Question 1

What is Dedebit Credit and Saving Institution (DECSI)?

Accepted Answer

Dedebit Credit and Saving Institution (DECSI) is one of the largest and most prominent microfinance institutions in Ethiopia and Africa. Operating primarily in the Tigray Region of northern Ethiopia, DECSI serves over 460,000 customers and is regarded as one of the four largest MFIs on the African continent.

DECSI is part of Ethiopia's three dominant microfinance institutions that together account for approximately 65% of the market share in terms of borrowing clients and 74% by loan provision. These three institutions—Amhara (ACSI), Dedebit (DECSI), and Oromia (OCSSCO) Credit and Savings Institutions—form the backbone of Ethiopia's microfinance sector.

Question 2

When was Dedebit Credit and Saving Institution founded?

Accepted Answer

DECSI was established in 1994 in Mekelle, Tigray Region, as one of the pioneer microfinance institutions in Ethiopia. The institution was founded following the Ethiopian government's push to increase financial services for agriculture, micro and small enterprises, and low-income households.

The licensing and supervision of microfinance institutions was formalized through government proclamations that authorized MFIs to provide essential financial services to underserved populations in both rural and urban areas.

Question 3

Where is Dedebit Credit and Saving Institution headquartered?

Accepted Answer

DECSI's headquarters is located in Mekelle, Tigray Region, Ethiopia. The institution can be reached at +251 344 409 306, with fax services at +251 344 406 099.

The head office's postal address is P.O. Box 1074, Mekelle.

Question 4

Where does Dedebit Credit and Saving Institution operate?

Accepted Answer

DECSI operates extensively throughout the Tigray Region in northern Ethiopia, which is its primary service area. The institution maintains a strong regional presence with multiple branches and service points designed to reach both urban and rural populations.

As one of Ethiopia's dominant microfinance institutions, DECSI has developed broad geographic coverage within its operational region, focusing on areas where traditional banking services are limited or unavailable.

Question 5

What services does Dedebit Credit and Saving Institution offer?

Accepted Answer

DECSI provides comprehensive microfinance services tailored to the needs of low-income individuals and micro-entrepreneurs:

Credit Products: Agricultural loans for farmers and rural households, business loans for micro and small enterprises, group lending programs, individual loans for income-generating activities, and specialized loan products for various sectors including trade and services.

Savings Services: Mandatory savings accounts linked to loans, voluntary savings accounts for all customers, time deposit products offering competitive interest rates, and special purpose savings accounts designed for specific needs.

Other Financial Services: Money transfer services for domestic remittances, financial education and business advisory services to help customers manage their finances effectively, and support for income-generating projects in both urban and rural areas.

DECSI's market share based on number of borrowing clients is approximately 16.1%, while its share of total loan provision is about 28.2%, making it a significant player in Ethiopia's microfinance landscape.

Question 6

What makes Dedebit Credit and Saving Institution unique?

Accepted Answer

DECSI stands out as one of the largest microfinance institutions in Africa, with over 460,000 active customers. Its scale and reach make it a critical financial service provider for the Tigray Region's underserved population.

The institution is characterized by its aggressive drive to achieve scale while maintaining a strong focus on rural households, which aligns with Ethiopia's national development priorities. DECSI emphasizes both credit and savings products, recognizing that comprehensive financial services are essential for poverty reduction and economic development.

As a member of the Association of Ethiopian Microfinance Institutions (AEMFI), DECSI benefits from training, research, performance monitoring, benchmarking, and technical assistance provided through the industry network. AEMFI is recognized as the strongest country-level microfinance network in Africa.

Question 7

What type of financial institution is Dedebit Credit and Saving Institution?

Accepted Answer

DECSI is a Microfinance Institution (MFI) registered as a Share Company (S.C.) under Ethiopian law. It operates under Proclamation No. 626/2009, which governs microfinance institutions in Ethiopia.

As an MFI, DECSI is authorized to collect deposits (both demand and time deposits), extend credit to rural and urban farmers and micro-entrepreneurs, provide money transfer services, offer financial leasing services, and conduct various financial activities specifically designed for low-income populations. The institution operates under the supervision of the National Bank of Ethiopia and is a member of the Ethiopian Deposit Insurance Fund (EDIF) with registration number 1074.

Dedebit Credit and Saving Institution (DECSI)

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About Dedebit Credit and Saving Institution (DECSI) in Ethiopia