PRESS RELEASE

PRESS RELEASE

(27/07/2010)

MERGER BETWEEN TAMFI AND THE COALITION OF MICROFINANCE

1. Background:
In the 2009 the Board of the Tanzania Association of Microfinance Institutions (TAMFI) and the Coalition of Tanzania Microfinance Practitioners and Service Providers Limited (the “Coalition”) resolved to re-organize the two institutions into one association that would cater for the interests of the two legacy institutions. It was collectively observed that having two institutions conducting the same functions was unhealthy for the microfinance sector in Tanzania. They commissioned an independent team to undertake a study on how best the two institutions could be merged while accommodating Network best practices and the interests of the two associations.

The joint Board meeting between TAMFI and the Coalition held on 18th June 2010 resolved to go on with the merger process due to the following reasons:-
(i) To remove the confusion among the members and other Microfinance stakeholders;
(ii) Both associations have the same goals and objectives;
(iii) To attain wider network coverage;
(iv) To receive good will and reputation to the key microfinance stakeholders;
(v) To use the meager resources available in support of the strategically planed activities of the merged association.

The merger is between two institutions i.e. COALITION and TAMFI. The new organization will retain the name of Tanzania Association of Microfinance Institutions (TAMFI) and shall be operational from 27th July 2010.

2. Objectives of the new TAMFI
Institutional level
i. An inclusive network – More organizations are joining the organization
ii. A National Network: We are present at all levels and in all regions and districts in the country. Have an effective and less costly mechanism and technology to attain the national presence
iii. A United voice – speak as one
iv. Active internationally – Strongly East Africa, Africa and International arenas
v. Increased collaboration among members
vi. Benefit members – develop and deliver services that address important member’s needs/issues.
Industry level
i. Leading in organizing the industry – want to see the industry become more organized
ii. Have a united voice
iii. Participate and be recognized in National issues and activities – have influence in decision making with regard to microfinance issues
iv. Increase in number of formalized and regulated MFIs

3. Membership:
Categories of Members will be classified as follows:-
General Members
(i) Commercial Banks practicing offering microfinance services
(ii) Regional Banks offering microfinance services
(iii) Non-Governmental Organizations engaged in the provision of Microfinance services as core activity
(iv) Companies offering microfinance services
(v) Financial Cooperative
(vi) Apex bodies representing informal financial service providers like VICOBA, COCOBA
(vii) Community Based Organizations offering microfinance services as core activity
(viii) Whole Sale Microfinance organizations
(ix) Business Development Service Providers offering direct services to Microfinance Institutions as major clients.
(x) Micro insurance providers , Brokers and agents
Associate Members
(i) Professional Networks or Associations which have interest in Microfinance activities
(ii) Auditors, Accountants and consultants firms engaged in microfinance services;
(iii) Information Communication and Technology providers;
(iv) Other local and international Institutions or programs engaged in support of the microfinance industry.

Fees structure
Fees will include admission fee and annual subscription fee

Principles of setting institutional fees
Fees should be set to translate the inclusive membership aim, attract targeted clients or groups to join the network and continue to stay in the network but also help the institution to provide its intended services effectively. Fees shall not be seen as constrain towards achieving inclusive membership aim as shown in the table below
No
Member
Fees


Admission
Annual Subscription
1.0
Banks
200,000
750,000
2.0
Microfinance Companies
Micro insurance Companies and agents
150,000
600,000
3.0
NGOs and Financial Cooperatives


3.1
3 Billion and above
150,000
600,000
3.2
1 – 3 Billion
100,000
500,000
3.4
500 M – 1 Billion
75,000
250,000
3.5
Below 500 Million
50,000
100,000
4.0
Business Development Service Providers
100,000
250,000
5.0
Village Banks - VICOBA and CBOs
50,000
100,000
6.0
Associates Members
100,000
250,000

Elected Interim Board Members
TAMFI
Mr. E.P.Mkwawa
Mr.A.Millinga
Mr. A.N.Kaaya

The Coalition of Microfinance
MR. Joel Mwakitalu
Ms. Felistas Coutinho
Mr. Said Hassan
Signed by:

Edmund Mkwawa Joel Mwakitalu
Chairman TAMFI Chairman - COALITION

NOTICE FOR 2ND AGM FOR TAMFI

TANZANIA ASSOCIATION OF MICROFINANCE
INSTITUTIONS (TAMFI)
P. O. BOX 19798
E-mail: eddymkwawa@yahoo.co.uk
dcb@africaonline.co.tz
info@yosefo.org
DAR ES SALAAM

Notice is hereby given that the 2nd Annual General Meeting of the Members of Tanzania Association of Microfinance Institutions (TAMFI) will be held at Peacock Hotel along Bibi Titi Mohamed Road, Mnazi Mmoja Dar-es-Salaam on Tuesday 27th July 2010 at 8.30 am.

The Agenda for the meeting shall be as follows:-
Adoption of the agenda
Confirmation of the Minutes for the 1st Annual General Meeting held on 15th October 2008
Confirmation of the Minutes for the 1st Extra Ordinary General Meeting held on 6th March 2009
Matters Arising from the 1st Annual General Meeting of TAMFI
Matters Arising from the 1st Extra Ordinary General Meeting of TAMFI
To Receive and Discuss the Annual Report and Audited Financial Statements for the year ended 31st December 2008 and 2009 respectively
To Review the Performance Report of the Association
To Elect the Board Members
To Appoint Auditors of the Association for the next financial year
To Receive and Deliberate on the Intended Merger of the Two Associations. That is Tanzania Association of Microfinance Institutions (TAMFI) and the Coalition of Tanzania Microfinance Practitioners and Service Providers Ltd
Discuss on the Members’ Proposals
To Attend the Joint Meeting between TAMFI and the Coalition to deliberate on the recommended merger of both associations


EDMUND P. MKWAWA
CHAIRMAN – TAMFI

Notes
TAMFI Members, stakeholders and potential members are advised for any correspondences with TAMFI to channel them through Mr.E.P.Mkwawa (TAMFI chairman) at DCB Telephone 222180253 or Mr.A.Millinga (Vice Chairman) at YOSEFO, Telephone 222180914 pending official appointment of the Executive Secretary who will take charge of the TAMFI Office located at SIDO Small House Business Room numbers 25 and 26 Wing A, along Bibi Titi Mohamed Road, Dar-es-Salaam.

ANNOUNCEMENT - TAMFI

TANZANIA ASSOCIATION OF MICROFINANCE
INSTITUTIONS (TAMFI)
P. O. BOX 19798, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
E-mail: eddymkwawa@yahoo.co.uk,
dcb@africaonline.co.tz,
info@yosefo.org

VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT

EXECUTIVE SECRETARY

Tanzania Microfinance Institutions Association was established in 2001 as a Microfinance Network drawing its members from NGO-Microfinance Institutions, Microfinance Companies, Banks with Microfinance windows, Financial Cooperatives Societies and Community Based Organizations. Its objectives include:
(i) To enhance, strengthen and act as a platform for an increased level of coordination and cooperation among Tanzanian microfinance institutions that will result into a better positioning of the sector versus the government and the donor community.
(ii) To conduct lobbying and advocacy for appropriate policy and regulatory system for the microfinance industry.
(iii) To carry out research relevant to Microfinance development and provide viable suggestions.
(iv) To conduct seminars and other programs to the member of the association.
(v) It helps to solicit funds from donors for the members of the organisations.

TAMFI activities are steadily increasing so, in order to keep pace with such an increase, the organisation seeks to recruit a suitable candidate for the above mentioned post.

1. Overall duty:
He/she shall serve as a key representative of the organisation and as advocate of microfinance development in Tanzania. He/she shall also supervise the Secretariat and serve as an intermediary between TAMFI members, the Executive Board and the Secretariat.

2. Responsibilities and Tasks
A: Organisation representative
Represents TAMFI and widely communicates its vision on microfinance development with TAMFI’s key stakeholders, in co-operation with the Board of the organisation.
Maintain contacts with international networks and government bodies in the field of microfinance on national and global level.

B: Organisation leadership and management
§ Proposes to the Executive Board the organisational strategy and activity plans and is responsible for their implementation.
§ Responsible for the overall daily leadership and management of the organisation.
§ Maintains close contact with the Chairman, Executive Board and TAMFI members to ensure the best knowledge of current opportunities, challenges and developments in microfinance at any time.
§ Responsible for reporting to the Executive Board, including the preparation of agendas, papers and minutes of meetings, and to the general assembly, in cooperation with the Chairman;
§ Ensures that the organisation is operating within its policies and guidelines;
§ Responsible for and supervision of the marketing and promotion of TAMFI, including extension of membership.
§ Ensures appropriate service delivery to the membership.
§ Leads and supervises the recruitment, contracting, appraisal and daily operation of permanent and temporary staff members for the Secretariat;
§ Undertake any other duties as may be assigned by the Executive Board

3. Organisation Relationships
The Secretary General reports to the Executive Board and is monitored and appraised by the Chairman.

4. Profile
Desirable:
Masters degree in Community Economic Development with five (5) years working experience on related field.
Computer literate
Not more that 50 years of age.

Essential:
Demonstrable leadership qualities and managerial skills;
Strong communication skills, both written and spoken;
Confident with public appearance, advocacy and lobby activities;
Experience with organisation and project management.
Fluent in English, both written and spoken;
Ability to effectively communicate and liaise with many different groups and nationalities, and operate in a range of different cultural environments;
Prepared to travel and work irregular hours;
Full time.

5. Remuneration
Attractive package will be offered to the right and successful candidate.

6. Deadline for the Application
The right candidates for the above position should send their applications together with detailed curriculum vitae, photocopies of academic certificates and testimonials to the address below not later than 16th August 2010.

The Chairman – TAMFI,
C/O Dar es Salaam Community Bank Limited,
Arnautoglu Hall, Mnazi Mmoja,
P. O. Box 19798, Dar es Salaam