Empowering Loan Officers and Micro-Entrepreneurs through Mentoring

Mowgli Foundation (now The Human Edge)'s pilot programme in Egypt highlights the power of combining leadership development with mentoring to support both loan officers and micro-entrepreneurs. By equipping loan officers with essential skills and fostering collaboration with entrepreneurs, the programme contributes to capacity building and promotes business growth within the microfinance sector.
  • Finance Institutions including MicroFinance Institutions (MFIs), Micro Entrepreneurs and Refugees
Alexandria Business School Case Study

Project: MFI Mentor Training Programme (Egypt)

Location: Egypt

Client and Partners: Silatech, Alexandria Business Association (ABA) and Egyptian MicroFinance Network (EMFN)


Programme Purpose

The Human Edge, in partnership with Alexandria Businessmen Association (ABA) and Egyptian Microfinance Network (EMFN), sponsored by Silatech launched an MFI-focused mentor training programme in Egypt to capacity build ABA and EMFN loan officers as mentors so that they were better equipped and support their micro-entrepreneurs in growing their businesses. The programme sought to:  

  • Empower ABA loan officers to provide better guidance and advisory support to micro-entrepreneurs.  
  • Embed mentoring within ABA’s business model to enhance client relationships and improve business outcomes.  
  • Help micro-entrepreneurs transition into small enterprises, increasing business stability and economic resilience.  


Programme Design:

The in-person programme provided:

  • 1-day business skills training course
  • A series of 2-day Mentor training workshops: 80 MFI loans officers received training on mentoring skills and techniques.
  • Matching: Further to the initial mentor training, participants were able to immediately implement their learnings and develop stronger and more effective relationships with their micro-entrepreneurs, providing them with critical business guidance to improve their sustainability and financial resilience.  
  • Ongoing support: MFI loan officers were further capacity built through mentor peer calls and a mid-year refresher session.


Impact Achieved:

  • 100% of mentors improved their self-awareness and leadership skills 
  • 92% of mentors enhanced their problem-solving and communication skills 
  • 92% of mentors reported applying mentoring skills in their professional roles  
  • 84% of loan officers believed their support was effective for their mentees 
  • Loan officers strengthened their peer support network, with 84% staying engaged with fellow mentors.  
  • 54% of micro-entrepreneurs were able to meet loan repayments, with an observed increase in repayment rates.   
  • ABA reported the following organisational data: 
    • Default rates decreased 
    • Loan sizes increased 
    • New loan uptake increased 
    • Staff retention of MFI loan officers increased 
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