foundation’s commitments to impact finance?
Maxime Borgogno, Investment Officer, sheds light on the selection process for supported organizations and the evolution of the Foundation's investment strategy.
An approach based on three key criteria:
Our selection process is based on three fundamental pillars:
The heart of our process: field due diligence
Funding application reviews include in-depth due diligence, including a site visit. This step is crucial for us to understand our partners' business models, governance, and social performance. It's by visiting our partners' sites that we can best identify their needs, understand their challenges, and build relationships of trust.
Investment strategy and climate issues
The Foundation's investment portfolio is evolving to adapt to a constantly changing global context. Our 2022-2025 strategic plan places a particular emphasis on financing climate risk mitigation and adaptation. This focus guides us in our search for new partners, targeting those who actively integrate climate issues into their activities. This is also why we have strengthened our presence in sub-Saharan Africa and South and Southeast Asia, regions particularly vulnerable to the effects of climate change.
➡️ Watch the video to learn more about our approach!
THE FOUNDATION: 15 YEARS OF ACTION FOR FINANCIAL INCLUSION AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP
Ambitions 2025
Replay – Conference “Finance & Climate: Focus on Women!”
Interview with Véronique Faujour and Aïssa Maïga
In Memoriam: Mr. Shahjahan, Vice President of Grameen Crédit Agricole Foundation
In Memoriam : Mr. Shahjahan, Vice President of Grameen Crédit Agricole Foundation
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Mr. Shahjahan, Vice President of the Grameen Crédit Agricole Foundation, who passed away on August 22, 2025. A founding member of the Foundation alongside Professor Mohammad Yunus, Mr. Shahjahan was instrumental in shaping our mission and vision to foster financial inclusion and sustainable development for disadvantaged communities.
Beyond his role with the Foundation, Mr. Shahjahan has brought invaluable experience and expertise as a member of our Investment Committee and Board of Trustees. A trusted companion of Professor Yunus, he succeeded him as Managing Director of Grameen Bank in 2011 and has served on the boards of several social enterprises established under Professor Yunus's leadership.
His tireless dedication, leadership, and passion for creating lasting social change have left a deep and lasting impact. Mr. Shahjahan's legacy will continue to inspire each of us at the Foundation as we strive to further his mission of empowering communities and improving lives.
We extend our sincere condolences to his family, friends, and colleagues, especially those who had the privilege of working alongside him. We are deeply grateful for his remarkable contributions and will honor his memory by continuing the important work to which he dedicated his life.
Rest in peace, Mr. Shahjahan. You will always be missed and remembered.
Publication of the 2024 Integrated Report
The 2024 edition of the Foundation's integrated report has just been published. Discover the highlights of the year:
As of December 31, 2024, the Foundation managed €82 million in assets for 67 microfinance institutions and 10 social enterprises in 36 countries. Women's entrepreneurship and the development of rural economies remain at the heart of our action: 75% of the 6.7 million beneficiaries are women, and 76% live in rural areas.
Download the Report