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Opportunity International
Opportunity International is a pioneer in implementing innovative banking technologies, and offering small business loans, savings, insurance, and training in basic business practices to women and men living in chronic poverty.
Why We Invested
Opportunity International provides the poor with microenterprise development—access to small loans and training that will enable them to start or expand their own businesses. With Omidyar Network’s investment, Opportunity International will design, create and implement new electronic and mobile banking technologies that will reduce transaction costs and make microfinance services available to more people in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Opportunity International is launching an “electronic wallet” strategy in Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Rwanda, South Africa, Tanzania, and Uganda. The strategy aims to develop the optimum mix of electronic banking technologies needed in each of these countries. By building on the foundation of microfinance and adding banking technologies, business training, mentoring, financial planning, and leadership development, Opportunity International helps poor families to increase their income and improve their quality of life.
Impact
- Current loan clients worldwide: 1.26 million
- Value of current loan portfolio worldwide: $564.3 million
- Average first loan size: $181
- Loans to women: 85%
- Current savings accounts: 423,000
- Savings balance: $228 million
AT A GLANCE
Initiative
Investment Area
Sector
Nonprofit
Geographic Focus
Africa
Investment Lead
Total Committed Amount
2008: $4.55M