Kiva recently conducted on-site monitoring at UIMCEC in order to re-assess the level of risk posed by this institution. The analysts found that a number of components that Kiva looks at during our due diligence process did not merit a 5-STAR rating and adjusted the rating to 3.0.

UIMCEC’s vision is to be a self-sustaining microfinance institution that has broad, inclusive outreach, and a strong, deep impact on the well-being of its clients.

In 1997, Christian Children's Fund (CCF) Senegal (today ChildFund Senegal) initiated a micro-credit program with the aim of increasing the well-being of children through increased family income. The program began as a pilot project, which in 2001 evolved into the Union des Institution Mutualiste Communautaire d’Epargne et de Credit (UIMCEC), a credit union created to serve families living in the communities where CCF projects are engaged in sponsorship and child-focused development programs. 

Today UIMCEC is an independent institution and has broadened its reach to bring in clients outside of the sphere of traditional sponsorship programs.  The Union is split into four regions, covering much of the country: Dakar, Thies, Mbour and Casamance.  In 2009 UIMCEC took serious steps to increase access to financial services by opening ten new branches predominantly in rural and peri-urban areas.  UIMCEC has not forgotten its roots, and still works closely with the Progamme de Developpement des Enfants et Les Familles (PDEF), a ChildFund program active throughout Senegal.  Through the cooperation, disadvantaged parents can receive loans with significantly lower interest rates. 

• Support micro entrepreneurs to strengthen and expand their businesses
• Assist individuals to create their own livelihoods
• Help micro entrepreneurs build their capacity to manage businesses
• Create employment and opportunity in rural regions
• Encourage the transition to a market economy
• Increase independence from donor assistance

• 52,740 members served by 39 branches throughout Senegal
• FCFA 5.26 billion (USD 11.2 million) in loans financed in 2009
• Portfolio outstanding of FCFA 4.88 billion (USD 10.4 million)

IMCEC has a Board of Directors in each of the four regions its serves and a national Board of Directors with elected representation from each region board. In addition to the Board of Directors, IMCEC also has an elected Credit Committee and Internal-Control committee in each region.

M Lamine DIA, Mme Sina Aïdara BA, M El Hadji Abdou Youssouf SAKHO, M Ousmane THIONGANE, Mme Hélène Elisabeth Diouf NDONG, M El Hadji Gana DIOP, M Momo BANGOURA