AMFIU recently hosted a high-level delegation from the National Association of Microfinance Banks (NAMB) of Nigeria on a benchmarking and learning visit focused on expanding access to water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) through microfinance.
This visit follows NAMB’s recent partnership with Water.org, an international organization dedicated to increasing access to safe water and sanitation through affordable financing solutions. The goal of the partnership is to empower Nigerian Microfinance Banks to offer specialized financial products that enable households and communities to invest in improved water and sanitation services.
As a long-standing partner of Water.org, AMFIU has successfully championed the integration of WASH-focused financial products within Uganda’s microfinance sector. AMFIU’s work has positioned Uganda as a regional leader in this space, and many countries have expressed interest in learning from this experience.
The team was led by NAMB’s Executive Secretary, Mr. Eddy Bassey Orok and the delegation spent a day with AMFIU’s leadership, engaging in discussions on how microfinance institutions (MFIs) in Uganda have designed, promoted, and sustained water and sanitation loan products.
The visit included a field visits to selected AMFIU member institutions that have successfully mainstreamed WASH financing into their operations. Delegates were able to observe first-hand the operational models, client engagement strategies, and impact of these products on the lives of borrowers.
Speaking during the visit, Mr. Orok expressed his deep appreciation to AMFIU for the warm reception and the wealth of knowledge shared. “We are taking home valuable insights that will shape how we implement our Water and Sanitation initiative in Nigeria. Uganda’s experience provides a practical blueprint we can adapt to suit our local context,” he remarked.
The National Association of Microfinance Banks (NAMB) serves as the apex body for all licensed Microfinance Banks in Nigeria, including MFIs, microfinance banks, and SACCOs. The association plays a pivotal role in strengthening the sector and promoting financial inclusion across the country.
Globally, access to clean water and adequate sanitation remains one of the most pressing development challenges. According to international estimates, billions of people still live without safe drinking water or basic sanitation facilities conditions worsened by climate change, pollution, water scarcity, and inadequate infrastructure. Nigeria is no exception, facing significant WASH challenges that have far-reaching implications for public health, socioeconomic development, and environmental sustainability.
AMFIU is proud to be contributing learning experience in WASH and is ready to continue sharing its knowledge and supporting regional efforts to make clean water and sanitation a reality for all.