By Murtala Muhammad
In a bid to tackle poverty in underserved communities, the Bauchi State Agency for Sustainable Microfinance, with support from CARE Nigeria, has commenced a three-day training for local civil society groups on better data collection for savings groups.
Our correspondent reports that the participants drawn from civil society organisations (CSOs) in Bauchi State are being introduced to the SAVIX system—a digital tool designed to enhance tracking of Village Savings and Loans Associations (VSLAs).
Director General of the Agency, Alhaji Nura Muhammad Danmadami, described the SAVIX system as a breakthrough in managing and improving the performance of grassroots savings groups across the state.
He encouraged the CSOs to take the training seriously and extend the knowledge to field officers and village agents to ensure the benefits reach rural households where support is most needed.
Alhaji Danmadami noted that according to a 2019 EFInA survey, over 60 percent of adults in Bauchi State lack access to formal financial services, making it difficult for many to invest in small businesses or improve their livelihoods.
The Director General appreciated the $50 thousand grant from CARE Nigeria, noting that the SAVIX system is now being deployed in Bauchi.
“We hope the tool will help us streamline our operations to align with global standards in microfinance service delivery” he stressed.
CARE Nigeria’s MEAL coordinator, Mr Raphael Joshua, said the SAVIX platform not only boosts transparency and accountability, but also helps donors, NGOs, and government actors make evidence-based decisions to improve financial inclusion.
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