The role of financial literacy on the growth outreach of South African microfinance institutions

With the increased emphasis on financial inclusion by developing countries, the emergence, impact and sustainability of microfinance institutions (MFIs) is considered topical. This paper assesses the influence that financial literacy has on the growth outreach of MFIs, from a South African context. Using an online questionnaire, we collected data from 44 respondents, representing various MFIs in Limpopo, South Africa. In addition, interviews were conducted with four subjects from the regulatory body, MFSA. We applied panel data fixed effects regression, with binary logit component to measure relationships and effects of the variables under study. According to the results, there was strong consensus that financial literacy of MFI clients, proxied by loan portfolio education, and financial budgeting and investment training offered to MFI clients, improves overall MFI growth outreach, and MFI sustainability in the long run. The contribution of this paper is that, since microfinance institutions by mandate, pursue socio-economic goals, many are not geared towards being financially sustainable. However, with the drying up of grants, donor funds, subsidies and other capital injections into MFIs, it is important for them to implement alternative measures to ensure that their borrowers meet their repayment obligations timeously, hence improving institutional growth and sustainability. Key Words: financial literacy, growth outreach, microfinance institutions, microfinance, South Africa