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SCEB: a unique organic cooperative in the Bandama region

The story of SCEB, the acronym for Société Coopérative Equitable du Bandama or the Fairtrade Cooperative Company of the Bandama Region, began in 2006 when ten cocoa producers refused to be underpaid and gradually left their commercial organization. With the help of two NGOs, they joined forces with Ethiquable, which supports their work of producing certified Fairtrade and organic cocoa, a first in Côte d’Ivoire! The cooperative was officially founded in 2010 with 38 producers. At first, producing organic cocoa was not easy in a country dominated by intensive farming. However, farmers’

CADESA During the COVID-19 Pandemic

In the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic, CADESA has used a part of its Fairtrade bonus to purchase and distribute 400 small water tanks and soap to all its members, and has distributed food to its most vulnerable members. In addition to distributing these items, it organized training sessions to help local communities learn about and implement the necessary safety measures to contain the pandemic. Events like these are necessary to raise awareness, particularly in the remote and rural areas where CADESA operates and where local authorities’ actions are very limited. A positive example of local

Renewal of Recognition as a Development Fund

Since 2010, Alterfin is as a Development Fund in Microfinance recognised by the Belgian Ministry of Finance. Since then, anyone investing in Alterfin's shares and meeting the conditions has enjoyed a capped 5% tax reduction . This approval was given for a period of five years. We received confirmation of the renewal of this agreement for Alterfin until 2024. The tax benefit for our members has thus also been extended until 2024 . In practical terms, this represents a financial advantage for our members (who satisfy the conditions). Above all, though, it means more resources for Alterfin,

A Message of Solidarity

As we experience an unprecedented global health pandemic, Alterfin remains true to its mission in a responsible manner. All members of our team now work from home and respect the containment rules issued by the authorities. In these difficult times, I want to send you a message of solidarity on behalf of the whole team. Solidarity with all of you who have contracted COVID-19, solidarity with all of you who are part of the population at risk, solidarity with all medical personnel and with all those who continue to assume their responsibilities for the good functioning of our society.

Canaan: Mission Accomplished!

The evolving relationship between Alterfin and Canaan is a perfect example of what Alterfin has been trying to achieve for the past 25 years: making the difference for organisations involved with small farmers by providing them with adequate funding for their development when local sources of financing are beyond their reach. Then Alterfin coaches them throughout the process, playing the role of a catalyst so that in time they will no longer need our support. Canaan, a fair trade olive oil processing and export company located in Palestine, was founded in 2004 by anthropologist Dr Nasser

FDL and Alterfin, a partnership lasting more than 20 years

It is time to turn the spotlight on a partnership especially close to our hearts. Beyond the financial investment, it is an investment that typifies Alterfin’s values in its constant search for partnerships that make sense in a society where humanity is increasingly factored out of the equation. Alterfin insists on emphasising its principles and strong commitments through its financing projects, so it is a pleasure for us to return to the story of a rich and eventful partnership that has lasted for more than 20 years. The Fondo para el Desarrollo Local (Fund for Local Development) or FDL, a

Testimonial : From Mines to Mangoes thanks to Microcredits

Getting married should be a joyous occasion for a young couple. But for Ma Thi Thi Cho and her husband U Phoe Htaw, the moment was bittersweet. All the newlyweds had to their name was a small, thatched bamboo house and they could see their earnings from seasonal farm work would never be enough to support a young family. It wasn’t long before U Phoe Htaw decided he had to leave his wife in Shwe Bone Thar, a Pa’O village in Shan State, to look for work in the notorious jade mines of Hpakant, hundreds of kilometers to the north. Ma Thi Thi Cho knew that it would be difficult to raise a family

Musoni Services, an Innovative Microfinance Software Company

Alterfin has announced an equity investment into Musoni Services, the award-winning microfinance software company. The funds will be used to support the company’s continued rapid growth and drive expansion into new markets. Alterfin was joined in the investment round by a number of Musoni’s existing shareholders. Musoni provides its innovative banking system to microfinance institutions in emerging markets, helping them to leverage technology and improve efficiency. By using Musoni, microfinance institutions are better able to extend financial services to un(der)banked individuals in emerging

Our Performance in 2017

Social performance Through its financing activities, Alterfin aims to improve the quality of life of thousands of families who experience problems accessing finance. In total, Alterfin's partners benefit 1.8 million people and Alterfin financing directly reaches 116,705 families. 64% of the beneficiaries live in rural areas, where financial exclusion is greatest, and 55% are women, who are disproportionately represented among the poorest people. Alterfin's investments contribute to the many Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) defined by the United Nations. In the Annual Report (pp. 17-31),

B Corp Certification for Alterfin

B Corp is a certification for companies that meet societal, environmental, governance and transparency requirements in the public interest. Its goal is to put the private sector on the pathway to sustainability. B Corp helps companies to benchmark and compare their social and environmental impacts against the world's most demanding standard. More about B Corp

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