The Determinants of the Efficiency of Microfinance Institutions in Africa

Abstract

Over the past few decades, microfinance institutions have attracted the interest of governments and academics alike, given their unique nature of being financial institutions with a dual mission of promoting social development and reducing poverty. However, concerns have been raised about their effectiveness in achieving these goals while remaining financially sustainable. In this study, we attempt to examine the factors that have the greatest impact on the social, financial, and overall efficiency of microfinance institutions in African regions. We adopt a two-step approach: First, we assess the efficiency scores of 95 microfinance institutions in Africa between 2005 and 2018 using a data envelopment analysis (DEA) approach. We then regress their efficiency scores on a set of determinant variables, capturing the microfinance institutions’ characteristics. Our findings suggest that a majority of institutions prioritize profitability over social outreach. Furthermore, the panel data regression indicates that factors such as profitability, equity capitalization, types of loans, and low gross domestic product (GDP) have a positive influence on microfinance institutions’ efficiency. Conversely, variables including their risk portfolio, grants, microfinance institution status (Non-Governmental Organization (NGO), cooperative, etc.), operational area, political environment, and size exert a negative impact on efficiency. Through this study, we seek to enhance our understanding of microfinance institutions and to identify the factors that impact their operational efficiency, thereby reinforcing their crucial role in advancing financial inclusion, empowering marginalized communities, and fostering inclusive economic growth.