Sector Study N°5 - Impact of Covid-19 on Microfinance Clients in Central America and the Caribbean

Between 2018 and 2021, REDCAMIF published a series of studies on microfinance in Central America and the Caribbean to highlight the advances and challenges of the inclusive finance sector in the region. This document reflects the joint effort that REDCAMIF and ADA have made over the past 10 years to promote the financial and social inclusion of micro and small entrepreneurs. This study is the first in the series.

This study aims to analyse the impact of Covid-19 on micro, small and medium-sized enterprises, clients of the microfinance sector in Central America and the Dominican Republic, through a systematisation of the results found by microfinance institutions (MFIs) that have surveyed their clients to understand their conditions after the outbreak of the pandemic.

The current context presents a unique opportunity for MFIs and other actors operating in the microfinance sector to implement other digitally driven business models that incorporate new strategies, products, channels and other aspects to meet client demand.