Adopting Islamic microfinance as a mechanism of financing small and medium enterprises in Uganda

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ssemambo Hussein Kakembo ◽  
Muhamad Abduh ◽  
Pg Md Hasnol Alwee Pg Hj Md Salleh
Keyword(s):  
Financial Services ◽  
Small And Medium Enterprises ◽  
Skills Training ◽  
Microfinance Institutions ◽  
Alternative Scheme ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Poor ◽  
Islamic Microfinance ◽  
Financial Challenges ◽  
Medium Enterprises

PurposeDespite the fact that small and medium enterprises (SMEs) play a crucial role in strengthening the financial sector within developing and emerging economies through providing employment opportunities to the rural and urban population, capacity building in the form of skills training and economic empowerment, they still face a plethora of challenges that continue to threaten their existence, performance and growth. Access to operational and administrative funds needed to execute their activities effectively is a significant challenge and detrimental to the growth of SMEs in Uganda. Conversely, Islamic microfinance has been noted as a panacea to the challenges of financial inaccessibility among SMEs, especially in developing countries. The purpose of this paper is therefore to investigate how the adoption of Islamic microfinance can play a fundamental role in enhancing the sustainability of microfinance institutions (MFIs) while meeting the financing challenges of SMEs in Uganda.Design/methodology/approachIn this study, a review of existing literature was carried out to critically examine relevant information (literature sources) and empirical studies on SMEs, their performance and challenges. The study being conceptual tries to understand how Islamic microfinance could be adopted as an alternative scheme of financing to bridge the gap and mitigate the financial challenges facing SMEs.FindingsThe study finds that the existing MFIs have failed to achieve their objectives of providing financial services to the poor and SMEs while remaining sustainable. This has left the majority of SMEs within Uganda's informal sector financially handicapped, thus leading to their failure in meeting their expectations and eventually collapsing even before celebrating their third or fourth birthdays. However, the enactment into law of the Financial Institutions Amendment Act 2016 that paved the way for the introduction of Islamic finance in Uganda, and the Tier 4 Microfinance Institutions and Money Lenders' Act, 2016 that incorporated the aspects of Islamic microfinance within the existing microfinance framework as seen and is perceived as a key factor in addressing the financial challenges faced by MFIs and the SMEs if fully adopted.Research limitations/implicationsThis study is conceptual with no empirical investigation and discussion of key theories. On the contrary, it will be imperative and useful when carrying out more extensive hypothetical studies by future researchers, specifically in the area of Islamic microfinance that is relatively new in Uganda.Practical implicationsPractically, this paper will serve as a guide to policymakers and practitioners in the field of microfinance by adding a flair that could enable in bridging the challenges associated with inadequate financing of SMEs in Uganda.Social implicationsSocially, the social aspects of charity (Zakah and Sadaqah) will help to improve the livelihood of the poorest of the poor who cannot engage in active business through meeting their basic needs of life without begging thereby preventing them from being social outcasts.Originality/valueThe study establishes Islamic microfinance (IMF) as a promising and unexplored viable option potentially needed in intensifying the financing needs of SMEs in Uganda. The paper provides an entirely new dimension in nature and way microfinance products should be structured with a view of ensuring that there is sustainable provision of financial services to SMEs. The paper adds real value to the existing conventional microfinance products and services in Uganda, given the ethical and moral attributes of Islamic microfinancing practices that are assumed to efficiently and effectively motivate SME owners and other small entrepreneurs to thrive.

Profitability vs Poverty alleviation: has banking logic influences Islamic microfinance institutions?

2019 ◽  
Vol 4 (2) ◽  
pp. 260-279
Author(s):  
Luqyan Tamanni ◽  
Mohd Hairul Azrin Haji Besar
Keyword(s):  
Mission Statements ◽  
Annual Reports ◽  
Microfinance Institutions ◽  
Local Data ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Related Information ◽  
The Poor ◽  
Islamic Microfinance ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Primary Mission

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to shed some lights on the process of mission drifting or abandoning poverty objective by Islamic microfinance institutions (IMFs). The paper investigates whether the extensive use of banking logic changes IMFs, from focusing on both development and financial objectives to only considering sustainability as their primary mission. Design/methodology/approach This paper adopts mixed methods by analyzing 7,200 microfinance data from Microfinance Exchange Market and reviewing annual reports and websites of 25 IMFs to examine their vision and mission statements and other related information. Findings The finding shows Islamic microfinance has not changed, despite increasing adoption of financial or banking performance measures. However, size and age of the institutions may affect the outcome in the future. The authors find that smaller microfinance institutions maintain genuine objective to serve the poor, as the grow larger they would be more inclined toward sustainability objectives. Research limitations/implications The research is limited on the sample size as data on Islamic microfinance globally is limited. However, the paper looked at the global data rather than local data to compensate for this limitation. Future study would be further taking the study through qualitative methods to support the study. Originality/value This paper aims to shed some lights on the process of mission drifting or abandoning poverty objective by IMFIs. The paper investigates how has the extensive use of financing logic has changed IMFIs from focusing on both development and financial objectives to only considering sustainability as their primary mission. Arun and Hulme (2009) argued that the interaction of multiple logic within microfinance institutions, i.e. financial vs social, could pose some serious management dilemmas within microfinance institutions. Further, commercialization puts pressure on the field staffs to achieve financial targets and often neglect their poverty outreach mission to the poor. The well-known crisis in Andhra Pradesh, India where clients of microfinance institutions committed suicide after being shamed by field officers who tried to collect payments of loans (Mader, 2013; Taylor, 2011), provides a powerful case of the impact of financialization to microfinance clients.

scholarly journals Alleviating Poverty Through Islamic Microfinance: Factors and Measures of Financial Performance, and Roles of Islamic Values and Financial Policies

2019 ◽  
pp. 1266-1273
Author(s):  
Adhitya Ginanjar ◽  
Salina Kassim
Keyword(s):  
Financial Services ◽  
Poverty Alleviation ◽  
Financial Education ◽  
Financial Inclusion ◽  
Microfinance Institutions ◽  
Financial Policies ◽  
The Poor ◽  
Depth Interview ◽  
Rich Information ◽  
Islamic Microfinance

Indonesia has a strong presence of microfinance sector with the number of Islamic Microfinance Institutions (IMFIs) estimated to be around 5,000 currently. Microfinance is an effective tool in alleviating poverty in Indonesia due to the limited access to financial services by the poor who accounted for approximately 96 million Indonesians (or 37% of the total population), living on less than USD 1.90 a day. In the absence of collateral and steady income, the poor are considered too risky to be given credit facilities by the formal financial services providers and living in remote areas has also limited their access to formal financial services. This study aims to examine the poverty alleviation efforts from the perspective of the IMFIs in view of their direct involvement in the process and having rich information about financial issues facing the borrowers. The managers also understand about financial inclusion agenda as well as financial guidelines and regulations issued by the relevant authorities. A total of 34 managers of Baitulmaal Wa Tamwil (BMTs), which registered under the Sharia Cooperative Centre (INKOPSYAH) are taken as respondents from the Jakarta, Bogor, Depok, Tangerang and Bekasi (JABODETABEK) areas. The first instrument was a survey questionnaire, and the second one was an in-depth interview to outline data related to the model design. The findings of this research are expected to contribute to better decision-making for the BMTs to further enhance its role in alleviating poverty. The findings also elaborate several dimensions to improving financial inclusion among the poor including providing financial services, implementing Islamic principles, significant policies, community-based framework concept and training financial education. This research highlights the need for a variety of strategies to warrant success of poverty alleviation efforts by BMT.

Employing Islamic Microfinance in Addressing Poverty Challenges in Brunei

2019 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 49-61
Author(s):  
Ssemambo Hussein Kakembo ◽  
Abu Umar Faruq Ahmad
Keyword(s):  
Financial Services ◽  
Living Standards ◽  
Microfinance Institutions ◽  
Absolute Poverty ◽  
Asian Region ◽  
Brunei Darussalam ◽  
The Poor ◽  
The People ◽  
Islamic Microfinance ◽  
Poverty Levels

Countries within the Asian region are continuously struggling to improve the living standards of their citizens. Some of them are still facing a plethora of challenges due to the ever-increasing levels of both relative and absolute poverty. This is especially among the poorest of the poor who have no access to the mainstream financial services. The conventional microfinance institutions have been greatly criticised for their dubious acts of charging exorbitant interests. Islamic microfinance has therefore, been seen as one of the viable alternatives to meeting the challenges of poverty and as an opportunity in the livelihoods of the people in the Asian region. This article analyses the magnitude at which Islamic microfinance can play a fundamental role in alleviating insignificant poverty levels in Brunei Darussalam through using a proposed Mudarabah financing model.

Financial inclusion of the poor: from microcredit to Islamic microfinancial services

Humanomics ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 31 (3) ◽  
pp. 354-371 ◽  
Author(s):  
Abul Hassan
Keyword(s):  
Small Businesses ◽  
Financial Inclusion ◽  
Microfinance Institutions ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Direct Discourse ◽  
Minority Community ◽  
Playing Field ◽  
The Poor ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Islamic Microfinance

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to initiate a direct discourse towards an Islamic microfinance focus agenda for the economic enlistment of the poor minority community and to allow poorer households in the financial inclusion. The issue of the Indian conventional microfinance institutions in failing to attract the poorest of the poor amongst Muslims is important for the purpose of this paper. This study explores a Shari’ah-compliant microfinance system which will create a level of playing-field with respect to the financial inclusion of the poor. Design/methodology/approach – The paper is a theoretical discussion on Islamic microfinancial services for financial inclusion of the poor. Therefore, there is little to say about “methodology” other than the conventional microfinance model is reviewed, and an alternative model of Islamic microfinancial service has been suggested to allow poorer households in the financial inclusion. Findings – The paper finds that there are some opportunities capable of improving the economic condition of the poor Muslim communities through some innovative approaches. To illustrate this finding, the paper emphasises on designing and delivering Islamic microfinancial products suitable for the poor based on the principle of Islamic solidarity. It argues that this service will help the poor and turn their savings into sums large enough to satisfy a wide range of personal, social and asset-building needs as well as needs relating to small businesses and consumption. Research limitations/implications – The paper’s findings are limited to the matter of financial inclusion of the poor through Islamic microfinancial services in India. Originality/value – Combining the Islamic social principle of solidarity for the less fortunate with the power of microfinance to provide financial access to the poor has the potential to reach out to millions more people. The ideas presented in this paper are designed to direct discourse towards an Islamic microfinance focus agenda for the economic enlistment of the poor Muslims in India.

scholarly journals Integrated financing model in Islamic microfinance institutions for agriculture and fisheries sector

2019 ◽  
Vol 16 (4) ◽  
pp. 303-314
Author(s):  
Aan Zainul Anwar ◽  
Edi Susilo ◽  
Fatchur Rohman ◽  
Purbayu Budi Santosa ◽  
Edy Yusuf Agung Gunanto
Keyword(s):  
Small And Medium Enterprises ◽  
Descriptive Analysis ◽  
Microfinance Institutions ◽  
Central Java ◽  
Islamic Financial Institutions ◽  
Qualitative Descriptive ◽  
Islamic Microfinance ◽  
Financing Model ◽  
Medium Enterprises ◽  
Islamic Insurance

The uniqueness of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in the agriculture and fisheries sector has led to thoughts of innovation in the microfinance institutions (MFIs) that serve it. Service innovations in the agriculture and fisheries sector have been carried out in various countries to facilitate the development of this sector. This study aims to analyze the financing model of Islamic microfinance institutions (Islamic MFIs) based on the characteristics of the agriculture and fisheries sectors and the reconstruction of Salam contracts of Islamic financial institutions for farmers and fishermen. The research method used is qualitative descriptive analysis. The data were obtained through in-depth interviews with the agriculture and fisheries businesses in Central Java, Indonesia. The result showed that Salam contract constructed according to the characteristics of the fishing community to alleviate it from the shackles of moneylenders and wholesalers, including Islamic MFIs, farmers, and fishers as members of Islamic MFIs, buyers, Islamic banks and Islamic insurance. The output of this research is that farmers and fishermen can form a community to help one another with financial needs and are managed by Islamic MFIs that work in synergy with fisheries and agriculture companies, as well as an integrated Salam contract application system for Islamic MFIs.

scholarly journals EXAMINING THE OUTREACH OF ISLAMIC CHARITY BASED MICROFINANCE PROGRAMS: EMPIRICAL EVIDENCE FROM INDONESIA

2019 ◽  
Vol 5 (4) ◽  
pp. 849-872
Author(s):  
Aimatul Yumna ◽  
Matthew Clarke
Keyword(s):  
Financial Services ◽  
Logit Model ◽  
Poverty Line ◽  
Microfinance Institutions ◽  
Factors Affecting ◽  
Selection Policy ◽  
The Poor ◽  
Group 3 ◽  
Islamic Microfinance

One of the advantages of using Islamic social funds is the increased ability of microfinance institutions to provide financial services to the poor. This study aims to (1) investigates the characteristics of the clients of the Islamic Charity Based Microfinance (ICBM) program; (2) test whether the clients ICBM program are more vulnerable than the non clients group (3) discuss the rationale of why poor excluded from the zakat based microfinance program. The study was conducted in the microfinance program at zakat institutions namely Baitul Maal Muamalat (BMMI), BAZNAS, and Baitul Maal Beringharjo (BMB). A total of 236 respondents including clients and non-clients of three case study institutions were participated in this study. The data is analyzed using binomial logit model to evaluate factors affecting clients participation in ICBM programs in Indonesia. The findings show that clients and non-clients of ICBM have a similar demographic profile and the majority ICBM clients live above the national poverty line, yet they live perilously close to the edge of the poverty line. Using logistic regression, this study found that the higher the client’s income level, the higher the probability of their being selected in the program. This findings contradict with the existing Islamic microfinance  literature that claim ICBM institutions in general could demonstrate a capacity to extend their services more widely to the poorest if Islamic charity is the main source of microfinance funding. This study suggests some possible barriers to include the poor in the microfinance including institutional selection policy and self exclusion factors.

scholarly journals Determinants of Financial Sustainability for Microfinance Institutions: Lessons for Islamic Microfinance Banks in Nigeria

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (Special Issue) ◽  
pp. 301-320
Author(s):  
Abdurrahman Abdullahi ◽  
Anwar Hasan Abdullah Othman
Keyword(s):  
Capital Structure ◽  
Financial Services ◽  
Financial Sustainability ◽  
Microfinance Institutions ◽  
The Poor ◽  
Research Findings ◽  
Islamic Microfinance ◽  
Asset Size ◽  
Good Risk ◽  
Economic And Financial Crisis

Islamic microfinance institutions play a major role in the provision of financial services to the poor and underprivileged through non-interest, equity-based products and services. To achieve these critical objectives, however, they need to be financially sustainable, which is threatened by the current economic and financial crisis caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. The objective of this paper is to review the determinants of financial sustainability of microfinance institutions with a view to drawing lessons for Islamic microfinance banks in Nigeria. The paper utilized the literature review methodology to synthesize research findings in the area. The review revealed that the major determinants of financial sustainability of microfinance institutions are the capital structure, asset size, and financial innovation. Others are good risk management and corporate governance frameworks. The paper thus recommended that Islamic microfinance institutions in Nigeria should maintain a robust capital structure that relies more on equity, a lean but diversified Board, and utilize more technology-based services. Most importantly, they should emphasize profit and loss sharing principles in their operations.

scholarly journals Shariah Governance for Islamic Microfinance Industry (Tadbir Urus bagi Industri Kewangan Mikro Islam)

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (2) ◽  
pp. 143-161
Author(s):  
Ibrahim Musa Tijani ◽  
Rusni Hassan ◽  
Wan Amir Shafiq bin Ab. Nasir
Keyword(s):  
Good Governance ◽  
Small And Medium Enterprises ◽  
Muslim Community ◽  
Effective Mechanism ◽  
Muslim Countries ◽  
The Poor ◽  
Islamic Microfinance ◽  
Shariah Governance ◽  
Medium Enterprises ◽  
Numerous People

Microfinance is a growing industry that caters to various forms of financing for the financially underprivileged segment of any society. The microfinance industry aims to provide financial assistance to the poor, small and medium enterprises (SMEs), micro-entrepreneurs, and other financially marginalized segments. Although the microfinance industry continues to assist numerous people, its traditional mechanism of financing, interest-based deposits and interest-bearing loans (riba), is not permissible according to the Muslim belief. As an alternative, Islamic Microfinance was established to cater to the Muslim community. Islamic microfinance is increasingly becoming an effective mechanism to tackle poverty, inequality and provide financing to micro-entrepreneurs and small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Muslim countries. However, for the integrity and credibility of the Islamic microfinance industry there is a need for good governance and regulations. Governance and regulation are still a major concern for both microfinance and Islamic microfinance. An added aspect of governance that is peculiar to the Islamic microfinance is Shariah governance. This paper will examine the possible means to establish Shariah governance for the Islamic microfinance industry. The paper is conceptual in nature and is based on literature review to support the theory of the research. Keywords: Shariah Governance, Islamic Microfinance, Regulation. Abstrak Pembiayaan mikro adalah industri yang berkembang serta memenuhi pelbagai bentuk pembiayaan untuk segmen masyarakat yang kurang bernasib baik. Industri pembiayaan mikro bertujuan untuk memberikan bantuan kewangan kepada golongan miskin, perusahaan kecil dan sederhana (PKS), pengusaha mikro, dan segmen lain yang terpinggir dari segi sektor kewangan yang utama. Walaupun industri pembiayaan mikro banyak membantu golongan tersebut, tetapi mekanisme pembiayaan tradisional yang diamalkan adalah berdasarkan deposit serta pinjaman dengan faedah (riba) yang tidak dibenarkan menurut Islam. Sebagai alternatif, pembiayaan mikro Islam ditubuhkan untuk memenuhi keperluan masyarakat Islam. Pembiayaan mikro Islam menjadi mekanisme yang berkesan untuk mengatasi kemiskinan, ketidaksamaan dan menyediakan pembiayaan untuk pengusaha mikro dan perusahaan kecil dan sederhana (PKS) di negara-negara Islam. Namun, untuk menaiktaraf integriti dan kredibiliti industri kewangan mikro Islam, peraturan mengenai tadbir urus yang baik adalah diperlukan. Secara umumnya, peraturan mengenai tadbir urus yang baik masih menjadi perhatian utama bagi kedua-dua sektor pembiayaan mikro dan pembiayaan mikro Islam. Walaubagaimanapun, bagi pembiayaan mikro Islam terdapat tambahan khusus di dalam aspek tadbir urus mereka iaitu aspek pematuhan Syariah. Kertas ini akan mengkaji cara untuk mewujudkan tadbir urus Syariah bagi industri kewangan mikro Islam. Kertas ini bersifat berbentuk konseptual dan menggunapakai tinjauan literatur untuk menyokong teori penyelidikan yang dilakukan. Kata Kunci: tadbir urus Syariah, kewangan mikro Islam, peraturan.  

Twiga Hosting Ltd – providing affordable information and communication technologies services to small and medium enterprises

2011 ◽  
Vol 1 (4) ◽  
pp. 1-16
Author(s):  
Juma James Masele
Keyword(s):  
Information And Communication Technologies ◽  
Undergraduate Students ◽  
Success Factors ◽  
Small And Medium Enterprises ◽  
Innovation Management ◽  
Communication Technologies ◽  
Subject Area ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Information And Communication ◽  
Medium Enterprises

TitleTwiga Hosting Ltd – providing affordable information and communication technologies services to small and medium enterprises.Subject areaThe case describes the launch of Twiga Hosting Ltd, a company providing information and communication technology (ICT) services to the underserved small and medium enterprise (SME) sector in Tanzania and in a many countries in Africa.Study level/applicabilityThis case targets a range of audience from undergraduate students taking both Bachelor of Commerce and those taking Bachelor of Business Administration; and Postgraduate students taking business‐related courses. Nonetheless, the case may be used by all other learners of advanced studies in entrepreneurship and innovation management.Case overviewThe case addresses a number of issues including: Issues to be considered when starting an ICT enterprise. Strategic management. Business revenue models.Expected learning outcomes To impart/inculcate entrepreneurial insights in ICT and related areas. To make learners aware of the business growth opportunities in ICT ventures. The success factors for fruitful ICT ventures. To enable learners to identify challenges facing entrepreneurs in ICT ventures and the ways to overcome them.Supplementary materialsTeaching notes.

Relevant factors of innovation contests for SMEs

2017 ◽  
Vol 23 (6) ◽  
pp. 1196-1215 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maria Isabel Rodriguez Ferradas ◽  
José A. Alfaro Tanco ◽  
Francesco Sandulli
Keyword(s):  
New Product Development ◽  
Corporate Culture ◽  
Small And Medium Enterprises ◽  
Retrospective Case ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Context Factors ◽  
Medium Enterprises ◽  
Design Factors ◽  
Relevant Factors

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore the relevant factors that influence the implementation of innovation contests, an open innovation (OI) practice that has been extensively reported in the literature as a managerial tool for external knowledge search. The authors focus the study on the context of small and medium enterprises (SMEs). Design/methodology/approach The approach is a retrospective case study. This methodology allows an in-depth view into a Spanish SME that successfully undertook two new product development processes thanks to the deployment of innovation contests. Findings The main context factors influencing innovation contests as managerial tool are ambidexterity, technological and marketing turbulence and intermediaries, among others. Regarding design factors, this work highlights the role of attraction and facilitation. Additionally, the repetitive implementation of innovation contests creates a corporate culture that promotes OI activities. Practical implications Managers will understand that they can use innovation contests as a managerial tool, and knowing the factors that need to be taken into account when implementing an innovation contest will help SMEs managers to make better use of this practice. Originality/value This case study enriches the literature of both innovation contests and topics relevant to SMEs. Based on a theoretical framework of the design factors that influence the implementation of innovation contests, the authors propose a research framework that incorporates those context factors in association with an SME.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document