Last updated January 31, 2013

Status Update - January 31, 2012

Soro Yiriwaso's risk rating has been changed from 3 stars to 2 stars, signifying an increase in risk. This change resulted from a regular re-assessment by Kiva analysts, and is based on operational and financial data collected about this partner, as well as conversations with key members of its staff.

In 2012, Soro experienced a period of insufficient liquidity and was unable to repay several of its creditors on time. However, the institution is currently up-to-date with its repayments to Kiva, and we feel comfortable continuing to support its excellent work in Mali.

Partner Description:

Soro Yiriwaso (Soro) is a microfinance institution started by the Sahel field office of American non-governmental organization Save the Children. Soro lends solidarity-based credit to poorer borrowers, and was officially registered by the Ministry of Economy and Finance of the Malian Government in 2003.

As a rurally-focused microfinance institution, Soro’s product portfolio is focused on two sectors: agriculture and commercial business. Agriculture loans include seasonal loans for groups of female farmers and individual loans for buying, stocking and commercializing agricultural products.

The organization’s commercial loans include loans for entrepreneurs running small-to-medium sized enterprises who need working capital or additional equipment to grow and generate more income. Group loans are also available to support women involved in small business.

A picture of Soro’s female clients grouped together through a solidarity-based credit.



Status Update - April 5, 2012

Due to the recent military coup in Mali, organizations are prohibited from transferring funds outside of the West African Economic Monetary Union. Accordingly, Soro Yiriwaso is unable to send borrowers' repayments to Kiva this month, leading to an artificially high delinquency rate. Kiva will roll Yiriwaso's balance to next month and reevaluate the situation at that time. We will also continue to post loans from this Field Partner for lenders to fund.

Status Update - September 11, 2011

With an aim to fully migrate risk ratings to our new and enhanced risk rating system, Kiva has conducted a reassessment of the level of risk posed by this institution. The information gathered during this process has led us to revise Soro Yiriwaso's risk rating from 4 to 3 stars. The analysts have found that Soro Yiriwaso's risk variables, reviewed in the new risk rating model, were most representative of a 3 star rating. To view the updated chart, please go here.

Image courtesy of Soro Yiriwaso.