Microfinance has always been more than finance − it is about inclusion, resilience, and impact. Today, the sector faces profound transitions. Capital flows are tightening, with growth funding still dominated by debt. As Development Finance Institutions (DFIs) reduce their stakes in mature MFIs, who will step in? And will new investors share the same commitment to mission?
External forces add to the challenge: climate disruption, rapid digitalisation, AI, geopolitical uncertainty and evolving regulations are reshaping the operating environment. Institutions are adapting, but the question remains: how do we keep purpose at the centre while models evolve?
This conference is not just a discussion − it’s a call to action. Over two days, we will explore governance, principles, and strategies to ensure that financial performance never overshadows social impact.
Join us in Durres, Albania, on 19 – 21 May 2026.
We are delighted that Professor Andrés Rodríguez-Pose will join 28th MFC Annual Conference as our Keynote Speaker. His participation as a special guest at the Conference Opening and Opening Plenary Session will be a true highlight of this year’s Conference.
We are thrilled to partner with Albanian Microfinance Association – our Conference Partner, during a year that marks its 20th anniversary, and we welcome Conference Participants to be part of the celebration of this remarkable milestone!
We are honored to announce that the 28th MFC Annual Conference has been granted the Honorary Patronage of the Bank of Albania.
The Conference will take place at the Meliá Hotel Durrës, located a bit further from the city, in a peaceful seaside area. The Venue offers several excellent restaurants, and the beach here is among the best in the region. To ensure your comfort, we have curated accommodation options to be booked through our website and planned generous catering at all social events. This way, participants can relax, enjoy the seaside atmosphere, and focus on networking without needing to venture far for meals. Please note the immediate surroundings have only a few hotels and limited dining or shopping options. The capital city is only 50 min drive away, and the choice of taxis and shuttle buses will be provided at the venue.
Early Bird prices are valid till 25 March only!
Albanian Microfinance Association
The Microfinance Centre is a leading international social finance network that promotes fairness, inclusion, equality and responsible service. We unite over 140 organisations across 36 countries of Europe, Central Asia who together deliver responsible microfinance services to more than 2,000,000 low-income clients.
Our mission is to empower people and communities through sustainable social finance.
Our vision is for a financial system that works for people, communities and the planet in a fair, responsible and sustainable way. MFC is a broad and diverse community of organizations interested in and practicing sustainable social finance. Together with our members – microfinance and social finance providers, financial cooperative systems, social finance banks, impact investors, academic institutions, national and international support organizations (e.g consultancies, IT/Digital solutions providers) and networks – we seek to make financial services work effectively for people, communities and the planet by embracing sustainability good practices and standards, sharing knowledge, advocacy and networking in the region of Europe and Central Asia.
Conference
Secretariat
