Question 1

What is Metemamen Microfinance Institution S.C.?

Accepted Answer

Metemamen Microfinance Institution S.C. is a licensed microfinance institution operating in Ethiopia, focused on providing financial services to low-income individuals, smallholder farmers, and micro and small enterprises. Established through a partnership between the Ethiopian Catholic Church Social and Development Commission (ESC/SADCO) and Catholic Relief Service/Ethiopia (CRS), the institution specializes in delivering accessible financial services to underserved communities across multiple Ethiopian regions.

The institution operates as a share company under Ethiopian microfinance regulations and is a member of the Association of Ethiopian Microfinance Institutions (AEMFI).

Question 2

When was Metemamen Microfinance Institution S.C. founded?

Accepted Answer

Metemamen Microfinance Institution S.C. was established and licensed by the National Bank of Ethiopia (NBE) under Proclamation No. 40/96 on February 6, 2002. The institution began operations in late April 2002, initially serving communities in the Oromia National Regional State.

The institution was founded as part of a micro financing program undertaken by ESC/SADCO in partnership with Catholic Relief Service/Ethiopia (CRS) to address the financial service needs of underserved populations in targeted areas of Ethiopia. Since its founding, Metemamen has evolved from a small regional operation to a nationwide microfinance provider.

Question 3

Where is Metemamen Microfinance Institution S.C. headquartered?

Accepted Answer

Metemamen Microfinance Institution S.C. is headquartered in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The head office is located on Wolosefer to Urael road in the capital city.

The institution's main contact details include P.O. Box 2130 CODE 1000, with telephone numbers +251 11 3698246 and +251 11 3698712.

Question 4

Where does Metemamen Microfinance Institution S.C. operate?

Accepted Answer

Metemamen operates across multiple regions of Ethiopia with a nationwide license. The institution began its operations in the Oromia National Regional State, specifically in the towns of Adama, AlemTena, Derra, Meki, Wonji, Zeway, and their surrounding areas.

The institution has gradually expanded its geographic footprint to include Addis Ababa (the capital city) and three regional states: Southern Nations, Nationalities, and Peoples' Region (SNNP), Amhara, and Sidama. Metemamen currently operates through 31 branches and 2 satellite offices strategically located in business areas across these regions.

In Addis Ababa alone, the institution has expanded to serve multiple sub-cities, with plans to operate in eight branches throughout the capital. The institution's expansion strategy has focused on both rural areas, where it gained its initial experience, and urban centers with high business activity.

Question 5

What services does Metemamen Microfinance Institution S.C. offer?

Accepted Answer

Metemamen Microfinance Institution S.C. provides a range of financial services tailored to the needs of low-income individuals, smallholder farmers, and micro and small enterprises. The institution's core services include microcredit products and savings mobilization services.

Credit Services: The institution offers various loan products designed to support agricultural activities, small businesses, and entrepreneurial ventures. These microloans are structured to meet the needs and capacities of the target market, with flexible repayment terms suitable for clients with irregular income patterns.

Savings Services: Metemamen provides deposit and savings account services that allow clients to build financial security and access to formal financial systems. The savings products are designed to be accessible to clients with limited resources.

Digital Services: While specific details about digital banking platforms are limited in publicly available information, the institution maintains an online presence through its website and operates social media channels including Facebook, Telegram, LinkedIn, YouTube, and Twitter for client communication and engagement.

Question 6

What makes Metemamen Microfinance Institution S.C. unique?

Accepted Answer

Metemamen distinguishes itself through its faith-based origins and commitment to social development. The institution was established through a partnership between the Ethiopian Catholic Church Social and Development Commission and Catholic Relief Service/Ethiopia, reflecting a mission-driven approach to financial inclusion.

The institution emphasizes a client-first philosophy, as stated in its mission: "putting the needs of our clients first." This commitment extends to creating what the institution describes as "a vibrant, secure, and supportive environment" for clients and staff. Metemamen positions itself as "Your reliable partner" with core values of being accessible, equitable, and trustworthy.

The institution has gained "versatile and invaluable experience in working in the major rural areas of the country," which has informed its service delivery approach and product design. This rural expertise, combined with its gradual expansion into urban markets, gives Metemamen a unique understanding of diverse client needs across Ethiopia's geographic and economic landscape.

Question 7

What type of financial institution is Metemamen Microfinance Institution S.C.?

Accepted Answer

Metemamen Microfinance Institution S.C. is a Microfinance Institution (MFI), which is a distinct category of financial institution in Ethiopia regulated under Proclamation No. 40/96. MFIs in Ethiopia are licensed and supervised by the National Bank of Ethiopia and are organized as share companies.

Microfinance institutions in Ethiopia differ from commercial banks in their target market, product offerings, and regulatory framework. They are specifically designed to provide financial services to low-income populations, smallholder farmers, and micro and small enterprises who typically lack access to conventional banking services due to collateral requirements and geographic barriers.

As a registered MFI, Metemamen is part of Ethiopia's formal financial sector but focuses on financial inclusion and poverty reduction rather than conventional commercial banking activities. The institution is a member of AEMFI, the Association of Ethiopian Microfinance Institutions, which represents the organized microfinance sector in the country and provides training, technical assistance, and advocacy for its members.

Metemamen Microfinance Institution S.C.

in Ethiopia 🇪🇹

Crypto-Friendliness

All done!

About Metemamen Microfinance Institution S.C. in Ethiopia

Metemamen Microf­inance Institution S.C.