Microfinance in Mauritania

The purpose of PV/thermoelectric technologies segment was presented as a precursor to implementing technological innovations like the Desert PC. On the other hand, the internet connectivity and framework section was presented as essential to developing Mauritania’s infrastructure to allow the spread of the Desert PC into such harsh geographical conditions. This section inserts the final portion, and ultimately aim, where attention is given to how microfinancing connects to helping Mauritania join the global economy. According to Khan, A. A. (2008), there are an estimated 70 MFIs (microfinance institutions) in MENA (Middle East and North Africa), serving approximately 2.5 million clients across MENA, with 60% of those clients mainly women. Data for Mauritania accounts to: one MFI; 2,000 borrowers out of a total population of 3 million, with 1.4 million living in poverty; and all this accounting to only 0.1% of the total population borrowing from MFIs. Canal (2011) reports that Counterpart International-Mauritania provides institutional support to a specific region: the Caissa d’Epargne and Credit Djikké-Mutuelle (CECD-M). CECD-M agents work with local community members to aid in starting up small businesses loans, write their loan applications, and even create business plans. Relating to the work Counterpart International-Mauritania is performing, if the network infrastructure be expanded enough into rural communities, the CECD-M agents could well utilize the Desert PC to establish rural communities with microloans to start up small businesses.