Overview & Background

Metemamen Microfinance Institution S.C. (MMFI) is an Ethiopian microfinance institution established under Proclamation No. 40/96 and licensed by the National Bank of Ethiopia in February 2002. It was founded through the collaboration of the Ethiopian Catholic Church Social and Development Commission and Catholic Relief Services.

Operations & Reach

MMFI started its services in parts of the Oromia region, including towns such as Adama, AlemTena, Derra, Meki, Wonji, and Zeway. Over time, it expanded into Addis Ababa as well as the SNNP, Amhara, and Sidama regions. Today, it operates more than 30 branches along with satellite offices, serving both urban and rural clients.

Products & Services

The institution provides a range of financial services tailored to individuals and small businesses:

Agricultural Loans: Supporting farmers to start, maintain, or expand their farming activities.

Women’s Loans: Specially designed to empower women entrepreneurs.

Construction “Gojo” Loans: Helping clients build or improve housing.

Individual Business Loans: Financing working capital, machinery, materials, or house construction.

Deposit Services: Accepts savings from clients to encourage financial inclusion.

Governance & Structure

MMFI is registered as a share company, with its strategic decisions made through a General Assembly of shareholders. Its authorized capital has reached hundreds of millions of Ethiopian Birr. The institution is led by experienced executives, including its CEO, W/ro Wegayehu Asrat.

Regulatory & Affiliation

The institution is fully licensed and supervised by the National Bank of Ethiopia. It is also a member of the Ethiopia Deposit Insurance Fund, ensuring additional security for depositors.

Research & Performance

Studies have examined MMFI’s credit management practices and their impact on financial performance, highlighting the institution’s efforts to balance outreach with sustainability. Like many microfinance providers, it works to expand financial services to underserved populations while maintaining financial stability.