Working together on
microfinance and microinsurance
microfinance and microinsurance
Seventeen managers of savings and credit cooperatives from Africa attended a week's training at BRS. This time, the participants came from Uganda, Ethiopia and Senegal. They were inspired by practical insights from top managers and experts from KBC and Cera, and by each other.
From 8 to 12 December, BRS organised its fifth training programme for board members and managers of its partner organisations from the South. Each time, the participants come from a different continent or region. This edition, BRS welcomed 17 managers from Uganda, Ethiopia and Senegal.
The aim of such a training week: to inspire participants with practical insights from top managers and experts from KBC, CBC and Cera, on topics such as strategy, leadership, risk management, change management, digital transformation, processes, human resources, etc.
Frederik Vandepitte, CEO of Cera, kicked off the event with a presentation on strategy, or rather on 'how culture eats strategy for breakfast'.
There were interactive workshops and participants also exchanged experiences among themselves, leading to animated and instructive discussions.
Lalise Magarsa, Risk Director at Buusaa Gonofaa in Ethiopia, was particularly interested in the session on crisis management: "With the turbulent situation in Ethiopia and upcoming elections, this is more important than ever for us. What I learned in advance: how to determine critical indicators. And equally important: staying calm! (laughs)
Joseph Mugume, CEO of Ebo Sacco in Uganda, found the process management exercise fascinating: 'That is still a big challenge for us. What I take away from the exercise: we lack delineated ownership. We need to define our assignments better and clearly define who is responsible for what. That will improve our productivity."
The fact that the trainings take place in Belgium is something participants find an added value.
Teshome Dayesso, CEO of Buusaa Gonofaa: "When BRS people come to Ethiopia, we focus more on our specific needs. Here, we get a broader framework and see how others are doing.
Joseph Mugume: "We learn here from BRS as well as from each other. You think your own mother is the best cook, until you get to know other people's cuisine (laughs).
The bow cannot always be highly strung. For instance, there was a reception together with the BRS volunteers. There are more than 80 active colleagues of KBC4BRS who volunteer their expertise. In addition, 14 retired KBC executives dedicate themselves to coaching and advising BRS projects after their careers.
